COLUMBUS - Tho Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will host the 47th annual Ohio State Apprenticeship Council Conference, Sept. 26-28 at the Radisson Hotel, Toledo.

The conference agenda includes keynote speakers, breakout workshops and one-on-one sessions with experts. Participants include Toledo Mayor Carleton Finkbeiner, State Sen. Linda Furney (D-Toledo), James Donnelly, president, Greater Toledo Convention and Visitors Bureau, representatives of state agencies and businesses, and educators. Attending the conference will be business representatives, educators, trainers, guidance counselors and school administrators.

Workshop topics include recruiting techniques, effective leadership, veterans certification, and improving training skills. One-on-one sessions with experts include challenges with diversity, your health and wellness and prevailing wage.

"We look forward to continuing the upward trend of apprenticeship graduates," said Jean Sickles, director, Ohio State Apprenticeship Council. "Apprenticeships prepare workers for the workplace and provide employers with well-trained employees."

According to ODJFS data, apprenticeship registrations have grown from 15,000 in 1999 to 20,000 this year, with 1,700 labor and management sponsors of apprenticeship programs.

During the conference, excellence awards will be presented to three programs. The awards are based on program innovation, continuous improvement, achievement, accomplishments, performance outcomes and partnering efforts.

The Apprenticeship Council assists in establishing apprenticeship training programs. Its services include registering interested businesses and apprentices.

For further information about the Apprenticeship Council Conference visit the website at:
http://jfs.ohio.gov/apprenticeship/conference.stm

- 30 -

For more information contact the ODJFS Office of Communications, (614) 466-6650.