The Ohio Apprenticeship Council will hold its annual conference Wednesday - Friday, Oct. 4-6, at the Marriott Hotel, Dayton, to kick off the observance of Registered Apprenticeship Awareness Month in Ohio and nationally.

The Council, part of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, promotes apprenticeship as a means of on-the-job training for skilled workers. According to Jean Sickles, council director, Ohio has about 22,000 apprentices, and more than 1,700 employer and organized labor apprenticeship sponsors. She said nearly 900 occupations have been identified nationally as appropriate for apprentice training.

"Apprenticeship is a very important part of Ohio's overall employment picture," said Jacqueline Romer-Sensky, ODJFS director. "It represents an opportunity for labor and employers to become directly involved in helping move more people up the ladder to more skilled, better-paying jobs."

The conference is expected to attract program sponsors, training directors for businesses and unions and representatives of colleges and vocational schools from around the state. Wayne Sholes, at the opening session, will issue a declaration from Governor Bob Taft designating Thursday, Oct. 5, as Apprenticeship Day in Ohio. Guests will include Anthony Swoope, national director of Apprenticeship Training Employer and Labor Services. The conference will include numerous break-out sessions and exhibits.

The nine-member council is made up of representatives of employers, labor and the public (generally from the educational field, appointed by the governor through the ODJFS director. It is located within the ODJFS Office of Workforce Development. Additional information on the council is located within the ODJFS website at : www.ohio.gov/obes/apprenticeship.htm

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For more information, contact Jon Allen, ODJFS Communications, (614) 466-6650.