(Pocatello Chubbuck School District Press Release, November 4, 2026)
POCATELLO, Idaho — About 500 years ago, young people left home to apprentice as blacksmiths, printers, butchers, or coopers (barrel or cask makers).
In 2026, people of all ages are apprenticing as welders, electricians, automotive mechanics, or plumbers. Idaho considers these in-demand jobs and careers and wants to support those who are pursuing apprenticeships.
For individuals who want to know more about apprenticeships and job-training opportunities, the Pocatello Chubbuck School District 25 is inviting the public to its annual Apprenticeship-Plus Night on Tuesday, November 10, from 6 to 8 pm at Portneuf Valley Technical Education & Career Campus (PV-TEC) located at 4200 Hawthorne Road, Chubbuck. The event coincides with PV-TEC’s trimester open house.
Presenters will be wide and varied, including local organizations and employers (Health West, Premier Technology), government agencies (U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management), apprenticeship programs (JATC and the plumbers and pipefitters), training programs in cosmetology and trucking, and military recruiters (military service is a natural apprenticeship experience).
What, you might ask, is an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a job-training process through which someone earns while learning a job, trade, or industry. Today’s rapidly changing economy and workforce needs employees who are willing to acquire the tools and mastery required while developing those skills on the job.
Apprenticeships vary in length, but many range from two to four years before someone is fully qualified. It’s a commitment, but one that will pay dividends to the trained employee and their community. Apprenticeships are appropriate for young people just graduating from high school (many programs require a diploma or GED) or for those who have been in the workforce, but want to retool their skills or pivot into an entirely new field. Under an apprenticeship, an individual can head directly to work, acquiring competence and knowledge while earning a paycheck rather than stepping away from the workforce to pursue full-time education or training.
At Apprenticeship-Plus Night, students and families can circulate among the tables, gather information, have conversations with representatives, and, perhaps, set the wheels in motion for a future apprenticeship.
“Apprenticeships are a great way for someone to start their journey,” said Jessica Woodland, a college career advisor at Century. “We hope Apprenticeship-Plus Night will be helpful to hands-on learners.”
The timing is intentional. Angela Jex, college and career advisor at Pocatello High School, has been recruiting participating programs and employers. She explained:
“The timing of the event is purpose-driven. The first trimester is almost over. We’re heading into the holidays and the end of the calendar year. It’s a time of self-reflection and thought. We hope folks are open to considering options, a change, or are looking for opportunities. That’s what Apprenticeship-Plus Night offers.”
Alice Rowe, college and career advisor at Highland High School, says that Apprenticeship-Plus Night is a “chance to promote jobs for students who are not college bound. Mike Rowe (no relation) from the show “Dirty Jobs” has created an organization (mikeroweworks.org) that helps pay for people to train in A.I.-proof jobs.”
Jen Newsom, one of the college and career advisors at Pocatello High School, shared similar sentiments: “We try to expose students to as many career possibilities as we can. Not all students are interested in traditional college. Apprenticeships and trades are amazing opportunities for students to access well-paying jobs,” she said.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor and Community College Daily, there were 680,000 active apprentices in the United States in 2024. The Idaho Department of Labor has seen a 400 percent increase in apprenticeship programs between 2013 and 2024. The starting salary for a person who completes a registered apprenticeship program in Idaho is $77,000 and 93 percent are fully employed at the completion of their program.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor and Community College Daily, there were 680,000 active apprentices in the United States in 2024. The starting salary for a person who completes a registered apprenticeship program in Idaho is $77,000 and 93 percent are fully employed at the completion of their program.
Career technical education offered at the school district’s PV-TEC, along with registered apprenticeships, are generously supported through the state of Idaho scholarship and workforce training programs. The Idaho LAUNCH grant program, which supports education and training for in-demand careers, has been a tremendous boon to students who seek job- and occupation-specific training after high school for everything from health professions to welding and construction to diesel technology. College and career advisors at each high school can provide more information about state funding opportunities for job training and workforce development.
There are many paths to employment and a fulfilling career, but employers want to hire people who work hard, strive to do their best work, and are fully prepared to serve their organizations, communities, and the state of Idaho.
Come for the apprenticeships, stay for PV-TEC’s open house, but don’t miss Apprenticeship-Plus Night, Tuesday, November 10, 6 to 8 pm, at PV-TEC.
