JAMESTOWN, Mo. - Paid hands-on training and new experiences brought Kameron Duvall to Advanced Chimney, Jamestown.
The Moniteau County Regional Economic Development Council is getting businesses ready for employees. President Mike Kelley and the entire board worked with U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeships so area businesses can train skilled workers.
"Businesses that are interested in apprenticeships can sign on with our program and I will help them develop occupational standards and get them approved through the Department of Labor," Kelley said.
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, MRED, Department of Labor and State Fair Community College are gathering 4-6 p.m. Nov. 14 at the California City Hall community room for a free educational presentation to get more businesses involved.
High school seniors, in particular, are encouraged to attend.
Before his involvement with Advanced Chimney, Duvall helped his grandfather with turkey barns. He has been active in the program since the spring. He said knowing when he completes the two-year program he will have a useful trade is a benefit to him.
"Everyday is really different and that's one thing I really like about this job," Duvall said. "I don't like a lot of repetition when I go to work."
He said he's been on more jobs than he can count now. After testing to become a certified chimney technician, he will earn a number of classroom and on the job hours through the program.
"Going through (a five-day course) up in Indiana made it a lot easier," Duvall said. "What you need to learn is all by hand - it's not on a piece of paper, what you do now is what you need to know."
While an internship may provide on the job training, apprenticeships are different. While working, employees are always paid and may see various raises throughout their time.
Duvall said he enjoys learning the trade and is looking forward to the future.
"What I'm looking for next is to be the lead sweep in the company and do my part on my own and make money for the company," Duvall said.
Advanced Chimney provides safety inspections, cleanings and other services to Jefferson City, Columbia and surrounding areas.
Manager Omie Johnson said having the structure of the program through MRED has been a great help for the company.
"It's very hard for a small company to come up with the funds to do that on our own," Johnson said. "It gave us the opportunity to provide something for an employee that wanted to learn a trade."
The MRED is having some success with the program. Apprentices are also working at Cargill and Burgers Smokehouse in California.
"Businesses have said right and left they cannot find and keep the employees they need," Kelley said.
He said to combat this issue in Moniteau County, people have to take advantage of the opportunity. The grant currently has funding for 16 apprentices.