PURPOSE
The purpose of the Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) Consultant position is to serve all partners in developing successful RYA programs in Missouri’s public school system consistent with local, state, and federal regulations. The RYA program is a statewide, collaborative initiative that supports the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Show-Me Success Strategic Plan goal that all Missouri students will graduate ready for success. Partners in leading and promoting the program include state agencies, key employers, employer organizations, secondary and post-secondary institutions, and community organizations.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The expected outcome of this effort is to assist schools, career and employers coordinate and develop United States Department of Labor RYAs which will assist in addressing the workforce "skills-gap" in many occupational areas. The RYA coordinator will be the liaison with business and industry employers, schools, local and state-level chambers of commerce, and the Department of Labor to develop and oversee the formal registered apprenticeship processes.
SPECIALIZED SKILLS
Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) Consultant will have the following skills:
o Strong public speaking and facilitation skills, with the ability to lead group discussions and engage partners around shared values toward a common vision. Good listening skills are critically important, as is the ability to think strategically and to synthesize core concepts from multiple speakers, helping to resolve disparities of perspective and reach agreement.
o Presenting information clearly and concisely to audiences with multiple backgrounds and interests using multiple communication tools and methods.
o Refining/adapting presentations to promote awareness and accomplishments with local media and the public in mind.
o Using text, graphics, and information/educational technology to deliver information and market RYA to all potential parties.
o Working collaboratively with personnel from local education agencies (LEAs), area Career and Technical Education (CTE) career centers, community college, and the State Technical College of Missouri.
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE
Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) Consultant will have the following knowledge and/or experience:
o The candidate will possess core knowledge of education, CTE, and workforce development topics, while possessing and demonstrating a commitment to strengthening their personal capabilities in supporting RYA programs. This includes but is not limited to learning the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Data Systems (RAPIDS) system and developing professional relationships with stakeholders and decision makers. Additionally, successful candidate will remain current in and maintain familiarity with school improvement models, related professional organizations, the profession’s literature base and current trends/issues, and the current policy environment (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [WIOA], Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Missouri School Improvement Plan (MSIP) 6 and Perkins).
o Successful employment experience in an RYA-aligned profession or closely-related field preferred.
o Successful completion of an RYA or Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program preferred.
o Career and technical education experience or workforce education preferred.
o Successful experience with high school-to-postsecondary experiences preferred.
o Experience with Department of Labor RAPIDS preferred.
OVERALL PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
RYA Consultant will:
o The RYA Regional Coordinator's primary goal will be to help secure registered apprenticeship in all areas of CTE, including the areas of advanced manufacturing, information systems and technology, and construction laborer/tradesman. Registered you apprenticeships in other content areas are also encouraged.
o Market the advantages of RYA to all stakeholders, including but not limited to employers, potential students, counselors, teachers, administrators, and parents.
o The consultant will work in different community environments as well as in a traditional office.
TRAINING ACTIVITIES
o Provide regional trainings for stakeholders to become RYA Sponsors.
PLANNING/COMMUNICATION/COLLABORATION ACTIVITIES
o Help LEAs, area CTE career centers, community colleges, and the State Technical College of Missouri prepare student apprentices for the application and interview process by ordering and administering the assessments needed, as well as leading students through the process of completing an application, completing a professional resume, and assisting students prepare for the interview process.
o Facilitate collaboration among LEAs, community colleges, the State Technical College of Missouri, program advisory committees, business and industry, government agencies, area workforce development personnel, local and state chambers of commerce, and economic development personnel.
o Assist students register for enhanced educational opportunities, including but not limited to dual credit or articulated credit, both directly and indirectly related to their career path.
o Prepare students with essential employability skills (e.g., completing job applications, resume building, preparing for employer interactions, professionalism, and interviewing skills).
o Coordinate testing needed for college entrance or career testing, including but not limited to CareerSafe®, technical skills attainment (TSAs), industry recognized credentials (IRCs), and WorkKeys. ®
o Work closely with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce. Development, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and the United State Department of Labor in providing technical assistance to LEAs, area CTE career centers, community colleges, and the State Technical College of Missouri in implementing RYA.
MEETING/CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES
o Attend CTE advisory council meetings of the programs that are seeking to establish an RYA program.
o Attend various meetings including but not limited to economic development and chamber of commerce meetings when the agenda is applicable to the RYA process.
REQUIRED TRAVEL
o Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) Consultants are expected to travel statewide as needed.
Applicant must have a valid MO drivers license.