CLAY COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Local county and school leaders are educating the community about the importance and benefit of apprenticeships.

On Wednesday, Clay County Commissioner Marty Heffner read a proclamation, declaring National Apprenticeship Day, in Clay County. It coincides with National Apprenticeship Week. A presentation educated members of the community about apprenticeship programs.

Doug Dillion is the Career and Technical Education Director for schools in Vigo and Clay counties. He said apprenticeships give high school graduates paid, hands-on learning experiences that help them land high-paying jobs with good benefits.

“Doesn’t matter if it’s construction or health careers, so if it’s health careers you might spend time in the hospital working in between the classes so there is a lot of hands-on learning but the people are fabulous when they complete it,” Dillion said.

Dillion also noted this week schools are helping students who are interested in apprenticeships to identify the best career pathways for them.