The presentation will highlight workforce issues common among employers and how a registered apprenticeship can assist employers in addressing these issues regarding recruitment, training, and retention of employees. We will review the specific components of a registered apprenticeship program and how a company can utilize the model to build their own talent pipeline and diversify their workforce.

OUR GUEST PRESENTER

Kristen Holder serves as the Project Manager for the Central and East Alabama regions for the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship (AOA). As Project Manager, Holder works to expand the use of apprenticeship programs in diverse industries, helping employers address their workforce needs by developing innovative work-based learning models. She collaborates with partners throughout the state to create new apprenticeship programs, as well as provide support, resources, and best practices to current apprenticeship sponsors. Holder’s focus is to assist companies in growing and retaining their own skilled talent, while providing apprentices a higher quality of life potential.

Holder graduated summa cum laude from the Florida State University with a B.A. in Political Science. Holder is a graduate of the Auburn University Intensive Economic Development Training Course and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Talent Pipeline Management Academy. She was an honoree of Birmingham Business Journal’s 2020 Top 40 Under 40 and a mentor for Birmingham Business Journal’s 2021 Mentoring Monday. In addition to her work, Holder is a local choreographer for Pinson Valley High School’s theatre department.