LOUISVILLE, Ky.–The Kentucky Credit Union League said it has partnered with the Kentucky Education Workforce Development Cabinet to provide students a pathway into the financial services industry.
According to the league, the CU@WORK Youth Apprenticeship Program provides a learning pathway, utilizing on-the-job supervised training combined with specified coursework.
Beginning January 2022, high school students at select high schools in Business Education pathways will be able to choose a Teller TRACK (Tech Ready Apprentices for Careers in Kentucky), which will lead to a nationally recognized apprenticeship certificate as a teller, the league stated.
According to the KYCUL, the apprenticeship can begin during the student’s junior year. Students will work at an actual credit union. The league described the program as a “great way” for young adults to gain a qualification and begin a career while earning an entry- level wage with opportunities for wage increases.
‘Most Important Job’
"A teller is the most important job of a credit union because the majority of a member's needs are fulfilled by a teller," said Andrew Barr, credit union support & engagement officer at the Kentucky Credit Union League. "This certification is a good way of learning about the financial services industry and there are many career paths you can choose from this position such as lending, marketing, accounting, counseling, and IT.”
The league said the CU@WORK Youth Apprenticeship Program will also allow credit unions to grow their team using local students that have a good foundation in business skills and an interest in the financial services industry. Apprentices become part of the credit union’s mission of “People Helping People.”
An Introduction for Young People
“We are so excited to have the opportunity to partner with the U.S. Dept of Labor, Kentucky Office of Career and Technical Education, Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, Credit Unions, and Highschool Business Teachers on such a worthwhile program,” said Kentucky league President, Debbie Painter. “While we love the chance to assist credit unions in recruiting and maintaining talent, the most exciting part of the program is introducing young people to the financial industry and opening the door to a career in credit unions.
According to the league, there are currently credit unions participating in the launch of the CU@WORK Youth Apprenticeship Program: Abound CU, C-Plant Federal CU, Expree CU, and Service One CU.