Elevate Conference

Early Bird Registration

Monday, Nov. 18, 6-7:30 p.m.

7-8:30 a.m.

Registration | Morning Refreshments | Informal Networking | Resource Tables

8:30-8:45 a.m.

Welcome – ELEVATE Directors

8:45-9:15 a.m.

Presenter – To Be Announced

9:15-9:45 a.m.

Where are we now? - A snapshot of Nebraska’s Current & Upcoming Workforce

Mike Johnson – COO & Executive Vice-President, NE Chamber of Commerce

9:45-10:30 a.m.

Where are we going? - Blurring the lines between school and work with Youth Apprenticeships

Dr. Jim Sutfin – NE Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska K-12 Education Consultant

10:30-10:45 a.m.

Break | Resource Tables Open

10:45-11:30 a.m.

Success in the Midwest – Panelists representing successful Youth Apprenticeship programs in Nebraska will present their experiences, achievements, and insights gained throughout their journey.

11:30-11:40 a.m.

Afternoon Preview – Information, Ideas and Implementation!

ELEVATE Directors

11:40 a.m.

Lunch is Served | Resource Tables Open

12:10-12:40 p.m.

Lunch Speaker: Mentoring Youth in the Workplace

Demoine Adams, CEO, TeamMates Mentoring

12:50-1 p.m.

Transition to Breakout Rooms | Afternoon Refreshments

1-2:15 p.m.

Breakout 1: Advanced Business & Education – For schools and employers with an existing apprenticeship program.

A panel comprising three to four facilitators will lead an engaging open forum focused on discussing the triumphs and obstacles associated with overseeing an apprenticeship program. Participants will have the opportunity to share their challenges and seek guidance, as well as highlight their successful strategies that can be emulated by others.

Breakout 2: Beginning Business/Industry – Employers interested in beginning an apprenticeship program.

Explore the elements integral to apprenticeship programs and gain insights into establishing a registered apprenticeship initiative, including considerations for youth labor laws. Led by representatives from the NE Department of Labor and the ELEVATE team, this session will cover key developmental aspects outlined in the summit workbook:

• Establishing your apprenticeship team within your organization
• Developing a mentorship plan
• Best practices for recruitment and hiring

Breakout 3: Beginning Educators – For schools interested in beginning an apprenticeship program.

Explore strategies for launching a high school apprenticeship program by fostering partnerships with local businesses and your community college. Learn about integrating these programs with Perkins funding, dual credit opportunities, and work-based learning initiatives under the Department of Education's purview. This session will be facilitated by CPI, ELEVATE staff and representatives from the NE Department of Education.

2:15-2:45 p.m.

Next Steps: Implement / Enhance your Youth Apprenticeship Program

Gather into regional groups to discuss partnership opportunities and future actions. Businesses, high schools, community organizations and colleges will share their ideas from the prior session and explore areas for collaboration. Participants will depart with actionable steps toward implementing/growing Youth Apprenticeship programs in their region.

2:45-3 p.m.

ELEVATE Directors & Coordinators will be available for individual questions and conversations.