Dataseam CEO Brian Gupton has been reappointed by Governor Andy Beshear to the Kentucky Apprenticeship Council for a four-year term through August 2030.
The Council, federally mandated and established under Kentucky Revised Statutes, provides guidance on Kentucky-based United States Department of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprenticeship programs, which are overseen by the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet (ELC). As one of six Council members, Gupton represents employers and apprentice program sponsors.
Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, “earn-and-learn” training model requiring Related Instruction, On-Job Learning, and Mentorship as part of paid employment. Traditionally used with construction and other skilled trades, the USDOL now oversees apprenticeships for 1,500 occupations, including healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and professional services.
Registered Apprenticeships provide valuable training and work experience leading to family-sustaining income and opportunity. The Cabinet currently cites 265 Registered Programs and Sponsors serving 718 Employer-Partners across Kentucky. There are 5,645 active apprentices statewide, with an average wage of $33.73/hour across the variety of available occupations upon completion.
Dataseam designed and implemented an Information Technology Support Specialist Registered Apprenticeship focused on high school Juniors and Seniors. The two-year, competency-based program provides students a hands-on experience while working to support an in-demand workforce sector. Education IT skills are directly applicable to workforce opportunities in healthcare, community banking and finance, state and local government.
“Public schools are the cornerstone of most Kentucky communities and often, its largest consumer of technology. They provide our Apprentices the same opportunity to learn and support a broad cross-section of users and infrastructure. These efforts help Kentucky communities build capacities and address succession planning concerns. I appreciate the opportunity to continue serving the council. It is a testament to the successful effort of Dataseam schools statewide building these workers and creating opportunities for students to successfully enter the workforce sooner.”
Dataseam has been a Registered Apprenticeship program sponsor since 2018. Supported by both competitive federal awards and funding by the Kentucky General Assembly, the Registered Apprenticeship program has an 84.21% completion rate.
