AUSTIN, Texas — This week is National and Texas Apprenticeship Week. It's meant to highlight how apprenticeships prepare workers for the jobs in demand today and in the future. 

The Texas Workforce Commission's Apprenticeship Texas program encourages local employers and industry partners to develop new apprenticeship training programs and expand on current ones. Right now, there are nearly 450 registered apprenticeship programs across Texas. 

“It’s basically an earn while you learn,” said Julian Alvarez, the Commissioner Representing Labor at the Texas Workforce Commission. “It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to participate and we’re working closely with employers.”

Alvarez said the program includes the traditional trades like plumbing, construction and electrical but it’s also expanded to cyber, coding and health care.

The program is also targeting underrepresented populations.

Click the video link above to watch the full interview with Commissioner Alvarez.