Blythewood leader named to US Labor Department advisory panel

A South Carolina industry leader is among the 29 members recently appointed to serve on the newly reinstated U.S. Department of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships.

The advisory committee will provide advice and recommendations on registered apprenticeships to U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and seek to promote greater awareness of the benefits of apprenticeships.

Valerie Richardson – director, talent and workforce development of Prisma Health in Blythewood, South Carolina – is among the 29 members appointed to the advisory committee.

Richardson will serve a two-year term as an employer representative on the committee.

Richardson possesses more than 34 years of experience in healthcare human resources and workforce development. She leads programs to optimize access to internal and external talent for Prisma Health. In addition, Richardson identifies and manages economic mobility options through affiliations with statewide boards and college partnerships.

“I am excited to serve with the ACA to ensure that those pursuing a health career have viable pathways within the apprenticeship model,” Richardson said.

The committee will hold public meetings to explore apprenticeship priorities in the upcoming year. Agenda topics will include diversity, inclusion and equity in apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and expansion into new industries. The first meeting was held Oct. 6.

The Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships is comprised of employers, labor organizations and members of the public. President Joe Biden announced the relaunch of the Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship in February and the department began seeking nominations in May 2021.

Individuals can search for and view apprenticeship job opportunities from employers across the country, online at www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-job-finder.