Bolivar’s Beaumont Works program expands apprenticeships; school cites large share of CNA apprentices in Missouri

Bolivar High School officials described an expanding apprenticeship program during the December board meeting, saying Beaumont Works now serves 53 apprentices, partners with 24 industry employers and pays students for on‑the‑job training that meets Department of Labor apprenticeship requirements.

"We have 53 total students that we're serving," Mr. Blair, the high school principal, said while introducing the program and the students in attendance. The program includes recent alumni as part of its count, and administrators said they added roughly 10 industry partners compared with the prior year.

Program staff noted that the apprenticeship positions are paid and include wage progression. "For the Department of Labor requirements, it has to be a paid position, and there has to be a wage progression," a program presenter said. Average participation varies by student and employer; staff estimated many apprentices spend the equivalent of two schedule blocks at a work site, with seniors occasionally working up to four hours per day.

The board was also told that Bolivar High School has produced more than 500 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) since 1999 and that, according to the program presentation, Bolivar accounts for about 45% of the state's youth CNA apprentices — a statistic the district said sets the program apart regionally.

Four students who are currently part of Beaumont Works — Maverick Hall, Corey Miles, Jaylee Bridal and Alicia Worth — were introduced as examples of students combining school and paid work experience.

Board members praised the program’s role in meeting local workforce needs and asked staff to continue expanding partnerships where possible.