To help apprentices get a handle on their finances and reach their financial goals, Port Jobs is developing a new Financial Mentoring Program tailored specifically to their needs.

Utilizing a $95,000 grant from the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE)®, Port Jobs will offer classroom-based training on key financial topics, provide one-on-one financial mentoring , and develop educational materials tailored to the financial issues facing apprentices.

Port Jobs will also create a replication package targeted to apprenticeship programs. It will include lessons learned, resources, and apprentice training materials.

“Apprentices who have their financial house in order are more likely to succeed. It should help reduce attrition as well,” says Mark Maher, Training Director/Coordinator, Western Washington Cement Masons.

Port Jobs is working in partnership with four apprenticeship programs – Pacific Northwest Ironworkers, Western Washington Cement Masons, Western Washington Masonry Trades, and Western Washington Painting, Decorating and Drywall – to pilot the program.

Wells Fargo Bank is helping develop and teach the financial education classes. The program is scheduled to start this September.