Sonderling: Making America Skilled Again through Registered Apprenticeship

On April 26 week, we proudly kick off a record-setting National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), a nationwide celebration of the Registered Apprenticeship programs, partnerships, organizations and people who are strengthening our workforce. Under President Trump's leadership, this Administration is committed to putting American workers first and equipping them with the training, skills, and tools needed for in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow. 

Registered Apprenticeship is a cornerstone of that strategy. 

Across the country, employers, educators, labor organizations, and community leaders are coming together to highlight Registered Apprenticeship as one of the most powerful tools we have to sustain a dominant workforce. These industry-driven, employer-led programs are a direct pipeline to high-paying jobs that are rebuilding our country and strengthening our economy. 

This week’s celebration of American workers is a key part of President Trump’s goal to surpass 1 million active apprentices nationwide. By cutting bureaucratic red tape and empowering employers to design programs that meet their real-time needs, we are making it easier than ever for employers to develop a Registered Apprenticeship program. National Apprenticeship Week is a call to action for every employer to invest in their future and for every American to explore this proven and powerful talent development strategy. 

Whether you are an employer seeking ways to grow your business, or a career seeker interested in earning a steady paycheck while learning on the job, I encourage you to take advantage of the 12th annual National Apprenticeship Week by participating in an in-person event near you, where you can learn about others’ experiences or attend one of the numerous virtual events.

Here are a few of the events my team and I are looking forward to attending:

• Monday: Registered Apprenticeships Building America at 250
  The Department of Labor is hosting a landmark National Signing Day ceremony to celebrate new, industry-led Registered Apprenticeship programs. This event spotlights our commitment to a skilled workforce and the employers who are stepping up to build it. Watch this event live at www.dol.gov/live.
• Tuesday: Registered Apprenticeship Drives Growth and Innovation 
  We will host an industry association accelerator event to showcase how leading associations are expanding Registered Apprenticeships. This is about providing practical, scalable strategies that put employers in the driver's seat of workforce development.
• Wednesday: Building the AI-Ready Workforce through Registered Apprenticeship
  In line with the President’s executive order, this session will focus on building an AI-ready workforce. We will hear from industry partners who are adapting to meet the demands of an AI-driven economy and ensuring American workers lead the way. Watch this event virtually by registering here.
• Thursday: Building Pathways to Opportunity: Degree-Connected Apprenticeships
  We will host a group of post-secondary education and industry leaders to discuss innovative degree-connected Registered Apprenticeship models that blend paid, on-the-job learning with structured postsecondary coursework, enabling learners to earn both a nationally recognized apprenticeship credential and a post-secondary degree.
• Friday: Youth Pathways to Registered Apprenticeship 
  We will participate in several events across the country highlighting the value of Registered Apprenticeships for young people 

Thank you again to our partners for all your hard work in showcasing the transformative power of Registered Apprenticeships. 

It’s not too late to add your event or submit a proclamation! Visit Apprenticeship.gov to fill out a simple form on behalf of your organization! And don’t forget to connect with us on social media by following the Labor Department online and using the hashtags #NAW2026 and #ApprenticeshipUSA. We’ll be sharing exciting updates and insights throughout the week. 

Editor’s Note: The above commentary was penned by Keith Sonderling, acting U.S. Secretary of Labor.