This week marks the sixth annual National Apprenticeship Week—a week dedicated to showcasing the opportunity and success apprenticeship programs have provided for workers and businesses across the country.
The apprenticeship model arms students and workers with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today’s global economy. Apprenticeships are needed now more than ever because millions of workers will need reskilling due to pandemic-related job loss and displacement.
That is why Republicans on the Education and Labor Committee continue to give priority to innovative ways to expand access to apprenticeships.
The White House also recognizes the critical role apprenticeships play in strengthening our economy. In case you missed it, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation to recognize National Apprenticeship Week 2020. Read it here:
Apprenticeships provide American workers tangible skills and an industry-recognized credential. They strengthen our Nation’s economy and help millions of men and women provide for their families without taking on the financial burden of student loans and other related debt. During National Apprenticeship Week, we celebrate the American workers who create a brighter future for themselves and their families through apprenticeships, and we further our commitment to bolstering opportunity as we continue our economic comeback.
Since taking office, my Administration has worked tirelessly to empower more Americans with the benefits of apprenticeships and the skills they provide. In June of 2017, I signed an Executive Order on Expanding Apprenticeships in America. Under my leadership, the Department of Labor has awarded $80 million across 42 States and territories for occupational skills education for American students and workers, 800,000 Americans have joined apprenticeship programs, and we are well on the way to meeting my goal of 1 million new apprentices by September of next year. In Fiscal Year 2019 alone, we registered more than 250,000 new apprentices in vital industries…
My Administration also recently launched the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program model, which provides opportunities for industry-led, market-driven training that expands workforce development and opens windows to well-paying jobs in high-demand industries. In recognition of our Nation’s obligation to our military men and women, my Administration has also expanded the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program across all branches, providing apprenticeship opportunities to our service members while they are still on active duty to help them prepare for prosperous and fulfilling lives after their time in uniform…
This week, we recommit to bolstering economic opportunity through apprenticeships. I encourage individuals, business leaders, and government officials to support hardworking Americans and their families through expanding apprenticeship education and training, recognizing the essential role apprenticeships play in sustaining our national economy.
To read President Trump’s full message, click here.
