On November 16, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) launched an online dialogue with stakeholders in hopes of increasing the access of underrepresented communities to Registered Apprenticeships.

The department aims to use the conversation to shape the future of Registered Apprenticeship programs in a way that fosters diversity and inclusion, a release from the U.S. Department of Labor said.

"The U.S. Department of Labor encourages stakeholders to share their ideas and best practices for confronting equity challenges in Registered Apprenticeships so we can begin to address the occupational segregation and underrepresentation that people have faced for far too long," said Acting Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Angela Hanks.

The discussion will be co-hosted by the Women's Bureau, Wage and Hour Division, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Office of Disability Employment Policy, and Employment and Training Administration.

"This dialogue is part of an ongoing discussion we need to have to help us diversify and expand the apprenticeship system so that employers, labor partners, workers and students from all communities understand and benefit from Registered Apprenticeships,” Hanks said.

The dialogue furthers the mission of National Apprenticeship Week, an event where industry and government leaders showcase the value of Registered Apprenticeships, according to its website. The conversation will primarily be aimed at collecting ideas for diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility. It will also work on fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in Registered Apprenticeships so the barriers faced by the underrepresented population are reduced, according to the release.

The DOL hopes this will aid in forming partnerships between government and industry. The online dialogue will also help promote outreach on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in Registered Apprenticeships, including through the use of social media.

The discussion will close on November 29.