The U.S. Department of Labor has taken a significant step toward promoting, expanding and diversifying registered apprenticeship opportunities across the nation by announcing the addition of 98 new organizations to the existing 205 apprenticeship ambassadors.
Launched in November 2021, the initiative focuses on expanding equitable access to apprenticeships in high-demand industries, with the ambassadors serving as advocates for workforce development strategies, according to a May 17 news release.
“With today’s announcement, the Department of Labor has recruited 303 organizations to raise their voices in support of registered apprenticeships and help strengthen an economy that works for all by increasing awareness of and access to good-paying jobs,” Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Brent Parton said in the release.
Parton highlighted the apprentices' role in rebuilding infrastructure, advancing manufacturing capabilities and ensuring equitable access to apprenticeships, the release reported. The second cohort of apprenticeship ambassadors represents emerging industries like information technology/cybersecurity, education, healthcare and clean energy.
They have committed to developing 308 new apprenticeship programs and 146 resources, the release said. These include contributing to tool kits, fact sheets or other materials in their first year. Additionally, they will host 495 outreach and recruitment activities and almost 300 technical assistant session, as well as holding 240 outreach and recruitment activities and 180 training sessions for marginalized populations such as historically underserved and underrepresented communities.
The Office of Apprenticeship will work closely with the ambassadors to promote registered apprenticeship nationwide, with a special focus on marginalized populations, according to the release. The culmination of their efforts will be during National Apprenticeship Week, held Nov. 13-19.
As the nation continues to recover from the economic challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Labor's commitment to registered apprenticeships offers individuals valuable opportunities for skill development, job security and financial stability, the news release said.
