Youth Apprenticeship Week highlights pathways to career success

The inaugural Youth Apprenticeship Week launched with over 360 events and more than 90 proclamations around the country. We kicked off the weeklong celebration with an event at the department’s headquarters this week, where young apprentices, employers, parents and federal leaders discussed the lifechanging benefits of Registered Apprenticeships. We also hosted a signing ceremony for 45 high school and college students preparing to embark on public service and healthcare apprenticeships in D.C.

• Watch the Youth Apprenticeship Week kickoff event
• Blog: Investing in educator development through apprenticeship
• Watch: Why do an apprenticeship? One young apprentice weighs in
• Watch the signing ceremony

Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su joined Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm in Detroit this week. While there they discussed the administration’s investments in communities, building wealth and ensuring every American has the freedom to thrive. Acting Secretary Su shared department efforts to expand economic opportunity in communities across the country. Vice President Harris announced the availability of $100 million for small and medium auto-parts manufacturers as well as a new loan program to help small businesses improve their energy efficiency.

A network of California poultry processors has been ordered to pay $4.8 million for multiple Fair Labor Standards Act violations, including failure to comply with child labor laws. 

As temperatures rise across the country, OSHA has taken a critical step in the rulemaking process to address heat safety, renewed its national emphasis program on outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards, and is prioritizing targeted inspections in agricultural industries with workers who are at high risk of hazardous heat exposure.

Falls continue to be the leading cause of death in the construction industry. During the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, May 6-10, we’re raising awareness of fall hazards and how to prevent them. Help us get the word out on safety best practices that prevent injuries and fatalities.

We announced nearly $100 million in grants this week including:

• $98 million to help 72 organizations in 30 states and Guam expand access to apprenticeship opportunities and prepare young workers for quality jobs
• $696,085 to continue employment and training services for workers affected by layoffs in Maine

A Tennessee cleaning contractor has agreed to pay $649,304 in penalties and hire a consultant to help prevent illegal employment of children. The agreement follows a Wage and Hour Division investigation that found Fayette Janitorial Service LLC employed at least 24 children, some as young as 13, on overnight sanitation shifts at two slaughtering and meat packing facilities.

Employment is an important foundation for mental health and well-being. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re emphasizing how employment and pathways to good jobs can support the mental health of young people.

We’ve entered a new data-sharing partnership with the Treasury Department to provide states with controls, tools and strategies to counter unemployment insurance fraud.

On May 22, join the Mine Safety and Health Administration and mine workers nationwide in sharing safety and health best practices during the Stand Down to Save Lives.

New research shows that mothers’ employment rate is now 1.9% higher than in February 2020, and moms are more likely than dads to miss work due to childcare disruptions.

Did you know that you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for a mental health injury or illness resulting from work?

We recovered $538,642 from a Maryland residential rehabilitation provider for 37 landscaping workers who were denied their full pay.

Promoting a culture of self-care is essential to safeguarding the mental health of veteran service providers.

People living with mental health conditions or substance use disorders shouldn't have to face additional obstacles to get treatment under their job-based health plan. The Employee Benefits Security Administration has resources to help you overcome barriers to treatment.

Today, follow along as we take over @rpublicservice’s Instagram account for Public Service Recognition Week. 🎉 Who works at your agency? At @USDOL, we’re proud to have a team of dedicated, passionate individuals who are some of the finest professionals we know. Swipe through to meet a few of them. #PSRW #PublicService #GovPossible
-@USDOL Instagram

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• NewsGram: Youth Apprenticeship Week Spotlights Opportunities
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