U.S. Department of Labor Announces Kick-Off Of Sixth Annual National Apprenticeship Week

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the start of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2020. NAW 2020 includes a series of events held nationwide as thousands of participants celebrate the dynamic and evolving work of apprentices. This year’s events will focus on both traditional Registered Apprenticeship Programs and newly created Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs.

NAW 2020 will focus on themes and industries in which apprenticeships are making a significant difference for American workers, including information technology, healthcare, financial services, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity.

“Apprentices have a crucial role to play in our ongoing economic recovery, and National Apprenticeship Week is a way for us to show the nation what they bring to the table,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training John Pallasch. “Over and over again, they reinvigorate our workplaces with their vision and their commitment to their futures, and business leaders, educators, state and local governments, and others across the nation are taking this week to recognize that achievement.”

Apprenticeships are industry-driven, high-quality career pathways through which employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and transferable credentials. The Department oversees both Registered Apprenticeship Programs and Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, which assist employers in developing an immediate pool of workers with the right skills for available jobs and allow workers to get a paycheck from day one while they build skills in a new career.

Learn more about National Apprenticeship Week 2020 and how to participate. 

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.