U.S. Secretary of Labor Acosta Comments on National Apprenticeship Week

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today welcomed the start of National Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide opportunity for companies, trade and industry groups, nonprofit organizations, unions, labor-management organizations, and educational institutions to highlight how apprenticeship programs can address the nation’s skills gap. President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed November 13 – 19 as National Apprenticeship Week.

“National Apprenticeship Week highlights how apprenticeship programs can help Americans learn the skills they need for success in the jobs of today and tomorrow. By increasing the number of apprenticeships, more Americans will be on the path to family-sustaining jobs,” said Secretary Acosta. “Hundreds of National Apprenticeship Week events are scheduled across the nation to show how apprenticeships work. I hope these demonstrations raise awareness of apprenticeships and encourage more Americans to adopt this proven model.”

To help Americans obtain relevant skills and family-sustaining jobs, President Trump issued an Executive Order Expanding Apprenticeships in America. Apprenticeships provide paid, relevant workplace experiences and opportunities to develop skills that job creators demand. Hundreds of companies—big and small, across industries—have shown an interest in apprenticeships since President Trump signed his Executive Order.

The President’s Executive Order called for the Secretary of Labor to establish a Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion. This afternoon, the first meeting of the Task Force will take place at the Department of Labor in Washington.

National Apprenticeship Week events and activities include: apprenticeship program open houses, skills competitions, community forums, apprentice graduations, business open houses, high school or college career fairs, industry roundtable events, and more.