National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) originated from nationwide efforts to expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) across the country, promoting apprenticeships as valuable pathways to career development and workforce training. Currently in its ninth year, this annual event will occur during the week of November 13-17, 2023.
This year’s theme is “Registered Apprenticeship: Superhighway to Good Jobs” and reflects the prominence that Registered Apprenticeship has received as a proven and industry-driven training model that expedites pathways to good jobs. Registered Apprenticeship is recognized as a key strategy to improving job quality and creating access to good-paying jobs for all, including populations historically underrepresented: women, people of color, individuals with a disability, and underserved populations such as youth and young adults. It addresses some of our nation’s pressing workforce shortages in teaching, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, cybersecurity, and other high-priority sectors.
The History of National Apprenticeship Week
NAW was officially launched in 2015 by the U.S. Department of Labor. The inaugural National Apprenticeship Week took place from November 2 to November 8. The goal was to raise awareness about apprenticeships and promote the benefits of this workforce development strategy. NAW is part of a broader effort to expand apprenticeship programs across various industries and regions of the United States. The initiative seeks to create new apprenticeship opportunities and increase access to quality apprenticeship programs for individuals seeking job training and career development.
NAW involves collaboration between government agencies, employers, labor organizations, educational institutions, and community partners. It serves as a platform for showcasing successful apprenticeship models and encouraging more employers to participate in apprenticeship programs.
During NAW, various events and activities are organized at the federal, state, and local levels to highlight the achievements of apprentices, recognize employers and sponsors, and educate the public about the benefits of apprenticeships in addressing workforce needs and creating pathways to well-paying careers.
ApprenticeshipNH will be hosting a NAW Summit on Friday, November 17th at NHTI – Concord’s Community College. The full day event will include sessions covering topics such as mentoring, pre-apprenticeship and funding opportunities. All are welcome including businesses, community and industry organizations, high school students and anyone interested in learning more about how registered apprenticeships can benefit them. Please continue to visit apprenticeshipnh.com for the schedule of events and details to come!
The promotion of apprenticeships and workforce development is an ongoing priority for the U.S. Department of Labor along with the Community College System of New Hampshire and ApprenticeshipNH. Please join us for National Apprenticeship Week in advancing these efforts!
– John C. Knorr, Regional Hub Coordinator (North & West)
