National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) wrapped up its seventh annual celebration last week, concluding its run from November 15-21. This event celebrates the opportunities created through organized labor movements in apprenticeship programs to ensure things like equity and equality.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) celebrated Registered Apprenticeship during NAW, in which many applications for apprenticeships were submitted in its over 1,150 events. Registered Apprenticeship has been heavily backed by the Biden-Harris administration and is supported in its effort to Build Back Better -- an initiative that focuses on advancing opportunities for the working class.
NAW highlights included the launch of the Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative, which focuses on promoting Registered Apprenticeship with underserved populations in mind. Diversity and inclusion was also the focus of many conversations during NAW, and National Women in Apprenticeship Day was celebrated with a message from Vice President Kamala Harris. A partnership with Jobs for the Future will facilitate the building of a national Center of Excellence to Advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Registered Apprenticeship.
You can read more about some of the topics addressed during NAW on the DoL blog, including history surrounding the Labor Movement and women in the labor force.