(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - This year marks the 86th anniversary of the National Apprenticeship Act, which established the Registered Apprenticeship System as we know it today.

As the Apprenticeship System continues to evolve, expand and diversify, Registered Apprenticeship continues to serve as a gold standard of work-based learning.

In honor of Registered Apprenticeship’s transformative impact on the lives of millions of Apprentices over the past 86 years, the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) is launching the Apprentice Trailblazer Initiative.

This new initiative will create a national network of Apprentices and Apprenticeship Graduates from all walks of life and give them a platform to feature their stories, share their experiences on Registered Apprenticeship, and show how Apprenticeships increase opportunities for all communities, particularly under-served populations.

The Apprentice Trailblazer Initiative is a part of the USDOL’s broader Youth Employment Works strategy, which supports policies, partnerships and strategies to provide equitable access for all young people to prepare for high-quality career paths through Registered Apprenticeship.   

The first cohort of Apprentice Trailblazers will focus on youth ages 16-to-24.

The USDOL has seen how Registered Apprenticeship provides young people the unique opportunity to gain critical skills and work experience in their early working years and access to a career pathway and free education, often including college credit and even a degree.

Serving as an Apprentice Trailblazer will offer additional professional development opportunities for Apprentices and Graduates, as participants will have the chance to enhance their leadership and teamwork skills and engage in networking and mentorship.

As we turn towards the future of Registered Apprenticeship, we must ensure that all youth, especially those from traditionally under-represented populations, have access to these opportunities for good jobs and high-growth career pathways. 

The USDOL is calling on all youth Apprentices and recent Graduates interested in becoming Apprentice Trailblazers to coordinate with your Registered Apprenticeship sponsors on the application.

The application deadline for the first cohort is September 30th, and the USDOL plans to announce the first cohort of youth Apprentice Trailblazers during National Apprenticeship Week, which will be held from November 13th through the 19th.

Visit the USDOL’s Apprentice Trailblazer page to find the application and learn more about the initiative. 

To Directly Access This Apprenticeship And Training Labor News Story, Go To: Apprentice Trailblazers: Share your story, build the future | U.S. Department of Labor Blog (dol.gov)