National Apprenticeship Week is going strong, involving more than 1,700 events and proclamations from communities around the country. At the start of the week, Acting Secretary Su shared success stories from some of the apprentices she’s met, and reflected on apprenticeship’s role in supporting nationwide economic growth.

Join us for the first Youth Apprenticeship Week next May as we celebrate the benefits of Registered Apprenticeships for people ages 16-24. Find ideas for participating on our Youth Apprenticeship Week webpage.

In Chicago, Acting Secretary Su joined Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker at a regional convening of workforce leaders hosted by our Employment and Training Administration. Acting Secretary Su’s remarks highlighted efforts to strengthen and modernize the national apprenticeship system. She also toured a training center and met with apprentices and business leaders.

Earlier this year, we announced plans to create a national network of apprentices and apprenticeship graduates whose individual stories may inspire career seekers interested in becoming apprentices. This week, we announced the 57 youth apprentices and recent apprenticeship graduates who will make up the first cohort of Apprentice Trailblazers.

We’re making $98 million in funding available through our YouthBuild program to support pre-apprenticeships in high-demand industries including construction, healthcare, information technology and hospitality.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

The earn-while-you-learn model of Registered Apprenticeship offers an excellent opportunity for veterans starting their civilian careers.

In a National Apprenticeship Week proclamation, President Biden said, “Apprenticeships not only strengthen our workforce today, they give workers the skills needed for industries of the future.”

Restaurant chain operators must pay $11.4 million to employees at more than 40 Plaza Azteca locations in seven states, following investigations and litigation.

We’re updating our Transition Assistance Program to benefit job-seeking service members, veterans and military spouses.

We recovered $532,842 in back wages for 67 workers from an Alabama home care employer that misclassified employees as contractors.

Too many miners are being hurt or sickened on the job. Join us in getting the word out about their workplace rights – including protection from retaliation.

We’ve released guidance to states on how to promote equitable access for all workers and jobseekers to unemployment insurance programs.

DATA SPOTLIGHT

Interested in starting a new career without having to get a 4-year degree? Check out these 10 growing jobs that don’t need a bachelor’s degree, are expected to grow faster than average and that pay above the median.

WORKING FOR YOU

Good jobs change lives. Apprenticeship can get you started. Watch Jason’s story.

POST OF THE WEEK

IN THE NEWS

• Pittsburgh Tribune-Live: First lady Jill Biden highlights Western Pa. workforce development efforts during Pittsburgh stop
• Kingstree (SC) Post and Courier: US Department of Labor Honors 859 US Employers for Commitment to Employing Veterans
• Forbes (op-ed): The Future Of Work Needs More Apprentices