This week signifies National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). The weeklong observance reminds us that career building through apprenticeships is a key strategy for the skilled trades required by many growing and in demand industries.
In a new Fortune article, data from JLL estimates that “by 2030, an estimated 2.1 million skilled trades jobs in the U.S. could go unfilled, with potential economic losses reaching $1 trillion annually.” Tradespeople are nearing or at retirement age, with “more than one in five construction workers older than 55.” Apprenticeship programs are in place in many industries due to similar conditions but are especially critical in the construction industries.
Registered Apprenticeship Programs
These programs combine on-the-job training with structured classroom instruction that is industry vetted and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) or a state apprenticeship agency. The programs are found in all industries including artificial intelligence, health care, agriculture, technology, financial services, education, energy, transportation, hospitality, construction, telecommunications and advanced manufacturing, according to the Apprenticeship.gov website.
The website also explains that there is “growing evidence that Registered Apprenticeship is one of the most effective workforce strategies available,” citing a study saying that “over 60 employer sponsors reported a 44% return on investment for Registered Apprenticeship.”
National Apprenticeship Week
With a goal of reaching one million apprentices, earlier in 2026, the Department of Labor (DOL) explained in a news release, “NAW is an annual nationwide celebration for employers, educators, state agencies, unions, and many others to showcase how registered apprenticeship improves and expands career pathways for American workers, while helping employers drive economic growth across all industries. Events will highlight how expanding Registered Apprenticeship addresses the workforce needs of industries today, including preparing more Americans for careers in the skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and adapting to a growing technological workforce.”
The Apprenticeshp.gov describes the daily NAW themes:
- Monday, April 27: Registered Apprenticeships Building America at 250
- Tuesday, April 28: Registered Apprenticeship Drives Growth and Innovation Across Critical Industries
- Wednesday, April 29: Expanding AI in Registered Apprenticeship
- Thursday, April 30: Realigning Education and Workforce Systems Around Registered Apprenticeship
- Friday, May 1: Youth Pathways to Registered Apprenticeship.
Foundation Resources
The International Foundation has resources available for apprenticeship programs:
- Apprenticeship Toolkit
- Within the toolkit, IF members can login to access the Apprenticeship Program Answer Guide, which answers questions such as, “Is it an ERISA plan?” and “What does an apprenticeship program have to do to remain tax-exempt?” among others.
- The Institute for Apprenticeship, Training and Education Programs conference
- For information requests related to apprenticeship programs, access the form through our Ask a Benefits Question webpage.
Developed by International Foundation Information Center staff. This does not constitute legal advice. Please consult your plan professionals for legal advice.
