National Apprenticeship Week 2026
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES TO APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES, TOOLS, AND BEST PRACTICES
April 26th – May 2nd
ABOUT NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK
What is National Apprenticeship Week?
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is an annual nationwide celebration that highlights the value of apprenticeship programs in preparing individuals for careers and helping employers build a skilled workforce. Led by the U.S. Department of Labor, NAW brings together employers, community organizations, educators, and workforce partners to share information, host events, and promote apprenticeship as a practical workforce strategy.
Why Does It Matter?
National Apprenticeship Week highlights how apprenticeships can support economic mobility by creating clear, practical pathways into stable careers. Apprenticeships allow individuals to gain skills, earn wages, and build experience at the same time—making it easier to move into higher-paying roles without taking on significant debt. By sharing resources and real-world examples, NAW helps communities and organizations see how apprenticeship can expand access to career opportunities, strengthen local talent pipelines, and support long-term economic growth.
Our Commitment to Community Apprenticeship Awareness
NCAP plays a key role in advancing apprenticeship as an economic mobility strategy across the Community Action Network, helping local agencies connect individuals to career pathways that lead to long-term stability and growth. Through National Apprenticeship Week and ongoing efforts year-round, NCAP elevates promising apprenticeship and pre‑apprenticeship models, shares practical tools and resources, and highlights real-world examples from communities across the country. By convening partners, amplifying best practices, and translating national workforce priorities into actionable guidance, NCAP supports Community Action agencies and their partners in using apprenticeship to expand access to quality jobs, strengthen local talent pipelines, and advance workforce outcomes.
Featured Work Across NCAP
Innovative Approaches to Workforce Development
Gain insight into the emerging trends and promising practices for advancing economic mobility through innovative workforce development strategies. This webinar series provides the opportunity to learn from the successes and challenges of local Community Action Agencies who have implemented innovative workforce development strategies. Participants will have the opportunity to identify actionable strategies that can be replicated and adapted to meet the unique needs of their own local community.
Pre-Apprenticeship Webinar Companion Guide
This guide is designed to accompany the webinar on Innovative Approaches to Workforce Development focusing on Pre-Apprenticeships as pathways to economic mobility. These programs are key to shaping a brighter future not only for individuals but for the entire community.
Registered Apprenticeship Webinar Companion Guide
This guide is designed to accompany the webinar on Innovative Approaches to Workforce Development focusing on Registered Apprenticeships as pathways to economic mobility. These programs are key to shaping a brighter future not only for individuals but for the entire community.
For Individuals
- Earn while you learn: Apprenticeships combine paid work with hands-on training and instruction.
- Higher earnings potential: Apprenticeships are associated with higher wages over time compared to similar workers without this training.
- Little to no education debt: Participants earn wages during training, reducing the need for student loans.
- Strong employment outcomes: Apprenticeships help participants build in-demand skills tied directly to jobs.
For Employers
- Strong return on investment: Employers earn about $1.47 for every $1 invested in apprenticeship programs.
- High retention rates: About 94% of apprentices stay employed after completing programs.
- Reduced hiring costs: Apprenticeships can lower recruitment costs by an average of $4,700 per hire.
- Reliable talent pipeline: Employers report apprenticeships help build a steady pipeline of skilled workers.
For Communities and Workforce
- Proven workforce strategy: Nearly 940,000 people were enrolled in U.S. Registered Apprenticeship programs in FY 2024.
- Expanding across industries: Apprenticeships now span sectors like healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and transportation.
- Growing participation: U.S. apprenticeship numbers have increased significantly over the past decade.
- Public return on investment: Every $1 invested can generate up to $28 in public benefits.
For Youth and Early Career Pathways
- Build career readiness early: Pre-apprenticeships prepare individuals with foundational skills for entry into apprenticeship programs.
- Supports smoother transitions: Early exposure helps participants move more effectively into training and employment pathways.
- Aligns education and workforce needs: Programs connect classroom learning with real-world career opportunities.
