National Apprenticeship Week Moves to Spring, Targets One Million Apprentices

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced that National Apprenticeship Week 2026 will take place from April 26 to May 2, 2026, marking the program's permanent transition from its traditional November timeframe to spring. The shift follows stakeholder feedback indicating that November presented challenges due to budget cycles, colder weather, and election season.

The 2026 celebration will feature the theme "America at Work: Making America Skilled Again Through Registered Apprenticeship" and will include events across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Since National Apprenticeship Week's inception in 2015, more than 2 million people have participated in over 10,000 events, with more than 3,250 proclamations issued supporting Registered Apprenticeship programs.

The announcement comes as federal workforce development efforts aim to reach one million active apprentices, as outlined in Executive Order 14278, "Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future," issued in April 2025. Current data shows approximately 678,000 active apprentices nationwide as of fiscal year 2025, representing an 88% increase since 2015.

The 2026 events will emphasize workforce preparation in high-demand sectors including advanced manufacturing, construction, artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and shipbuilding. These focus areas align with recent federal infrastructure investments, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.

To facilitate the schedule transition, a single-day National Apprenticeship Day was observed on April 30, 2025, before resuming the full week-long celebration format in 2026. The Department of Labor has indicated that future National Apprenticeship Weeks will continue to be held in spring, with dates scheduled through 2028.

According to recent Department of Labor analysis, the Registered Apprenticeship system has demonstrated strong outcomes, with 95% of program completers earning at least $15 per hour upon completion, and 74% able to afford modest two-bedroom apartments in their communities. The construction industry remains the largest sector for apprenticeships, employing approximately one-third of all active apprentices. According to the announcement, over 363,000 individuals have started apprenticeships since January 2025.

Key Points

• Timing Change: National Apprenticeship Week permanently moves from November to spring, with 2026 dates set for April 26-May 2
• Participation History: Over 2 million participants and 10,000 events since 2015; more than 2,500 events and proclamations in 2023
• Current Scale: Approximately 678,000 active apprentices nationwide as of FY 2025, up 88% from 2015
• Federal Goal: Federal workforce development policy aims to reach one million active apprentices as outlined in executive order
• Industry Focus: Events emphasize skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, AI, nuclear energy, and shipbuilding
• Economic Outcomes: 95% of completers earn $15+ per hour; 92% can cover basic living expenses
• Transition Plan: Single-day observance on April 30, 2025, followed by resumption of week-long celebration in 2026
• Legislative Support: Programs supported by Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS Act, and Inflation Reduction Act

Primary Source Author: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration

Primary Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration

Primary Source Link: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20260128-0

Supplemental Links

• National Apprenticeship Week Official Site
• Apprenticeship Data and Statistics Dashboard
• Executive Order 14278: Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs
• Registered Apprenticeship Program Information
• Congressional Research Service: Registered Apprenticeship Report
• DOL Analysis: Registered Apprenticeship Living Wages Report