How You Can Benefit From Diversity and Inclusion in Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is a powerful tool for growing the American economy and training its workforce. As the U.S. expands apprenticeship training nationally, a diverse workplace helps businesses access all our nation's talent.
In 2016 the U.S. Department of Labor released updated Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations for Registered Apprenticeship Programs to help businesses reach a larger and more diverse pool of workers. When all workers, including women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities, have the opportunity to become apprentices, we tap into our nation's full potential and open new career pathways for American workers.
How to Build a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
NOTE: Inclusion of the videos below is not meant to be construed as an official U.S. Department of Labor endorsement of a company, its products, or services.
Attracting Talent
Organizations like the Philadelphia School District and Newport News Shipbuilding are using apprenticeship to attract and build talent. This includes people with and without disabilities, women, and people of color.
Expanding Access
The Apprenticeship Inclusion Models (AIM) initiative, supported by the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, focuses on expanding access to inclusive apprenticeships for people with disabilities.
Training Staff
FASTPORT—an industry intermediary for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship—is sponsoring and coordinating a pilot program to provide American Sign Language (ASL) training to commercial truck driving instructors.
CASE STUDIES
Because EEO is a cornerstone of Registered Apprenticeship, the U.S. Department of Labor encourages employers and sponsors to consider the role of diversity and inclusion in your business or organization. Learn about diversity in apprenticeship through research and real-life examples that demonstrate how apprenticeship programs embody these values and practices, and are creating more inclusive workplaces.
INDUSTRY ALLYSHIP
Three organizations formed their own network and programs for tradeswomen.
BROADENED RECRUITMENT
Two community colleges employ strategies to attract and retain female workers in non-traditional fields.
DIVERSIFIED WORKFORCE
Seeking to include those with employment barriers, including English language learners.
Have Questions?
Learn more about EEO quality standards in apprenticeship programs and contact your local Apprenticeship Consultant using our Apprenticeship Partner Finder.