White House targets 1 million new apprentices

The White House last week launched an initiative to “reach and surpass one million new active apprentices,” including in the skilled trades, according to a statement.

The big picture: The push comes as over 40,000 annual job openings for HVAC technicians and installers are projected through 2033, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

• “Decades of failed political leadership have left America with a one-size-fits-all approach to workforce preparedness, which previous Administrations promoted as ‘college for all,’” the White House wrote. 

What’s happening: President Trump signed an executive order directing the Labor, Education, and Commerce secretaries to submit a plan to support one million new apprentices per year, including by enhancing and scaling the existing Registered Apprenticeship program.

• “It is the policy of the United States to optimize and target Federal investments in workforce development… to fill the growing demand for skilled trades,” the order states.
• “My Administration will further protect and strengthen Registered Apprenticeships and build on their successes,” it adds. 

Zoom out: Beyond apprenticeships, the directive also requires the agencies to review and propose reforms for all federal workforce programs by identifying wasteful spending and upskilling opportunities, among other requirements.

Of note: The White House highlighted the Perkins Act, which provides $1.4 billion a year to CTE programs nationwide, noting it’s neither structured to promote apprenticeships nor has the incentives to “meet workforce training needs.”

• Yes, but: The order specifies that meeting the new apprentice goal should include identifying ways to “enhance connections between the education system and Registered Apprenticeships,” including through the Perkins Act.

What’s next: Agencies have 120 days to submit their plan for meeting the apprentice goal. 

• “I look forward to working with my colleagues to implement this executive order and usher in a new Golden Age of prosperity for all hardworking Americans,” said Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. 
• The Department of Labor didn’t respond to a request for comment.