You probably have been hearing more about apprenticeship lately. In today’s labor market, workforce development depends significantly on it.

But what is the purpose?

Simply put, apprenticeship builds the present and future workforce. It creates a pipeline of workers for employers, paid work experience and industry credentials for employees, and a career pathway for students.

Congress first passed the National Apprenticeship Act in 1937, and the Act was reauthorized in 2020.

It was initially known as the “Fitzgerald Act,” establishing a national advisory committee tasked with research and drafting regulations to create minimum standards for apprenticeship programs. The Act was later amended to permit the United States Department of Labor to issue regulations protecting apprentices' health, safety, and general welfare and to encourage the use of contracts in their hiring and employment.

U.S. Representative Joseph Courtney wrote an article in the CT Mirror titled, “A National Apprenticeship Act would bring job opportunity in a troubled time.” In it, Mr. Courtney gives his account of the reauthorization. He offers hope during our unprecedented times, noting, “The success that we’ve enjoyed so far through Fitzgerald Act apprenticeship programs is thanks in part to our former Congressman, and to all the hardworking people and employers here in our region who do the work and make it happen. With the National Apprenticeship Act, we can replicate that success at countless small businesses—from health care, to manufacturing, to technology and beyond.”

August 2022 we will celebrate the Act’s 85th Anniversary. Stay tuned for more information about what is happening in Registered Apprenticeship Programs and how you can get involved.

Apprenticeship is a workforce solution evolving to meet employees’ needs and create skilled workforces that meet the demands of the changing American labor market. Learn more or get started by exploring apprenticeship industries and occupations approved for use in a Registered Apprenticeship Program.

To read more about the 2020 Reauthorization hearing, Jobs for the Future (JFF) published a study of its impact that you can find here.