Start your talent search here.
Choose any one of our amazing programs to help better understand how you can gain and retain talent in your industry.
National Apprenticeship Week 2026
America at Work: Making America Skilled Again through Registered Apprenticeship
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2026 takes place April 26–May 2, 2026. Coordinated by the U.S. Department of Labor, this nationwide celebration highlights the success and value of Registered Apprenticeship (RA) in developing a highly skilled workforce, strengthening the economy, and creating pathways to in-demand careers.
​
This year’s theme, “America at Work: Making America Skilled Again through Registered Apprenticeship,” arrives at a meaningful moment. As the nation marks its 250th year, NAW shines a spotlight on the workers, employers, educators, and industry partners helping build the next chapter of American innovation and industry.
​
At NIICA, we see RA as more than a workforce model. It is a practical, proven strategy for preparing Americans for the skilled jobs of today and tomorrow across the industries that matter most to the country’s future.
.png)
.png)
Why Registered Apprenticeship Matters
RA helps employers build talent pipelines while giving career seekers a direct path into high-demand, high-value work. Through paid, hands-on learning paired with related instruction, apprentices gain real-world experience, build technical skills, and advance into careers with long-term growth potential.
For employers, RA offers a scalable workforce solution that helps address persistent talent shortages, strengthen retention, and align training with real operational needs. For apprentices, it opens doors to meaningful careers, upward mobility, and the opportunity to earn while they learn. The U.S. Department of Labor describes NAW as a nationwide opportunity to showcase how RA strengthens the economy by meeting industry workforce needs and helping career seekers catapult into in-demand jobs.
Building America at 250
NAW places special emphasis on the role RA plays as America celebrates its 250th year. This is not only a chance to reflect on the nation’s industrial strength and workforce legacy, but also to look ahead.
​
America’s next era of growth will depend on whether we can build and sustain a skilled workforce for critical industries. RA is one of the most effective ways to do that. It connects people to opportunity, helps employers develop the talent they need, and supports the broader reindustrialization of the United States.
.png)
Building the Workforce That Powers America’s Future
NIICA’s work is focused on strengthening talent pipelines in the industries most critical to U.S. competitiveness and national security—including semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, data centers, and the defense industrial base.
​
Through partnerships with employers, education providers, and workforce organizations, NIICA supports the expansion of RA and the development of skill-based career pathways. These efforts help connect people to opportunity while ensuring industry has the talent it needs to grow.
​
Throughout NAW, NIICA is highlighting the partnerships, programs, and individuals helping build the workforce behind these essential industries.
Explore Resources
NAW is an opportunity to learn, connect, and take action around building a stronger workforce.
NIICA is working alongside partners across the country to highlight apprenticeship in action—through employer engagement, apprentice stories, and initiatives that support workforce development in critical industries like semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, data centers, and the defense industrial base.
​
To support NAW, we’ve compiled resources to help employers, partners, and career seekers better understand how RA works and how to get involved.
​
If you’re interested in exploring how apprenticeship can support your workforce strategy or career path, we welcome the opportunity to connect.
Celebrate National Semiconductor Day™ During NAW
Originally launched in conjunction with NAW each November, National Semiconductor Day™ highlights the essential role semiconductors play in driving innovation, strengthening U.S. competitiveness, and supporting critical industries.
With the USDOL shifting its national observance to National Apprenticeship Day in April, National Semiconductor Day™ is no longer formally aligned with this weeklong celebration. However, NIICA will continue to recognize it annually on the third Thursday of November to emphasize the importance of building a skilled talent pipeline for the semiconductor industry.
Apprenticeship in Action: Real Stories, Real Impact
NAW is about the people behind the progress.
​
Across the country, apprentices are building careers in high-demand fields—gaining skills, contributing to critical industries, and creating new opportunities for themselves and their families.
​
At NIICA, we’re proud to spotlight apprentices whose journeys reflect the power of RA in action.
.png)