National Apprenticeship Week runs April 25 – May 1, 2027, when employers, unions and schools show off earn-while-you-learn jobs in fields from construction to tech.
Now a Spring Event
Each spring, from April’s last Sunday to the Saturday after it. The 13th annual week runs April 25 to May 1, 2027.
The U.S. Department of Labor started it and still runs it. For years it fell in the fall, and 2026 brought the first spring edition, from April 26 to May 2.
A Record Spring Debut
Moving it paid off in numbers. DOL called NAW 2026 the largest in the week’s history, with more than 3,000 registered apprenticeship events and proclamations.
It opened with a National Signing Day ceremony led by Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling, joined by companies including IBM and AstraZeneca.
Artificial intelligence got a spotlight. A featured panel on building an “AI-ready workforce” included Google and Lockheed Martin. DOL also opened an online hub for AI in registered apprenticeship.
A DOL roundtable looked at apprenticeships that connect to college degrees.
Why Apprenticeships Get a Week
Apprenticeships pair paid work with training. DOL’s partners range from employers and labor groups to colleges and government agencies.
Washington has set a big target. An April 2025 executive order called for 1 million active apprentices.
Progress is steady but slow. The system had 679,000 active apprentices when the goal was set and about 714,000 by mid-2026, Work Shift reported.
Finishing is a challenge. The national completion rate stands at 46.5%.
Small gains there matter. Jobs for the Future estimates that raising completion by 10 points would add 37,000 active apprentices a year.
New money is aimed at that. A $162 million pay-for-performance fund rewards employers, drawing on the existing $285 million apprenticeship budget.
Some analysts doubt the target will be met. A JFF projection puts the system about 150,000 apprentices short if recent growth continues.
Sign-ups of new apprentices also dipped recently, the first such drop since the pandemic, Work Shift reported.
Ways to Take Part
- Search Apprenticeship.gov for programs in your area and field.
- If you run a business, ask your state apprenticeship office about starting a program.
- Attend a local signing day, where new apprentices formally join programs.
- Share an apprentice’s story at your company or school.
- Talk with a high school student about apprenticeships as an alternative or add-on to a four-year college degree.
- Ask your mayor or governor for an apprenticeship week proclamation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is National Apprenticeship Week a federal observance?
Yes. The Labor Department organizes it with partners nationwide.
Do apprentices get paid?
They do. Registered apprentices earn wages while they train.
Which companies joined the 2026 kickoff?
AstraZeneca, IBM and M&T Bank were among them.