DOL Accepting Nominations for Apprenticeship Task Force Until Aug. 8
The task force, which Acosta will chair, has been asked to identify strategies and proposals to promote apprenticeships, especially in sectors where apprenticeship programs are currently insufficient.
DOL announced that U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta is inviting interested persons to submit nominations for people to serve on the Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion, which is a key part of implementing President Donald Trump's executive order to expand apprenticeships.
"Apprenticeships are a cornerstone of President Trump’s plan to close the skills gap and ensure the American workforce is prepared to succeed in the jobs of today and tomorrow," Acosta said July 24. "The Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion’s recommendations will serve as vital guidance for the U.S. Department of Labor as we work with industry groups, companies, unions, non-profits, and educational institutions to expand apprenticeship programs across the U.S."
Some other news on the apprenticeship front: Maryland's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation has approved three new eligible employers for the Apprenticeship Maryland youth apprenticeship pilot, announcing that Nestle Dreyer's Ice Cream Company and the Tree Care Industry Association joined the ranks of the more than 130 active Registered Apprenticeship programs currently offered in the state. Nestle will offer an apprenticeship in the trade of industrial maintenance mechanic and the Tree Care Industry Association will offer an arborist apprenticeship -- a first for the state. Delaware-based Bauguess Electrical Services, Inc. was also approved by the state.
The DOL task force, which Acosta will chair, has been asked to identify strategies and proposals to promote apprenticeships, especially in sectors where apprenticeship programs are currently insufficient. The task force's final report to Trump will include recommendations on federal initiatives to promote apprenticeships, administrative and legislative reforms that would assist apprenticeship programs, the most effective strategies for creating industry-recognized apprenticeships, and the most effective strategies for amplifying and encouraging private-sector initiatives to promote apprenticeships.
Applications must be postmarked by Aug. 8 or, if submitted electronically or by hand delivery, received by that date. Applications must be accompanied by a copy of the nominee’s resume; a cover letter about the individual, including a description of relevant experience and subject-matter expertise of that person concerning the development of a skilled workforce through quality apprenticeship programs; and contact information for the nominee (name, title, business address, business phone, fax number, and business e-mail address).
They may be emailed to Apprenticeshiptaskforce@dol.gov (please specify in the e- mail subject line "Nominations for Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion") or mailed/delivered to U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship, Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion, Room C-5321, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20210.