Need another strategy to help job seekers with disabilities find good jobs? Apprentice-able careers exist within a network of over 150,000 employers in more than 1,000 occupations, and are an important part of the national effort to create a workforce with the right skills for 21^st century jobs. In fact, over 398,000 apprentices have been hired since January of 2017 according to the Department of Labor. The average starting wage for an apprentice is approximately $15.00 per hour with incremental wage increases as apprentices gain skills and knowledge. After program completion, the average annual wage can be higher than wages earned by some college graduates – around $60,000 a year. Recently, new regulations expanded Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action requirements in registered apprenticeship programs, including efforts to increase outreach and recruitment of apprentices with disabilities.   

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), November 12 – 18, 2018, business, labor, education leaders and other community partners are highlighting successful collaborations which result in a skilled workforce to meet the talent needs of employers in high-demand industries. Employment service providers have an important role to play in ensuring qualified people with disabilities have access to earn-while-you-learn training opportunities, and to assist employers and other apprenticeship sponsors to advance workplace diversity, while closing the skills gap in in-demand occupations.

Learn more about helping job seekers with disabilities access training and apprenticeship programs in the Diversity Partners Toolbox for Frontline Staff:

Topic 2.6: Apprenticeship and Training for People with Disabilities

Check out this fact sheet from the U.S Department of Labor:

Access to Registered Apprenticeship – A Proven Path to In-Demand Skills and the Middle Class