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March 2026
Supporting Gen Z Workers’ Mental Well-Being
Many of today’s younger workers—Gen Zs born between 1997 and 2012—grew up more comfortable talking about mental health issues than previous generations. But they also have significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression. Understanding this generational shift can help employers support young workers and attract and retain top talent. ODEP’s learning guide “Supporting the Mental Well-Being of Gen Z Workers” outlines proactive steps employers can take to foster supportive, mental health-friendly workplaces that benefit employees and the organization as a whole.
Exploring Worker Mental Health in Construction
The construction industry faces higher than average rates of workers who experience substance use disorder and other mental health conditions, in part because of the taxing, physical nature of their jobs. This is an issue that ODEP’s Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability (EARN) focuses on deeply. EARN staff recently attended the fifth annual Construction Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference in Portland, Oregon, where they engaged with mental health professionals, employers, and workers committed to promoting positive change. As part of its ongoing work on mental health in construction, EARN also offers a guide for industry employers on strategies for supporting workers.
Get Ready for National Apprenticeship Week 2026!
The 12th Annual National Apprenticeship Week will take place from April 26 to May 2, and the theme is “America at Work: Making America Skilled Again Through Registered Apprenticeship.” Please visit the Department of Labor’s National Apprenticeship Week resources webpage for tools to help you prepare for and promote #NAW2026 as our nation celebrates its 250th year. We have a planning toolkit, an event promotion toolkit, a proclamation template, and other resources. s risk factors and promotes help-seeking behaviors. A live Q&A will follow the presentation.
Webinar: Supporting Youth and Young Adult Apprentices with Disabilities
Apprenticeships offer employers direct access to a talent pipeline while giving young people with disabilities valuable hands-on experience, industry-recognized credentials, and a pathway to long-term financial stability. Join us for a webinar on March 26, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. ET, to learn more about how businesses can engage with this untapped talent pool and help meet critical workforce needs. The session, “Opening Doors: Empowering the Disability Talent Pipeline through Apprenticeships,” hosted by ODEP’s Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth will also explore effective strategies for supporting young apprentices with disabilities to complete apprenticeship programs. A live Q&A will follow the presentation.
Apprenticeship Programs for Direct Support Professionals
For many Americans with disabilities, direct support professionals (DSPs) offer critical daily support that makes independent living and employment possible. But there is a severe shortage of DSPs in the United States, largely because of a lack of awareness about the profession, a dearth of training opportunities, and a general perception that advancement opportunities are limited for DSPs. In fact, DSP jobs are the perfect entryway to a variety of careers. And registered apprenticeship is a proven path to becoming a DSP. For the many workforce professionals, employers, and others who have questions about creating effective and accessible apprenticeships for DSPs, ODEP has a new resource: “Creating Registered Apprenticeship Programs for Direct Support Professionals.” This document serves as a guide for stakeholders seeking to strengthen their workforce and meet the growing demand for skilled DSPs.
Webinar: State Strategies to Advance Disability Employment
States are improving employment outcomes for Americans with disabilities by strengthening collaboration across workforce, education, human services, and community partners. Join ODEP on March 25, from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. ET, for a webinar on the innovative ways states are enhancing service delivery to job seekers through the public workforce development system, tracking progress, and adjusting strategies to improve results. Participants of the webinar, “From Collaboration to Action: State Initiatives Advancing Disability Employment,” will hear directly from states about how they launched initiatives, worked with partners in the design and implementation stages, and strengthened collaboration with local businesses to expand job opportunities for Americans with disabilities.
2026 WRP Talent Program for Federal Employers
The 2026 Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) talent database is now open! Federal employers can access hundreds of resumes from qualified college students and recent graduates with disabilities, including veterans, across all majors. Candidates are ready for internships, temporary positions, and permanent roles nationwide. To search for talent, hiring managers can sign up or log in today through the Agency Talent Portal on USAJobs. Send questions to wrp@dol.gov.