Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.
News Release
US Labor Department, Amazon to establish registered apprenticeship program to train veterans for technical careers
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that it has signed an agreement with Amazon to establish a registered apprenticeship program to train veterans for in-demand technical careers at the online technology giant.
Deputy U.S. Secretary of Labor Chris Lu and Vice President, Global Talent Acquisition at Amazon Web Services Ardine Williams joined in a ceremony at the department’s national headquarters to mark the occasion.
(right) hosts a signing ceremony with Amazon and
the Office of Apprenticeship. Also pictured:
Apprenticeship Administrator John Ladd and
Amazon Web Services Vice President Ardine Williams.
“We are pleased that Amazon is joining the remarkable group of forward-looking organizations that are pursuing innovations in apprenticeship for the 21st century,” Deputy Secretary Lu said. “Partnerships like this one have reinvigorated our nation’s apprenticeship system, creating opportunity and pathways to prosperity for hundreds of thousands of Americans that will last for years to come.”
In May 2016, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced the company’s goals of hiring 25,000 veterans and military spouses over the next five years and training 10,000 more in cloud computing skills as part of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces Initiative. The first cohort of apprentices under the new agreement will be trained for AWS’ Cloud Support Associate role.
To date, more than 200 employers, colleges, and labor organizations have signed on to be ApprenticeshipUSA LEADERS by starting or expanding their own work-based learning programs and encouraging their peers to follow. Employers in the LEADERS program have pledged to work together to create nearly 20,000 new apprenticeship positions.
In fiscal year 2016, more than 206,000 individuals entered the apprenticeship system. Nationwide, there are over 505,000 apprentices currently obtaining the skills they need to succeed while earning the wages they need to build financial security. Apprenticeship can play a vital role in addressing many of today's skills challenges. If you are interested in becoming a LEADER, call (202) 693-2796 for more information or write us at Apprenticeship.USA@dol.gov.