READOUT: First Lady, Secretaries Walsh, Cardona, Raimondo kick off National Apprenticeship Week in Chicago

WASHINGTON – First Lady Jill Biden joined Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and met with students, apprentices, teachers and business leaders in the Chicago area to discuss innovative approaches to workforce training and kick off National Apprenticeship Week 2022, Nov. 14-20.

At Rolling Meadows High School, the group of leaders listened as students, apprentices and teachers shared their experiences with pre-apprenticeship programs, which provide education and training to prepare participants for careers after graduation. Secretary Walsh emphasized how leveraging partnerships between schools and employers helps companies recruit and retain talent while strengthening the local economy.

As part of the school visit, the U.S. Departments of Labor, Education and Commerce announced a joint effort to support public and private sector leaders, government agencies and other community-based organizations to expand youth engagement in career-connected programs.

Dr. Biden and Secretaries Walsh, Cardona and Raimondo then headed to Chicago and toured the U.S. headquarters of Aon with members of the Business Roundtable and Chicago Apprenticeship Network. Following the tour, Secretary Walsh held a roundtable discussion about the value of Registered Apprenticeship programs in providing skills-based training for participants to advance toward in-demand careers.

During the discussion, Secretary Walsh announced a new Registered Apprenticeship for Finance Business Partners program. Established by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants and Aon, HP Inc. and Liberty Bank, the program will offer Registered Apprenticeships in accounting and finance.

“Today’s Registered Apprenticeships create pathways to good-paying jobs and career opportunities in a wide and diverse range of occupations and industries,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “National Apprenticeship Week recognizes the tremendous benefits of this proven earn-as-you-learn method for equipping workers with the kinds of skills that regional, national and global companies are seeking to strengthen their workforce.”

The eighth annual National Apprenticeship Week 2022 includes more than 1,000 events and activities throughout the nation.