ODEP - Office of Disability Employment Policy
Disability Employment Policy Resources by Topic
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is a growing strategy for connecting more workers with the skills they need to get jobs. At the U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship programs are a proven solution for employers, giving them the tools they need to recruit, train, and retain skilled workers. By combining a job with on-the-job learning and credential attainment, Registered Apprenticeship works.
Registered Apprenticeships are also available in a wide range of occupations, including traditional fields like construction and high-growth, nontraditional fields like healthcare and information technology. DOL is committed to apprenticeship and awarded $175 million as part of the American Apprenticeship Grants to expand apprenticeships and make them available to more workers and employers.
ODEP’s efforts in apprenticeship promote inclusive program models that fulfill employer needs by attracting a diverse array of candidates, including people with disabilities. ODEP seeks to promote this inclusion by influencing national and state policies and providing effective practices.
- #ApprenticeshipWorks Video Series — See how apprenticeship can work for you as a job seeker or employer by watching ODEP's video series featuring apprentices with and without disabilities and their apprenticeship sponsors. These inclusive apprenticeship programs in high-growth industries like information technology and healthcare show how #ApprenticeshipWorks for everyone. Videos are available in English and Spanish with full captioning and audio introduced versions.
- This Training and Employment Notice No. 04-15 disseminates the following report and provides information and resources on promising strategies to promote the inclusion of youth and adults with disabilities in registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship.
- Registered Apprenticeship Programs: Improving the Pipeline for People with Disabilities — This report discusses policy environments affecting apprenticeship, inclusive models, and strategies to address challenges that both programs and participants face.
- This Training and Employment Notice No. 10-09 describes an issue paper and toolkit on improving transition outcomes for youth and young adults with disabilities through apprenticeship.
- Apprenticeship Issue Paper
- Apprenticeship Toolkit:
- Introduction to the Apprenticeship Toolkit: Youth with Disabilities Entering the Workplace through Apprenticeship
- Module 1: Understanding Apprenticeship Basics
- Module 2: Preparing Youth and Young Adults for Apprenticeship Programs
- Module 3: Increasing the Participation of Young Adults with Disabilities in Apprenticeship Programs
- Module 4: Establishing New Apprenticeship Programs
- Module 5: What Apprenticeship Employers Need To Know About Working with Young Adults with Disabilities
- Module 6: Looking To Future Opportunities In Apprenticeship
- This Press Release announces past cooperative agreements to promote inclusive apprenticeship programs.
Related Resources
- DOL’s Office of Apprenticeship has many resources for employers and apprentices.
- Final Rule on Equal Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship — In 2016, DOL issued an updated Final Rule on equal employment opportunity in apprenticeship, which helps promote access to apprenticeships for people with disabilities and other communities.
- 2015 National Apprenticeship Week Press Release — Nov 1-7, 2015 marked DOL’s first National Apprenticeship Week. Activities highlighted successes in apprenticeship all over the country and promoted the model for more potential apprentices and employers.
- Job Corps — DOL funded free education and training program to help youth earn a high school diploma or GED, learn career skills and maintain employment
- YouthBuild — DOL funded youth and community development program that addresses a variety of issues facing low-income communities.