Washington, D.C. – November 21, 2024 – Today, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) President Sean McGarvey issued the following statement:

“As North America’s Building Trades Unions and the country celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2024, we applaud the critical role that Registered Apprenticeships play in strengthening our nation’s workforce and economy. Registered Apprenticeships are not only an opportunity pipeline to a rewarding career—they are an essential tool for building the skilled workforce that will drive America’s infrastructure growth and innovation for decades to come.”

“The men and women who participate in Registered Apprenticeships, especially in the building trades, represent the future of our industry. These building trades professionals are learning the intricate, hands-on skills, technical knowledge, and safety practices that are essential for building and maintaining the most complex projects across the country, from schools and hospitals to bridges, roads, water systems, data centers, and energy grids that power our communities. Building Trades Registered Apprenticeships provide a strong foundation for success with the opportunity to earn while they learn and graduate debt-free into a high-paying career.”

“This week, we honor the hundreds of thousands of apprentices nationwide and thank the unions, employers, and joint labor-management training organizations that support their success. As we look toward the future, NABTU remains committed to expanding access to these life-changing opportunities, ensuring that all people—regardless of their background—can build a family-sustaining career and fulfilling future through our gold-standard apprenticeship training. We’ll continue to advocate for policies that support the registered system, protect workers’ rights, and invest in workforce development to build the best, brightest, and most diverse future for our nation and America’s workforce.”

 

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