During her confirmation hearing, President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Labor Secretary, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, faced repeated questions about one workforce strategy in particular: apprenticeships. It’s no coincidence. The apprenticeship model has emerged as one of the most effective and scalable solutions to America’s ongoing labor shortages—especially in high-demand sectors like IT, bioscience and renewable energy.
For decades, apprenticeship programs were associated primarily with the trades, training workers for careers in fields such as construction and manufacturing. But today, apprenticeships are reshaping the talent pipeline for the digital economy, offering a structured, employer-driven pathway to fill critical roles in cybersecurity, software development, advanced manufacturing and more.
As industries evolve and the skills gap widens, businesses need alternatives to traditional degree-based hiring. College alone cannot meet the demand for skilled workers, and the rising cost of higher education has left too many Americans burdened with debt but still lacking the skills employers need. Apprenticeships offer a different path—one that allows individuals to earn while they learn, gaining industry-relevant experience from day one.
See more: Apprenticeships: A new solution to old challenges
Take cybersecurity, for example. The U.S. faces a severe shortage of cyber professionals, with an estimated 500,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions nationwide. Traditional hiring pipelines can’t keep up, but apprenticeship programs can. By integrating on-the-job learning with structured technical instruction, apprenticeships can rapidly upskill workers and place them directly into jobs where their skills are needed most.
The same is true for biosciences and renewable energy—two sectors vital to America’s economic future. Biotech firms need lab technicians, data analysts and regulatory specialists to keep pace with medical and pharmaceutical advancements. Meanwhile, the shift to clean energy requires a workforce trained in solar installation, battery technology and grid modernization. Apprenticeship programs are already delivering these skilled professionals faster and more effectively than traditional education pathways.
Apprenticeship is an essential model for American competitiveness
As Chavez-DeRemer prepares to lead the Department of Labor, the increasing focus on apprenticeships is not just about workforce development—it’s about economic strategy. Nations that invest in skills-based training and employer-driven education models will outpace those that rely solely on traditional higher education.
Countries like Germany and Switzerland have long relied on apprenticeship models to maintain strong, resilient workforces, and the U.S. is finally catching up. But to sustain this momentum, we must expand the apprenticeship ecosystem—giving more companies the tools they need to launch and scale these programs successfully.
Technology plays a critical role in this expansion. Some companies are using agentic AI-powered tools to match candidates to apprenticeships, track skills development and provide personalized support to both employers and apprentices. These innovations reduce administrative burdens, increase retention rates and ensure training remains aligned with real-world job needs.
Moving forward: A call to action
As Chavez-DeRemer steps into her role, both policymakers and business leaders must continue to prioritize apprenticeships as a core workforce strategy. Expanding funding for registered apprenticeship programs, streamlining employer participation and leveraging technology to scale these efforts will be key to ensuring the U.S. remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The reason apprenticeships dominated Chavez-DeRemer’s hearing is simple: They work. They help businesses build strong, skilled workforces. They create career pathways for individuals from every corner of our country—from urban centers to rural communities. And they are a necessary tool for sustaining American economic growth in the 21st century.
For companies looking to fill critical talent gaps and for workers looking to build meaningful careers, apprenticeships aren’t just an option—they’re the future.
