WASHINGTON, D.C. — During her Feb. 19 confirmation hearing, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Labor, emphasized the administration’s commitment to expanding apprenticeship programs, a move that could have far-reaching implications for employers, workers, and federal funding strategies.

Chavez-DeRemer praised initiatives aimed at bringing manufacturing jobs back to American workers and pledged to support upskilling and workforce development—critical priorities as the labor market grapples with shifting employment demands.

“One of the president’s top priorities is expanded apprenticeships, is the investment in apprenticeships,” Chavez-DeRemer stated.

She also referenced her experience as a former mayor, highlighting the importance of connecting skilled workers with businesses in their communities.

“Not everybody is going to get that four-year degree,” she said, advocating for alternative pathways to high-paying jobs through apprenticeships.

Understanding Federal Apprenticeship Programs

Federal apprenticeship programs provide workers with:

✅ Structured on-the-job training under experienced mentors
✅ Incremental wage increases tied to skill development
✅ Industry-recognized credentials and career pathways
✅ Tax credits and tuition benefits for participating employers

A 2019 government report emphasized that apprenticeships can help businesses:

✔ Recruit and develop a highly skilled workforce
✔ Improve productivity and profitability
✔ Minimize liability costs by ensuring proper training
✔ Enhance employee retention through structured career growth

With the federal government serving as both a funding source and policy driver, changes in apprenticeship regulations could impact corporate America’s approach to talent development.

Chavez-DeRemer’s Views on Workforce Development

During the hearing, Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) brought up the Made in America initiative, which promotes domestic supply chains and reduces reliance on foreign-made goods. Chavez-DeRemer signaled her alignment with the initiative’s objectives.

“What we don’t want is for other countries to get ahead of the game, ahead of America,” she said.
“I will look for ways to see how [the administration] can work together with the American workforce, the employers, and the employees, and how we can work with Congress to determine what that looks like.”

She also highlighted the economic benefits of apprenticeships and workforce training:

“This is going to be great for America to grow that economy and then share in that profit with the employees,” she said.

Husted reinforced her point, stating that “many Americans can have higher-paying jobs if they have the right kind of skills.”

“They don’t need to go to college. They can get there through apprenticeships,” Husted added.

Potential Policy Changes on the Horizon

While Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation remains pending, the transfer of power in Washington could bring significant shifts in apprenticeship regulations.

During the Biden administration, the DOL proposed stricter labor standards for apprenticeships, which faced strong opposition from Republicans and business groups, who argued that such regulations would place an undue burden on employers. In December 2024, the DOL announced it would no longer move forward with that rule.

Additionally, the Biden administration rescinded a Trump-era proposal for Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs)—a move that may now be reconsidered as the new administration takes office.

One key apprenticeship-related executive order signed by President Biden remains in place. This order directed federal agencies to identify grant recipients and contractors who could utilize apprenticeship-trained workers, ensuring the continued expansion of these programs across industries.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Apprenticeships

With workforce shortages remaining a top concern for employers, the DOL’s next steps will be closely watched. Expanding apprenticeships could:

🔹 Help address labor shortages in critical sectors
🔹 Provide alternative pathways to high-wage jobs
🔹 Encourage businesses to invest in workforce development

While it remains unclear how the new administration will modify apprenticeship policies, one thing is certain—workforce training will be a priority, and employers should stay prepared for potential regulatory changes.

Originally reported by Caroline Colvin in Construction Dive.