Forever Family Apprentice Partnership: Empowering Former Foster Youth

The Facts -

• • NABTU, TVA, and Tennessee launched the Forever Family Apprentice Partnership.

• • The initiative aids former foster youth with union apprenticeships and career paths.

• • The program provides mentorship, skills, and stable careers in high-demand industries.

Nashville, TN – August 7, 2025 – A new initiative named the Forever Family Apprentice Partnership is set to revolutionize workforce development in North America. Unveiled by North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, this program aims to offer former foster youth direct entry into union apprenticeships, opening doors to fulfilling careers in construction and energy sectors.

The collaboration, announced during the 2025 TVTLC/TVA Labor Management Conference, commits to removing obstacles for former foster youth by creating a seamless pathway to NABTU’s esteemed, cost-free apprenticeship programs. Participants are promised interviews for local union apprenticeships, and successful candidates will gain practical experience with TVA's partner contractors, supplemented by comprehensive support from the Tennessee Department of Labor alongside NABTU’s Registered Apprenticeship programs.

These NABTU Registered Apprenticeship programs are highly regarded, providing a unique “earn while you learn” model. They combine intensive classroom education with remunerated, on-site training. Managed by the U.S. Department of Labor and recognized State Apprenticeship Agencies, these programs produce highly skilled experts who enjoy top-tier credentials, competitive salaries, and a promising career trajectory in the trades.

Sean McGarvey, President of NABTU, expressed, “This is what it looks like to build futures and community at the same time. Building Trades Registered Apprenticeship is a pathway to the middle class. With this initiative, we’re giving young people from the foster system not just an opportunity to work, but an opportunity to belong—to be part of a Forever Family that supports them with the best trade skills and a family-sustaining career.”

TVA’s President and CEO, Don Moul, highlighted the importance of the initiative by stating, “As TVA seeks a deep, skilled, committed workforce that is eager to learn and build rewarding careers, the Forever Family initiative will allow these young adults to enroll in trade schools and trade programs that open up careers for them in the utility industry—growing the number of new people with skills critical to building both TVA and our national infrastructure. We’re excited for this opportunity and look forward to seeing the program and our students grow and prosper.”

Key Benefits of the Program:

– Opportunities for stable careers in a sustainable and high-demand field
– Involvement in a union environment that fosters mentorship, community, and professional growth
– Access to advanced training necessary for future energy and infrastructure development

This initiative underscores the strength of labor-management partnerships and reflects a shared vision that everyone deserves a fair chance at a rewarding career, regardless of their background.

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Media Contacts:
Betsy Barrett | North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) | bbarrett@nabtu.org | (202) 756-4623
Adam May | Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) | amay0@tva.gov | (423) 505-3261

About NABTU: NABTU is a coalition of 14 national and international unions within the building and construction industry, representing over 3 million skilled professionals across the United States and Canada. Annually, the organization and its partners invest approximately $2 billion in private funds to sustain over 1,900 apprenticeship training centers across North America, known for producing highly trained and efficient workers. NABTU is committed to ensuring economic stability and job opportunities for its workers, maintaining wage and benefit standards, promoting responsible investments, and creating pathways to middle-class careers. For further details, visit nabtu.org.

About TVA: As the nation’s largest public power provider, the Tennessee Valley Authority supplies energy to over 10 million people in seven southeastern states. Known for its diverse energy portfolio, including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies, TVA is committed to enhancing its power system with significant investments in new generation and transmission infrastructure. Operating without taxpayer funding, TVA offers some of the nation’s lowest and most reliable energy rates, and supports local economic development through job creation and infrastructure management. More information is available at tva.gov.

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