NABTU Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week and Workforce Impact

Spotlight on Apprenticeships: NABTU's Role in Shaping America's Workforce

Washington, D.C. — April 28, 2026 — In a statement released today, Sean McGarvey, President of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), highlighted the transformative impact of Registered Apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week.

McGarvey emphasized the significant contributions of NABTU members in nurturing a skilled and reliable workforce poised to meet America's future needs. He described the Registered Apprenticeship system as having "set the gold standard for workforce development" for generations. This system provides debt-free pathways for workers to secure middle-class careers through practical and technical training combined with stringent safety standards.

Construction apprentices under NABTU are integral to building the nation's infrastructure, from transportation networks and healthcare facilities to modern energy systems. McGarvey noted that NABTU is responsible for training seven out of ten construction apprentices in the U.S., with over 300,000 Registered Apprentices enlisted nationwide. As investments surge in infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy, apprenticeships stand as a crucial mechanism for ensuring projects are completed securely and efficiently while delivering substantial economic benefits to both urban and rural communities.

In observing National Apprenticeship Week, NABTU reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding and expanding this effective workforce development model, remaining steadfast in its support of the apprentices who are instrumental in constructing America's future.

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