National Apprenticeship Week 2026 In-Person Events

Monday April 27

Signing Ceremony for JobForward – Washington DC

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, JobForward will host a signing ceremony marking the formal approval of our Registered Apprenticeship Standards. As an intermediary sponsor, JobForward is proud to advance the IBM Z Apprenticeship Program, creating meaningful pathways for talent development and workforce innovation. The ceremony will bring together key partners, including representatives from IBM and employer partner M&T Bank, to commemorate this milestone and highlight the collaborative commitment to expanding high‑quality apprenticeship opportunities.

This event will also feature a fireside chat with the US DOL, JobForward, and training partners from IBM and M&T Bank. Participants discuss the role of intermediaries in scaling apprenticeship, why they chose Registered Apprenticeship as a workforce development strategy and how it helps address critical talent and business needs.

Tuesday April 28

AstraZeneca Panel Event – Washington DC

Steve Lutton, Chief Operating Officer of JobForward, will take part in a panel hosted by AstraZeneca, where he will share insights on the evolving landscape of Registered Apprenticeship. The discussion will explore how employers are leveraging apprenticeship as a strategic business solution, highlight real‑world use cases, and outline what’s next for organizations looking to build strong, future‑ready talent pipelines.

Signing Ceremony for PG&E – Winters, California

Michelle Rychener of JobForward will join PG&E leadership and key partners for a landmark signing ceremony as PG&E officially executes its US DOL Registered Apprenticeship Standards, covering multiple occupations. The event brings together representatives from IBEW 1245, the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS), and the U.S. Department of Labor to recognize this significant milestone of PG&E’s apprenticeship programs and its commitment to building strong career pathways.

Friday May 1

Signing Ceremony for the University of Vermont Health – South Burlington, Vermont

The University of Vermont Health Network is celebrating a major milestone with the official launch of its Registered Apprenticeship program as a newly approved intermediary sponsor serving hospitals across the network. This milestone event will feature the formal signing of the Registered Apprenticeship Standards in partnership with the Vermont Department of Labor and UVM Health Network leadership.

Adding to the excitement, the inaugural cohort of apprentices for UVM Health Network’s newest registered occupation Surgical Technologist will be in attendance to sign their Apprenticeship Agreements, marking the beginning of their career pathways in healthcare.

The event will bring together a dynamic group of leaders and partners dedicated to workforce development, including representatives from UVM Health Network leadership, JobForward, the Vermont Department of Labor, Senator Welch’s office, and key stakeholders from Vermont’s workforce system. Together, they will celebrate this collaborative investment in building a skilled, sustainable healthcare workforce for Vermont’s future.