LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 28, 2026) — Arkansas Workforce Connections today announced that Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has proclaimed April 26 through May 2, 2026, as National Apprenticeship Week in Arkansas, highlighting the state’s continued investment in apprenticeship programs and workforce development.
Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience with a mentor, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential.
National Apprenticeship Week in Arkansas is part of the 12th annual National Apprenticeship Week initiative led by the U.S. Department of Labor. The 2026 observance, themed “America at Work: Making America Skilled Again Through Registered Apprenticeship,” will bring together employers, educators and workforce partners to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship.
“My goal is simple: we want every Arkansan to graduate high school ready to enroll, enlist, or be employed,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “Our registered apprenticeship program targets the fastest-growing industries in Arkansas, and offers a debt-free opportunity for young people to gain the skills needed to step into high-demand careers, earn great wages, and create stable futures for themselves and their families.”
The proclamation highlights Act 695 of 2025 which established Arkansas as a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) state. As an SAA state, Arkansas is authorized to act on behalf of the federal U.S. DOL to register and oversee apprenticeship programs within the state. Ultimately, this provides greater flexibility to align training programs with industry needs and better support for Arkansas employers.
“Registered Apprenticeship works because it accelerates and aligns workforce development with employer demand,” said Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald. “Recognizing National Apprenticeship Week in Arkansas shows our commitment to developing the skilled talent, businesses rely on while creating real opportunities for Arkansans to step into high-quality careers.”
Arkansas has seen steady growth in apprenticeships, with a 4% increase in registered apprentices over the past fiscal year and a 139% increase since 2015. More than 2,500 companies in the state currently employ apprentices.
“National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to highlight how, through the expansion of apprenticeship programs across the state, we’re connecting Arkansans to in-demand careers while helping employers build the skilled workforce they need,” said Cody Waits, Executive Director of Workforce Connections.
The proclamation also points to the state’s role in expanding apprenticeship opportunities across the country. At the beginning of the year, Arkansas was awarded a four-year, $35.8 million cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor to lead the nationwide expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing through the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund.
Arkansas employers interested in Registered Apprenticeship can find more information on ArkansasOSD.com and Apprenticeship.gov. Click here to find National Apprenticeship Week events happening near you.
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About Arkansas Workforce Connections
Arkansas Workforce Connections is at the center of state workforce development efforts, delivering career support and training for job seekers, connecting employers with skilled, work-ready talent, and offering industry solutions and incentives to maintain a skilled and technically trained workforce. Workforce Connections is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit dws.arkansas.gov.
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