Apprenticeship Week 2026

​National Apprenticeship Week​ (NAW) is an annual celebration that highlights the significance of apprenticeships in the workforce and the community. Join us ​from ​​April 26-May 2, 2026 with this year's theme of America at Work: Making America​​ Skilled Again ​through Registered Apprenticeship​. NAW showcases the benefits of apprenticeship programs by bringing together businesses, labor lead​ers, educational institutions, government agencies, workforce partners, community organizations, and career seekers. Excitement is generated among a diverse audience, including curious individuals, potential apprentices, employers, and prospective partners.

The weeklong celebration is an opportunity for schools, organizations, employers, sponsors, grantees, Apprenticeship Specialists, and Intermediaries to showcase programs, facilities, and apprentices while spotlighting the benefits of learning and earning. Illinois' participation through hosting events and signing proclamations has made us a national leader in Apprenticeship Week through the U.S. Department ​of Labor (DOL) event and proclamation tracking.​
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Proclamations

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Events​​​​​​

#ApprenticeshipIL #NAW2026
#ApprenticeshipUSA​​
​Apprenticeship Illinois Logo
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Planning is Underway
​Stay tuned and continue to check back as new information will be released for events (in-person and virtual), resources and templates, and announcements to amplify local and regional celebrations.

It's never too early to start planning! Begin brainstorming ideas, networking, expanding partnerships, and building a plan to put ideas into action.
Consider these questions as you plan:
  • How do you envision NAW 2026?
  • Did you hold a successful event in past years? What worked well?
  • What events would you like to see?
  • Are you interested in collaborating with the Apprenticeship Illinois team?
Add apprenticeship events, any time of the year, to the Event Calendar.
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Resources

  • Logos:
    • NAW 2026 (PNG​)
    • NAW 2026 with Freedom 250 (PNG)
    • Apprenticeship Illinois (PNG)
    • ApprenticeshipUSA (PNG​)
  • Zoom Backgrounds:
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Need Assistance?
Apprentice​ship Illinois is here to help! Browse FAQs, submit a question, or reach​​ out for assistance with adding an event or submitting a Proclamation.​
​​ ​FAQ​s​​​​