National Apprenticeship Week, traditionally held in November will now be celebrated as National Apprenticeship Day – April 30, 2025! National Apprenticeship Day is timely moment to reflect on the transformative impact Registered Apprenticeships (RA) have on women’s career pathways and community well-being. For women across the nation, apprenticeships have opened doors to higher-paying jobs, stable careers, and economic independence, allowing them to contribute to their families and communities on a deeper level.
Since 2015, the number of women apprentices has tripled to over 108,000 by 2023, yet challenges like pay parity remain, with women earning a median hourly wage of $22 compared to $34.20 for men. These disparities highlight the importance of equity-focused initiatives that support women apprentices, strengthening family stability and community resilience. (Source: Institute for Women’s Policy Research Apprenticeship Report, March 2024).
One industry where disparities intersect is Early Childhood Education (ECE), where initiatives like the Early Childhood Workforce Connector (ECWC) work to address inequities by professionalizing the workforce and expanding career pathways. Apprenticeships in ECE create widespread benefits for individuals and communities alike. According to Robyn Minton-Holmes, Senior Consultant to Midwest Urban Strategies and Subject Matter Expert for the Early Childhood Workforce Connector, "Registered apprenticeships in Early Childhood Education are among the most impactful programs a community can offer. They influence the economy, improve the quality of childcare, and provide educational pathways for individuals working in the field. These programs professionalize the industry, enhance retention for employers, and create opportunities for long-term community resilience."
Launched in 2023, the Early Childhood Workforce Connector (ECWC) collaborates with over 100 programs and partners across the United States (Source: ECWC Program, 2024). These programs empower childcare workers to advance as qualified childcare professionals, addressing critical workforce shortages while expanding access to high-quality childcare services. Brain science tells us that infants from birth to five experience the most brain growth than at any other time in the lifespan. The responsibility to nurture brain development to its greatest potential is maximized when childcare providers are educated and current on the most effective methods to support those growing synapses. Apprenticeships, with their “learn while you earn” structure not only improve the quality of early childhood education but also help break generational cycles of poverty. Research shows that women reinvest up to 90% of their earnings into their households and communities, creating a ripple effect that enhances family stability and opens doors to better opportunities for the next generation (Source: Harvard Kennedy School, 2024). By fostering both economic growth and educational development, apprenticeships contribute to long-term resilience in underserved communities.
Employers partnering with apprentice programs like ECWC help ensure these apprenticeships succeed. By addressing barriers such as access to qualified mentorship, childcare, and financial support, these programs enable parents to thrive in their career pathways. Minton-Holmes notes that while funding for apprentices is often available, securing substantial financial support for mentors—a vital part of the apprenticeship process—remains a challenge in many states. Mentors guide apprentices in meeting Department of Labor and program standards and tracking apprentice progress, ensuring both program and career success.
Beyond ECE, disparities in women’s apprenticeships are evident across industries. In construction, women represent just 4.5% of apprentices but earn competitive median wages of $34 upon completion. Conversely, in fields like healthcare and social assistance, where women comprise 84.7% of apprentices, wages remain lower, and career growth opportunities are often limited. These examples underscore the need for tailored initiatives—such as mentorship, community outreach, and financial support—not only to help women succeed in their chosen fields but also to address systemic inequities that hinder workforce diversity and economic growth. (Source: U.S. Department of Education/Institute for Education Sciences (ERIC) Apprenticeship Report Findings)
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, the positive ripple effect of women in apprenticeships becomes clear. Investing in women apprentices is not only a matter of career growth; it’s an investment in families and communities. Programs like ECWC and the initiatives led by Midwest Urban Strategies demonstrate how apprenticeships can expand access, improve retention, and transform industries and communities alike. By supporting women through apprenticeships, we create a pathway to shared growth and resilience that benefits us all.
