Trump’s commitment to apprenticeships: A pathway to prosperity for the working class
In the wake of President Donald Trump’s eventful first month back in the White House, little attention has been given to his nominee for labour Secretary, Lori Chavez-DeRemer—one of his least contentious cabinet picks. However, Chavez-DeRemer plays a crucial role in fulfilling one of Trump’s key campaign promises: supporting the working class. During her Senate confirmation hearing today, her potential to modernise and expand apprenticeships emerged as a focal point.
When Trump nominated Chavez-DeRemer last November, he expressed his intention to collaborate with her in expanding training and apprenticeships. Chavez-DeRemer’s experience in modernising registered apprenticeships—a government-backed scheme combining classroom education with hands-on experience—positions her well to drive meaningful change. These programmes provide a direct route to well-paid jobs and economic mobility.
As a Republican representative from oregon for two years, Chavez-DeRemer was a proponent of reforming the national apprenticeship Act, a law originally passed in 1937 to establish a national apprenticeship system. She was also part of a bipartisan initiative behind the LEAP Act, which aimed to offer tax benefits to employers hiring apprentices.
Currently, around 680,000 Americans participate in registered apprenticeships annually—more than the combined student population of the nine largest public universities. However, these programmes receive only a fraction of the government support allocated to higher education. Despite their proven effectiveness, apprenticeships account for a mere 0.3% of the U.S. workforce. According to Labour Department research, apprenticeship graduates see a 49% increase in earnings, while employers enjoy a 144% return on their investment in training.
The overemphasis on highereducation
America’s disproportionate emphasis on university education has left vocational training overlooked. Consequently, 45% of graduates find themselves underemployed, and student debt has soared to a staggering $1.7 trillion—an average of nearly $38,000 per borrower.
This focus on university education often excludes those unable to afford it or those who thrive in practical learning environments. Apprenticeships present an alternative route to success, allowing individuals to ‘earn and learn’ while securing stable, well-paid careers. According to labour department data, the average apprenticeship graduate earns approximately $80,000 annually and enjoys a 90% employment retention rate.
Steps to strengthen apprenticeships
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Researchers at the Urban Institute, an independent policy organisation, propose several steps that Chavez-DeRemer could take to help the working class:
- Funding apprenticeships on par with higher education
Aiming for 1 million additional apprenticeships would mean raising participation to 1.68 million—a significant increase. In fiscal year 2023, Congress allocated tens of billions to higher education but only $285 million to apprenticeships. The National Apprenticeship Act of 2023 proposed $770 million annually to create 1 million apprenticeships within five years. However, achieving meaningful growth requires even bolder investment. - Matching global standards
The united states lags behind other nations in apprenticeship investment. A 2025 report by apprenticeships for america highlights that while the U.S. spends a fraction of what it should, the UK allocates $3.4 billion and germany $7.2 billion towards apprenticeships. - Incentivising employers
Many industry leaders cite the upfront costs of apprenticeships as a barrier to adoption. Chavez-DeRemer could work with congress to introduce a streamlined federal tax benefit to offset these expenses. An urban Institute study in 2023 revealed that financial incentives in eight states significantly increased employer participation in apprenticeships, particularly benefiting small businesses. - Raising awareness
Many students and parents remain unaware of apprenticeship opportunities beyond the construction industry. The UK addressed this challenge by launching a national awareness campaign in 2014. As a result, the country offered 736,000 apprenticeships in the 2023-24 academic year—despite having just one-fifth of the U.S. population. With effective marketing, apprenticeships could gain the same popularity as university education.
A path to economic success
Chavez-DeRemer and congress have a unique opportunity to fulfil Trump’s promises to the working class by placing apprenticeships on an equal footing with university education. Investing in apprenticeships would provide a solid path to economic success for millions of americans.
Zach Boren is a senior fellow at the urban institute and formerly served as a director in the department of labour’s office of apprenticeship.
John Marotta is a senior policy associate at the urban institute, focusing on workforce and economic development policies.
