Join ODEP and EARN for a webinar:

Virtual Only

Apprenticeships unlock career pathways. They combine paid work experience with classroom instruction, preparing workers for high-demand jobs in high growth, high demand industries, including manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure. These are sectors central to national competitiveness and economic stability. To grow and to thrive in today’s economy, employers in all industries need a highly skilled workforce. Supporting Americans with disabilities as apprentices helps industries and the nation stay competitive globally. The Office of Disability Employment Policy’s Job Accommodation Network, known as JAN, and Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability, known as EARN, are your partners in supporting apprentice success. EARN will share strategies on how to leverage youth and workers with disabilities as apprentices to meet workforce needs and boost productivity. JAN will share how accommodations support the journey of an apprentice from a learner to skilled professional. Reasonable accommodations ensure apprenticeships are available for all Americans, including those with disabilities. Learn more about what accommodations work for pre-apprenticeships and work-based learning programs, the role of Registered Apprenticeships where workers earn while they learn, and how accommodations support the employment journey.

Attendees will:

– Understand what apprenticeship is and its importance to building a skilled workforce
– Learn how to recruit youth and workers with disabilities
– Identify the benefits of disability employment for employers
– Explore the benefits of apprenticeship to Americans with disabilities
– Apply successful accommodation strategies across the apprentice journey

Speakers: Julie Hocker, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor (invited); Ellice Switzer, Senior Extension Associate, Development and Dissemination Team, EARN; Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant, JAN