President-elect Trump isn’t new to the White House, but this time he is inheriting a very different labor market outlook—one that is brimming with economic potential yet facing critical workforce shortages. Millions of jobs remain unfilled, hindering growth in vital sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. A viable solution to solve this dilemma is the nation’s oldest training model: apprenticeship.

Registered apprenticeships can bolster America’s workforce, strengthen the economy, and ease the impacts of inflation. This earn-and-learn model opens doors to the middle class by offering a high-quality alternative to a four-year degree. For apprentices, the route is more flexible and cost effective, and it’s specifically designed to align with a full-time job—and a path for continued advancement—on the other side. For employers across industries and sectors, apprenticeships aren’t just good for employee morale—they’re good for the bottom line. Businesses that invest in apprenticeships see an average return of $1.47 for every dollar spent, thanks to increased productivity, reduced waste, and greater innovation. 

But it’s no secret that America’s system is underfunded and underutilized. While countries like the UK, Australia, and France have far more apprentices per capita, the U.S. lags behind—leaving many employers and workers locked out of opportunity.  
 
During Trump’s previous term, his administration attempted to expand apprenticeship by issuing an executive order that created a parallel track to the nation’s registered apprenticeship system—reducing program requirements and regulations with the goal of encouraging more employer participation. However, concerns around program quality led to these investments being halted under the Biden Administration.

Now, President Trump has another chance to make apprenticeships a centerpiece of his workforce strategy. But if his administration wants to succeed, it should improve and expand the current system so more employers and workers can tap into its potential. To do this, the Trump Administration must prioritize three critical actions: increase funding, build awareness, and modernize the system.

First, boost funding and flexibility by offering financial incentives to employers to offset the costs of creating and sustaining apprenticeship programs. At the same time, invest in retention services like mentoring, transportation support, or childcare to help apprentices complete their programs successfully. Specific funding methods could include tax credits to employers, formula funds, pilot and innovation grants, expanded intermediary contracts to serve new sectors and populations, and dedicated funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). 

Second, build awareness with a national marketing campaign that refines current messaging. This effort should spotlight compelling, real-life success stories and expand the Department of Labor’s Apprentice Ambassador program to inspire both businesses and workers to participate.

Finally, modernize the system to make it more employer-friendly and accessible through simplifying registration processes and data reporting to reduce bureaucratic barriers; enabling reciprocity across state lines so talent can flourish anywhere; embracing competency-based models that let apprentices progress at their own pace and expanding “on-ramps” like pre-apprenticeship programs to help more individuals—especially underrepresented groups—prepare for and thrive in registered apprenticeships.

And the Trump Administration does not have to look far for examples of success to replicate and scale. Across the country, states and regions are already paving the way by implementing policies and practices that align to these actions.  

Take Colorado for example: The state recently enacted an apprenticeship tax credit aimed at small businesses. Employers with less than 50 employees who create a registered apprenticeship program are eligible for up to $12,600 annually in tax credits per apprentice. This is a much-needed incentive to help small businesses overcome the skilled labor shortage and ensure that apprenticeships are a viable option for employers of all sizes.

In Indiana, the state announced a bold initiative to create a statewide youth apprenticeship pathway, aiming to serve 50K students by 2034. If successful, the state could build a talent pipeline that would transform Indiana into an “employer hub,” creating an attractive environment for industry looking to expand current business or entrepreneurs looking to launch new ones.

Lastly, in Maine the nation’s first aquaculture apprenticeship was registered. This program not only addresses labor shortages in one of the state’s most historic and critical industries but also helps protect the environment, creates new entrepreneurial opportunities, and makes it possible for workers to buy homes and lay down roots in the communities where they work. The inclusion of robust retention services, credit bearing opportunities, pre-apprenticeship, and targeted support for employers has helped this program steadily grow year by year.  
 
Its clear apprenticeship offers a key to unlocking a brighter future for America’s workforce. By boosting investment, raising awareness, and modernizing the system, the Trump Administration has an opportunity to create a stronger, more inclusive economy—one where every worker has access to a rewarding career and every business has the talent it needs to thrive. 

Let’s seize this moment to build a stronger, more prosperous America, one apprenticeship at a time. 

Vanessa Bennett is a director at the Center for Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning at JFF, and Taylor Maag is a director of workforce policy at the organization.