Policy
PIA works with apprenticeship intermediaries, local and state workforce boards, vocational rehabilitation centers and other partners to support policies & innovative best practices that promote effective inclusion and apprenticeship programs. We also provide guidance to employers, intermediaries, and others to help them proactively comply with laws and regulations such as the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) rules.
Resources
EEO Regulations: What You Should Know
All sponsors of RAPs have a general duty to engage in steps to ensure they provide equal opportunity to all apprentices and apprenticeship candidates, regardless of disability status, race, gender, and ethnicity.
Building Inclusive Apprenticeships in the Clean Energy Sector
The clean energy sector is expanding but companies are struggling to find skilled workers. This spotlight series features reports, infographics, and other resources exploring how inclusive apprenticeship programs can build a pipeline of diverse, untapped talent to fill a broad range of jobs in this growing sector.
Veteran’s Spotlight: Creating Jobs Through Apprenticeship
More than a quarter (26%) of U.S. Veterans report having a service-connected disability. Inclusive apprenticeship programs can foster pathways to jobs in high-growth, high-demand (HGHD) industries and prepare Veterans with disabilities to have successful careers.
Policy Brief: Leveraging Public Funding to Grow Apprenticeships for All
Apprentice utilization policies hold potential to create more demand for apprentices in emerging U.S. industries.
Think Tank Report: Expanding Inclusive and Accessible Apprenticeships for Black People with Disabilities
This report summarizing findings from PIA’s 2022 Think Tank provides a roadmap for key stakeholders to help drive the career advancement of Black people with disabilities in high-growth, high-demand fields through apprenticeship. The report’s takeaways align with the nation’s goals to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) and emphasize the importance of developing partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institituions (MSIs).
AIM Policy and Practice Resources
The Apprenticeship Inclusion Models (AIM) initiative was a two-year project funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy. AIM developed Policy and Practice Resources to help employers and apprenticeship sponsors foster and scale up inclusive apprenticeship programs.
Success Stories: How Inclusive Apprenticeships Advanced the Careers of People with Disabilities
Past apprentices share how participating inclusive apprenticeship programs helped them launch their careers in high-growth, high-demand industries.
Policy Brief: Disability Inclusion in Registered Apprenticeship Programs
The number of people with disabilities participating in apprenticeships is growing, but apprenticeship programs still struggle to meet the Department of Labor’s 7% goal of inclusion. Federal and State Governments are committing resources to expand apprenticeship opportunities for underserved populations, including people with disabilities. (Published by Disability Inclusive Employment Policy Rehabilitation Research and Training Center)
Featured Resources
Apprenticeship for All Podcast
Donna Lenhoff, attorney, advisor, policy architect, and U.S.Department of Labor (DOL) policy implementer, discusses the benefit of registered apprenticeships and the impact of public policy. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript
EEO Toolkit
The U.S. Department of Labor has set a utilization goal for sponsors of Registered Apprenticeship Programs: 7% of individuals enrolled should be individuals with disabilities. Follow the guidance in PIA’s Apprenticeship Equal Employment Opportunity Toolkit, which will help put businesses on the path toward reaching the 7% goal and complying with USDOL’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations for Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Go to the EEO Toolkit.