From April 27–May 1, 2026, Manufacturing Works proudly joined partners across the country in celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, which is a time dedicated to recognizing the impact of registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs on individuals, employers, and our regional workforce.
For us, this week was about recognition and connection.
Bringing Apprenticeship to Life Onsite
Throughout the week, our team visited partner companies across Northeast Ohio, spending time directly with apprentices, mentors, and company leadership. These onsite visits provided a meaningful opportunity to see apprenticeship in action—on the shop floor and in everyday operations.
We had the opportunity to visit Beckett Thermal and Orlando Baking Company, alongside Danielle Vale, Regional Representative from the U.S. Department of Labor. These visits reinforced the critical role employers play in developing talent and showcased the real-world impact of apprenticeship programs.
Celebrating Our Apprentices and Employer Partners
National Apprenticeship Week is first and foremost about people. We were proud to celebrate the apprentices who are building skills to advance their career and the employers who are investing in their growth.
From hands-on learning to mentorship and career advancement, these programs are creating pathways to opportunity and building a stronger manufacturing workforce across our region.
We were also excited to see our apprenticeship partner, Re:Build Cutting Dynamics, take part in a national conversation by participating in a webinar hosted by Midwest Urban Strategies.
Their participation highlights the innovative work happening right here in our network and the growing national attention on apprenticeship as a workforce solution.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Opportunities in 2026
The momentum doesn’t stop with National Apprenticeship Week.
In 2026, Manufacturing Works continues to grow and evolve our programs to meet employer and learner needs. This includes:
- Expanding registered apprenticeship programs, including shorter-term and competency-based models
- Building new partnerships with employers and training providers
- Increasing access to both classroom and online learning opportunities
- Strengthening our network of training providers
At the same time, we are committed to expanding state-recognized pre-apprenticeship programs, offering hands-on experiences and career exploration opportunities for individuals at the start of their journey.
National Apprenticeship Week gave us the chance to celebrate how far we’ve come.
Together with our partners, we are building a stronger, more robust talent pipeline, one apprentice at a time.