EXCLUSIVE: Labor Secretary Sonderling points to apprenticeship programs like Ford’s as manufacturing wins

Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling pointed to apprenticeship programs like those developed with major manufacturers as a model for connecting Americans with high-paying jobs and supporting the Trump administration’s manufacturing agenda. 

The comments came during an interview with the Washington Reporter when Sonderling was asked about Ford’s work with workforce training programs and how the Department of Labor plans to partner with major domestic and international employers during what President Trump has called a new American manufacturing boom.

Ford has been among the companies investing in American production and workforce development as manufacturers expand operations across the country.

Asked how he wants the Department of Labor to work with companies such as Ford on apprenticeships and workforce initiatives, Sonderling said the administration is focused on ensuring Americans are prepared to fill the jobs being created by a wave of new investment.

“We’re seeing trillions of dollars in investments from foreign countries, from foreign companies, and domestic companies saying we believe in what this administration wants to do: we want manufacturing back in America, and we want Americans to get those jobs,” Sonderling said.

To meet that demand, the Department of Labor is encouraging apprenticeship programs that allow workers to earn wages while receiving training tailored to employers’ needs.

“What we’re really trying to push at the Department of Labor is apprenticeships,” Sonderling said.

He described a model in which companies work with local community colleges, universities, and high schools to integrate workforce training directly into educational programs. Employers commit to training workers and paying them while they learn, allowing students to enter the workforce without accumulating significant debt.

“They are really working with local community colleges, with local academic universities, and with high schools to integrate that curriculum and that training, all while providing a debt-free way for students to get immediately in the workforce,” Sonderling said.

According to Sonderling, more than 400,000 new registered apprenticeships have been created under the administration, along with more than 3,300 new apprenticeship programs.

“The average starting salary for these jobs is $86,000 with zero debt,” Sonderling said.

The administration has made expanding domestic manufacturing one of its top economic priorities, arguing that increased investment in American production will strengthen supply chains, create jobs, and expand economic opportunity for workers.

Sonderling said the success of apprenticeship programs depends on cooperation between employers and educational institutions.

“It takes buy-in not only from the employers but from the academic institutions as well,” he said.

As manufacturers continue announcing investments across the country, administration officials view apprenticeship programs as a key tool for ensuring American workers are prepared to take advantage of new opportunities created by the manufacturing expansion.