The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), in partnership with Tuskegee University, are announcing the launch of the nation’s first federal sponsored Student Apprenticeship Program. The new program aims to increase the talent pipeline for USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) from Minority-Serving Institutions and provide students with practical job experience.
Under the program, apprentices will participate in orientation, technical training, and onsite work experience at an AMS facility. Apprentices who complete the program will receive the equivalent of two years of academic training, a DOL Registered Apprenticeship certificate and a college degree.
“This apprenticeship is a groundbreaking initiative that will boost career readiness for students from underrepresented communities,” said USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt. “By aligning with the USDA’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, this initiative opens new pathways for students to gain valuable experience and strengthen their chances of securing federal positions and as a DOL Registered Apprenticeship Program, it will provide technical training and professional development to prepare exceptional workers to serve American agriculture.”
“Through this partnership with Tuskegee University, the Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Program will help connect students to the training and skills needed to expand equitable access to federal employment,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training José Javier Rodríguez. “This initiative advances the department’s commitment to help build a qualified, diverse, and inclusive workforce.”
AMS has collaborated with Tuskegee University for several years through the Student Enrichment Program to help students gain meaningful work experience, technical training, and the potential to launch successful careers as commodity graders within the USDA.
For more information about the National Student Apprenticeship Program, contact Retention Lead Rupert Richards in AMS’ Office of the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at rupertg.richards@usda.gov.