Austin Community College (ACC) invites faculty and staff to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), taking place April 26 through May 2, 2026. This year’s celebration is especially significant as it aligns with the nation’s 250th anniversary, highlighting the role of the Registered Apprenticeship Program in strengthening the workforce, expanding career pathways, and supporting economic mobility.

The 2026 theme, America at Work: Making America Skilled Again Through Registered Apprenticeship, reflects a renewed national focus on preparing learners for high-demand, skilled careers through hands-on, earn-while-you-learn opportunities. As part of this effort, NAW also supports a national goal of reaching one million apprentices, reinforcing the importance of expanding access to these impactful programs.

At ACC, this work is already making an impact across our programs and student experiences.

“National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to highlight how hands-on learning connects our students to meaningful careers. Through apprenticeships, students gain valuable experience while building confidence and advancing toward their goals,” says Andrea DeLeon, Apprenticeship Coordinator for the Office of Experiential Learning.

Explore Apprenticeship Opportunities at ACC

Throughout the month of April, ACC will feature a variety of events and engagement opportunities designed to connect students, faculty, and industry partners. While event offerings vary, participants can expect:

  • Career fairs connecting students with local employers
  • Interactive, hands-on demonstrations across technical and workforce programs
  • Career readiness workshops and information sessions
  • Opportunities to explore apprenticeship pathways across industries

These events are designed to support students at every stage, from career exploration to job placement, while highlighting the value of applied learning experiences.

View all upcoming events and their details on ACC’s Apprenticeships Events web page. 

Help Students Get Involved & Learn More

Faculty are encouraged to share these opportunities with students and, where applicable, integrate apprenticeship awareness into classroom conversations. Apprenticeships offer a powerful pathway for students to gain real-world experience while advancing their education. As the nation works to expand the Registered Apprenticeship Program to one million learners, ACC plays an important role in connecting students to meaningful, career-aligned experiences. 

ACC apprentices are also invited to share their experience. Registered Apprentices can submit a testimonial or photo and complete a consent form to receive a $50 gift card. Submissions may be featured to help inspire future apprentices and highlight student success. For more information, please email Andrea DeLeon at [email protected].

To explore apprenticeship programs and a full list of all upcoming events, visit the ACC Apprenticeships website.