Nebraska Marks National Apprenticeship Week 2026
Lincoln, NE– Nebraska businesses, educational institutions and workforce partners celebrated National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) with a series of events and proclamations throughout the state. NAW is held from April 26 to May 2, 2026.
More than 35 events and activities showcased how apprenticeships help employers find new talent and give workers a clear pathway to high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand careers. Apprenticeships let people learn valuable skills on the job, earn while they learn, and find steady, rewarding work in a broad cross section of industries.
Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber took part in proclamation ceremonies at both the Lincoln and Omaha American Job Centers, which featured city officials, colleges, employers, and community partners. Open houses across the state provided employers opportunities to learn about apprenticeships.
“Nebraska’s future is bright because of the opportunities Registered Apprenticeships create,” said Commissioner Katie Thurber. “By working together, we’re ensuring Nebraskans have access to high-quality careers, and our employers have the skilled workforce they need.”
Governor Pillen signed an Apprenticeship Week Proclamation stressing that Registered Apprenticeships “develop the highly skilled workforce that employers need and create pathways for Americans to catapult into in-demand, high-paying careers.”
Nebraska is growing its apprenticeship programs through Governor Jim Pillen’s Good Life, Great Careers Initiative, working to register 6,000 new apprentices by 2030. Registered Apprenticeship programs are available across many fields, including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, IT, construction, and transportation. Jobs like registered nurse, electrician, software developer, welder, and truck driver are just a few examples.
“Registered Apprenticeship programs are uniquely able to meet the changing demands of the Nebraska economy,” the Governor’s proclamation reads.
Thursday’s proclamation at the American Job Center of Lancaster and Saunders County included a panel discussion moderated by Commissioner Thurber. Kawasaki Motors Corporate Manager Jim Townsend highlighted ways that apprenticeships have benefited the company, including the high retention rate of employees who have completed them.
“The earn and learn concept is the best approach,” Townsend said. “It’s turned out to be a great model.”
Southeast Community College Apprenticeship Program Director Twilya L’Ecuyer discussed the launch of a statewide manufacturing credential in partnership with Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Council (NeMAC), the Nebraska Chamber, NDOL, and all of the state’s community colleges.
“This program opens doors to people who didn’t consider manufacturing as a career,” L’Ecuyer said.
She also highlighted the benefits of apprenticeships in general. “If you recruit someone and want to skill develop them, that’s where apprenticeships are going to explode,” she said.
Kawasaki employee and former apprentice Aaron Rios said the apprenticeship pathway is worth the effort and has allowed him to increase his earnings while growing his career. “The feeling of accomplishment makes it all worth it in the end,” he said.
Commissioner Thurber emphasized the positive outcomes of solid collaboration between industry, education, and workforce partners. “When businesses and communities work together, the state’s workforce becomes stronger, and apprenticeships play a key role in that progress,” she said.
To learn more about apprenticeships in Nebraska, visit dol.nebraska.gov, email NDOL.Apprenticeship@nebraska.gov or complete the interest form.
NDOL news releases are accessible online at dol.nebraska.gov
Photos:
- From left: Ronesha Love, Operations Manager, American Job Center of Lancaster and Saunders County; Twilya L’Ecuyer, Apprenticeship Program Director, Southeast Community College; Dylan Wren, Workforce Administrator, American Job Center of Lancaster and Saunders County; Aaron Rios, former apprentice and current employee at Kawasaki; Commissioner Thurber; and Jim Townsend, Corporate Manager, Kawasaki
- Jim Bulkley, Columbus Mayor (left), and Bernie Hansen, Regional Reemployment Services Manager, receiving National Apprenticeship Week Proclamation at the Columbus City Council meeting
- From left: Delta Wilson, Registered Apprenticeship Program Coordinator; Jim Nisley, North Platte Council President; and Brent LeClair, Regional Reemployment Services Manager, receiving National Apprenticeship Week Proclamation in North Platte.