U.S. Secretary of Labor Visits Phelps ACE High School Career Fair During National Apprenticeship Week

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia visited Phelps ACE High School’s career fair to meet with high school students as part of National Apprenticeship Week. The mentoring and networking career fair was sponsored by the DC Students Construction Trades Foundation, which sponsors accredited technical education for high school youth and registered apprenticeship instruction classes for industry workers.

“Today’s visit to Phelps ACE High School deepened my appreciation of the positive impact apprenticeships can have for young Americans in this historically strong job market,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “More than 600,000 apprentices have been hired since January 2017, and as we celebrate the Fifth Annual National Apprenticeship Week, we remain committed to expanding apprenticeships and workforce investment across all industries. By encouraging cooperation between educators and the private sector, we can foster a brighter future for young workers.”

Phelps ACE High School provides hands-on education, preparing students for careers and post-secondary education. Originally established in 1912, it is the first public high school in the country to offer both college preparatory and vocational education dedicated solely to construction trades. Phelps’s close working relationship with various companies allows students the opportunity to meet with representatives from apprenticeship-related programs, including electrical, architecture, HVAC, and carpentry.

President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation regarding NAW 2019, and proclamations from governors, mayors, state legislators, and numerous industries and labor unions have also affirmed their commitment to apprenticeships.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.