The Office of Apprenticeship is proud to recognize and celebrate the wide range of diversity in our apprenticeship workforce throughout the year. Our calendar below features unique celebratory heritage months, important legislative milestones, as well as celebratory days that highlight talents in different industries and occupations. The many facets of diversity - race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, and religion, to name a few - contribute to our vibrant, talented, and innovative American workforce.
National Mentoring Month
Mentoring is a critical component of every Registered Apprenticeship program. For youth in particular, mentoring supports positive development, academic success, engagement in extracurricular activities, and connections to new opportunities. Learn More
Black History Month
This month serves as a dedicated time to understand Black histories, going beyond narratives of slavery and racism to spotlight Black achievement. It is significant to many people because it serves as a time to reflect on more than 400 years of Black history and amplifies all of the accomplishments and contributions to American culture and advancement over the years. OA is proud to celebrate and honor Black people who enrich our workplaces each and every day. Learn more
American Heart Month
World Cancer Day (February 4)
National Caregivers Day (February 16)
Phlebotomists Recognition Week (February 12 - 16)
Women's History Month
In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project for being only a week long, Congress passed a publication which selected the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Since then, each president has issued annual proclamations noting the month of March for national recognition. These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific accomplishments women have made over the progression of American history across a wide range of fields.
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
1987 sparked several recognition proclamations, lending to one of important notoriety, the recognition of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This month was proclaimed to destigmatize those with developmental disabilities. Since then, the goal has been to continue to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life, as well as awareness to the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities and workplaces in which they live.
National Social Workers' Month
Women in Construction Week (March 4 - 10)
National Worship of Tools Day (March 11)
World Plumbing Day (March 11)
Certified Nurse Day (March 19)
Healthcare HR Week (March 11 - 17)
Second Chance Month
Recently, President Biden initiated a nationwide support effort to provide a clean slate that can help people move beyond the collateral penalties of a criminal conviction. Under the Second Chance Act, individuals are able to have a chance to diminish backsliding into previous acts of deviance. The Second Chance Act permits federal grants for reentry services that include employment and housing assistance, substance use treatment, family programming, and mentoring. These services are designed to ease individuals’ transition from detention or treatment back into their communities.
Celebrate Diversity Month
Beginning in 2004, April was chosen to commemorate and honor the diversity that makes up our unique cultures, backgrounds and traditions that we are made up of, and interact with. We are encouraged to appreciate the wonderful differences and similarities surrounding us. By doing so, helps to have a deeper understanding of one another, and to build connections outside of our traditions. OA is proud to celebrate and recognize diversity, equity, and inclusion in apprenticeship. Visit our diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility page to learn more.
National Arab American Heritage Month
NAAHM is a time for cherishing the history, contributions, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans. An occasion to enrich understanding of the nuanced and diverse aspects of Arab American heritage. During the month, individuals and organizations celebrate the rich history, cultural influences and contributions of Arab Americans.
Counseling Awareness Month
National Rebuilding Day (April 27)
Week of the Young Child (April 6 - 12)
National Healthcare Volunteer Week (April 15 - 22)
National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (April 22 - 26)
Asian American and Pacific Islander Month
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played an integral role in American history since the first immigrants arrived in the U.S following the California Gold Rush. In 1978, Congress assisted in originating the month of celebration. Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
National Military Appreciation Month
In 1999, Congress designated the month of May as National Military Appreciation Month, including in the text of the declaration that May was to be a “symbol of unity, to honor the current and former members of the Armed Forces, including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom and peace.” Every year the president signs a proclamation making it official, and that kicks off a month of gratitude for the men and women who have served in uniform over the years. OA is proud to support transitioning service members and veterans. Visit our Service Member and Veterans page to learn more.
Jewish Heritage Month
Each year in May in recognition of the contributions of the American Jewish community to our country’s history and society, the Unites States celebrates Jewish Heritage Month. The month of May was selected as a result of the very successful celebration of the 350th Anniversary of American Jewish History in May 2004.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness, or at least having a relationship with an affected individual. During May, the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) joins the national crusade to raise awareness and promote resources around mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.
National Skilled Trades Day (May 1)
National Nurses Day (May 6)
National Nurses Week (May 6 - 12)
National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6 - 10)
National Teacher Appreciation Day (May 7)
National Skilled Nursing Care Center Week (May 12 - 18)
Women's Health Week (May 12 - 18)
National Hospital Week (May 12 - 18)
World Telecommunication Day (May 17)
LGBTQ / Pride Month
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a turning point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. Initially, in the United States celebrated the last Sunday in June as "Gay Pride Day," but the actual day was flexible. In major cities across the nation the "day" soon grew to cover a month-long series of events. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, and concerts. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The annual celebratory month is to recognize the influence that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, and across the globe.
Caribbean Heritage Month
Caribbean American Heritage Month was established to generate and publicize knowledge about the contributions of Caribbean people to the United States. This year marks the fourteenth celebration of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month.
National Immigrant Heritage Month
America is, and has always will be a country made up of immigrants, and immigrant descendants. Since June of 2014, Immigrant Heritage Month has given people across the United States an opportunity to annually explore their own heritage and celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story of America.
National Career Nursing Assistants' Day (June 10)
National Nursing Assistant Week (June 10 - 17)
Certified Nursing Assistants Week (June 10 - 14)
Men's Health Week (June 11 - 17)
National HVAC Tech Day (June 22)
Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary (July 26)
The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. We are proud to celebrate the 1990 landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) legislation. The Office of Apprenticeship is proud to partner with DOL's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces.
National Tape Measure Day (July 14)
Black Women's Equal Pay Day (July 27)
87 Years of Registered Apprenticeship (August 16)
Women's Equality Day (August 26)
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15)
National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. During this month and throughout the year, OA is pleased to join our government peers and partners, to share history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present, all across the U.S. workforce.
Childhood Cancer Month
Workforce Development Month
National Tradesmen Day (September 15)
National IT Professionals Day (September 19)
National Coding Week (September 18 - 22)
Native American Day (September 22)
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Held each October to commemorate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy, OA is proud to partner with the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy to recognize this important month. The theme for NDEAM 2021, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” reflects the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Browse the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy’s website for ideas and resources for employers, community organizations, state and local governments, advocacy groups and schools to participate in celebrating NDEAM through events and activities centered around the theme of “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.”
Global Diversity Awareness Month
OA recognizes the diverse minds and beliefs held by all cultures around the world. Further, we recognize that we live in a multicultural society. Embracing the values of various cultures only strengthens our understanding and appreciation of the world in our workplaces and communities. This month-long recognition encourages individuals get curious about new views and ideas, appreciate cultural differences, and consider a fresh perspective to help you become a true citizen of the world.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
OA recognizes this month as a time to build awareness about the wide range of cybersecurity job opportunities, how cybersecurity plays a vital role in global society and showcase how building a global workforce enhances each nation’s security and promotes economic prosperity. Learn more about the field of cybersecurity in apprenticeship.
World Teachers Day (October 5)
World Architecture Day (October 7)
Fire Prevention Day (October 9)
Cybersecurity Awareness Week (October 16 - 21)
Pharmacy Technician Day (October 17)
Medical Assistants Recognition Week (October 16 - 20)
National Native American Heritage Month
America is a vast land of many cultures dating back thousands of years to the original inhabitants of the land. History, heritage, or culture of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians are part of every national park and communities across the country today. Every November during Native American Heritage Month and throughout the year, our government peers and partners share history and the continuing culture of America's indigenous peoples. Learn how Cristina RedBear, a boilermaker apprentice, found community, fulfillment, and happiness in her apprenticeship.
Homecare and Hospice Month
National Family Caregivers Month
National Apprenticeship Week (November 13 - 19)
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is a nationwide celebration that brings together business leaders, career seekers, labor, educational institutions, and other critical partners to demonstrate their support for apprenticeship. NAW also provides apprenticeship sponsors with the opportunity to showcase their programs, facilities, and apprentices in their community. Learn more about NAW and find out what NAW activities are happening in your community by visiting our National Apprenticeship Week information.
Allied Health Professionals Week (November 6 - 10)
STEM Day (November 8)
Veterans Day (November 11)
Home Care Aid Week (November 13 - 17)
World AIDS Day (December 1)
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3)
National Handwashing Awareness Week (December 3 - 9)
Human Rights Day (December 10)