Harris County officially recognized April 30 as National Apprenticeship Day, following a proclamation presented by County Judge Lina Hidalgo. The designation celebrates the vital role apprenticeships play in strengthening the local workforce and building economic opportunity across the region.
During a special event highlighting workforce development, Judge Hidalgo presented the proclamation flanked by regional labor leaders.
In the photo, standing to Judge Hidalgo’s left (on the right side of the image) is Paul Puente, Executive Secretary of the Houston Gulf Coast Building & Construction Trades Council and a member of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board. To her right (on the left side of the image) is Dale Sanford, Training Coordinator for Gulf Coast Built Rite Partnership, Inc.
The proclamation highlights the achievements of Harris County’s Apprenticeship Advantage program, a career-as-you-learn model offering on-the-job training and long-term employment pathways in industries like construction, information technology, and transportation. Since its launch, the program has enrolled more than 900 residents and helped nearly two-thirds secure full-time jobs, many from underserved communities.
According to the proclamation, apprenticeship programs in the county meet top national standards and have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and the White House. The economic impact is clear: participants contribute to local development while earning a living wage and gaining valuable skills.
The success of the program is made possible through strong partnerships with labor organizations, educational institutions, and federal support, including from the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Rescue Plan.
With the formal recognition of National Apprenticeship Day, Harris County joins a growing movement to elevate the importance of hands-on career training. Community leaders hope the designation will encourage more residents to explore apprenticeship opportunities.
