Bridging the Gap: How Unions and Apprenticeship Programs are Speaking to the Concerns of the Next Generation
The circumstances impacting the economy have changed significantly over the past decade, but the core issue remains the same: It’s difficult to secure a good-paying job with benefits that lead to a secure retirement.
For many younger Americans, the answer to this challenge lies in joining a union, an apprenticeship program, or both.
Americans born during and after the early 1980s face significant financial hurdles. Their interest in unions stems not only from their financial struggles but also from their desire to advocate for social justice on issues like climate change, reproductive rights, and gun control, which unions increasingly address through their broader social agendas.
These combined economic and social concerns make unions attractive, offering both economic security and a means to affect societal change for a generation that is committed to making a positive impact.
The appeal of unions to younger generations
Data from Gallup’s annual Labor Day Poll shows that the majority of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 strongly approve of unions. This fact might seem surprising, but it speaks to an ideological shift that’s been gaining ground ever since the Great Recession of 2008. The steady decline of decent-paying blue collar jobs, exorbitant costs of college (and shriveling job opportunities in the humanities or social science sectors), and an increasingly exclusionary housing market have all contributed to the rebirth of worker-power sentiment in younger people who are looking to expand their options.
Beyond prioritizing earning decent wages (a Cornell University study revealed that union members earn about $1 million more over the course of their careers compared to non-union workers), younger workers increasingly place a high emphasis on fair scheduling, time off for family, and the ability to communicate openly with employers. Unions address these concerns directly by negotiating better working conditions and ensuring that employees’ voices are heard. All this combines to create a strong sentiment among young adults in the United States that “labor unions have a positive effect on the way things are going in the country” (Pew research).
Where it’s happening: The rise of apprenticeship programs
More and more younger Americans are engaging in unionization efforts across various sectors, reflecting their desire for fair treatment, better working conditions, and equitable pay. One path to union status is through apprenticeships, many of which are administered by labor unions.
Apprenticeship programs are on the rise as an alternative to the typical “success escalator” that purports the college track as the only path to sustainable income. The U.S. department of labor reported that the number of apprentices in both the public and private sectors rose 64% between 2012 and 2021; in July 2024 the Biden-Harris administration awarded more than $244 million to modernize, diversify, and expand registered apprenticeships in growing industries in response to the fervor for access to good jobs that create real security among young Americans.
These dramatic increases in funding and public appreciation for apprenticeships reflect a growing awareness among employers and potential employees alike that apprenticeships aren’t just for the skilled labor trades, like construction, plumbing, and carpentry. These programs are relevant to anyone interested in securing a job that prioritizes aptitude over degree, and they extend throughout a broad range of industries: finance and business, healthcare, hospitality, arts and media, education, agriculture, tech, and more.
With the ongoing college-loan debt crisis, many younger citizens are reconsidering the “college-for-all” mentality, and apprenticeships offer an attractive alternative. Apprentices earn a living while they train and can even earn an associate’s degree on company time without incurring any debt. Companies also stand to gain by recruiting talented people while they are young and driven and building a culture based on reciprocal respect and opportunity. When employees know their employer is invested in their future, they’re more likely to stay long term.
How to get involved: What joining an apprenticeship program looks like today
If you’re interested in joining an apprenticeship program, here are a few things you can do to get started.
1. Get clear about your desired position and industry.
The first step to finding the right apprenticeship program is deciding what kind of position you want to have. Consider your talents, passions, and areas of interest to help figure out how you want to direct your energy and what kind of training you’re interested in receiving.
2. Find a program.
After you’ve figured out what career path makes the most sense for you, you’ll need to start searching for the right program that will make that vision a reality. The U.S. Department of Labor has an online registry of apprenticeship programs across the United States. NABTU also has in depth resources available on their apprenticeship programs. Check out what kinds of programs are being offered at area colleges, call the trade or labor unions in your area, or seek out a professional in your desired field who can offer you guidance.
3. Be proactive.
Research the field you’re interested in and learn the basics. Podcasts, YouTube, and even Reddit can be great educational resources (sometimes the informal digital spaces offer the most niche insights). Get involved in online communities that pertain to your vocational interest and familiarize yourself with other professionals in that space. Having a bit of working knowledge about your desired field will help you draw connections with any prior work experience you have, which is useful when creating a compelling resumé (apprenticeship programs can be competitive).
4. Invest in relationships.
Unions and apprenticeship programs operate on the basis of a “one for all, all for one” mentality. Be generous with others as you work your way up, stay open to correction and growth, and encourage your fellow members and/or apprentices. The quality of your relationships impacts the quality of your work, and as every union member knows, the quality of your work impacts the quality of your life.
Trending into lasting change
The younger generation views unionizing and apprenticeship programs as practical tools to combat income inequality, ensure fair treatment, and advocate for environmental sustainability and social justice within the workplace.
In the long run, the push away from the stereotypical path to success among younger workers could lead to significant transformations in corporate culture and labor relations. As this trend gains momentum, it has the potential to create a ripple effect, inspiring other generations and sectors to follow suit, and ultimately contributing to a more equitable and prosperous society.