The U.S. Department of Labor finalized changes to federal apprenticeship regulations that eliminate requirements for registered apprenticeship programs to establish affirmative-action goals and provide mandatory anti-harassment training. Under the revised rules, participating employers must continue complying with federal and state anti-discrimination laws but face fewer program-specific obligations intended to promote equal employment opportunities. The changes represent a significant shift in federal oversight of workforce training programs, particularly in industries where apprenticeships serve as an important pathway into skilled trades. The rollback raises questions about how reduced regulatory requirements could affect workplace inclusion and protections against discrimination.
See "Labor Department Guts Discrimination Rules for Apprenticeships", George Weykamp, Bloomberg Law, November 9, 2026