ACTING LABOR SECRETARY SONDERLING: A fast-track way to get a job without college debt
Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling highlights registered apprenticeships as a viable alternative to college for Americans burdened by student debt, emphasizing their potential to lead to high-paying jobs without the financial strain of higher education. Under President Donald Trump's administration, the Department of Labor is promoting apprenticeship programs as part of a broader workforce strategy to align training with employer needs. These earn-while-you-learn programs are being expanded through federal initiatives and partnerships with the Departments of Commerce and Education.
- ▪Over 42 million Americans hold student loan debt, totaling more than $1.6 trillion in federal loans.
- ▪The average student loan balance per borrower is around $40,000, with many graduates facing limited job prospects and low starting salaries.
- ▪President Trump issued an executive order aiming to create more than 1 million active apprenticeships in skilled trades.
- ▪The Department of Labor is collaborating with the Departments of Commerce and Education on 'America’s Talent Strategy' to align workforce training with industry demands.
- ▪Registered apprenticeships can lead to starting salaries of $86,000 in in-demand fields without requiring college attendance.
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Opinion ACTING LABOR SECRETARY SONDERLING: A fast-track way to get a job without college debt Registered apprenticeships offer 42 million student loan borrowers an earn-while-you-learn path to $86K starting salaries By Keith Sonderling Fox News Published May 1, 2026 5:00am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for April 30 Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com.
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