President Rosenberg appointed to national task force on apprenticeship expansion 


FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg has been appointed as the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) representative on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion.

The task force was formed in response to an executive order signed by President Donald J. Trump earlier this summer to expand apprenticeships and vocational training, close the skills gap and reduce regulatory burdens on workforce development programs.

It includes 20 representatives from companies, trade and industry groups, educational institutions, and labor unions across the country who have substantial workforce development experience in addressing the nation’s skills gap.

“Mark Rosenberg’s innovative leadership in higher education and career readiness makes him an excellent choice to help our country expand opportunities that will lead to prosperity for many in our country,” said APLU President Peter McPherson, who nominated Rosenberg for the task force position.

Rosenberg is currently serving as chair of both the APLU’s Commission on Access, Diversity and Excellence (CADE) and Coalition of Urban Serving Universities (USU).

Chaired by Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta, the task force will identify strategies and proposals to promote apprenticeships, especially in sectors where apprenticeship programs are currently insufficient.

The task force’s final report to the president will offer recommendations on federal initiatives to promote apprenticeships, administrative and legislative reforms that would facilitate the formation and success of apprenticeship programs, the most effective strategies for creating industry-recognized apprenticeships, and the most effective strategies for amplifying and encouraging private-sector initiatives to promote apprenticeships.

“I am honored to have been selected,” Rosenberg said. “I am eager to work collaboratively to find solutions that will help us rethink education and job preparation in the United States for our 21st century workforce.”

For the full announcement, please click here.