Trade Hounds was honored to receive a shoutout during the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Apprenticeship Week 2026 webinar, where Natasha Sherwood, Workforce Development Director of the Independent Electrical Contractors Association (IEC), highlighted the importance of industry partners working together to elevate the skilled trades.
“We need 80,000 apprentices every year just to handle the data centers alone. IEC is really trying to meet that need,” said Natasha. “So, we really enjoy working with partners like Trade Hounds, a social media app where individuals can learn about the skilled trades.”
Trade Hounds is proud to support IEC’s mission to strengthen apprenticeship pathways and to help shine a spotlight on electrical careers as high-paying, future-proof opportunities for both young people and adults looking to transition careers.
“We're always trying to make sure that we are staying ahead of what's going on and trying to bring those along with us. We are just excited to be part of this and how we can amplify that voice because we also know that a rising tide raises all boats. So, if we can get people to consider apprenticeship, we're all going to do better,” said Natasha.
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) will be held April 26–May 2, 2026. It’s a nationwide celebration led by the U.S. Department of Labor to showcase how Registered Apprenticeships create strong career pathways and meet urgent workforce needs across industries, including the skilled trades.
“We’re doing a social media competition where apprentices are going to post about what they’re doing every day using the hashtags for National Apprenticeship Week,” said Natasha. “We’re providing toolkits, gifts and giveaways from our sponsors. Signing days are huge. We're doing those with transitioning students, military and our juvenile justice programs.”
Natasha also explained that many schools are hosting graduations during National Apprenticeship Week. “My favorite memory may be my first year as a director of a program. I was standing on one corner and this lady locked eyes, ran across the room. I mean l thought I was about get tackled. She picked me up, swung me around the room and said, ‘my child never graduated from anything and now he makes more money than I ever did.’”
Natasha added she will be launching PACE AI with a pre-apprenticeship program. PACE AI supports learners who speak English as a second language by translating IEC curriculum into 250 different languages.
Since its launch in 2015, National Apprenticeship Week has played a critical role in expanding awareness and participation in Registered Apprenticeship programs nationwide. Over the past decade, more than 2.8 million new Registered Apprentices have entered the system, active apprenticeship programs have increased by 27%, and participation has grown across every major industry.
According to ApprenticeshipUSA data, Registered Apprenticeships deliver proven results for both workers and employers. Employers see an average 44.3% return on investment, 90% of apprentices remain employed after completing their program, apprentices earn an average of $80,000 per year after completion, and workers gain an estimated $300,000 or more in lifetime earnings advantage. For every $1 of public investment, taxpayers see $28 in benefits.
The electrical trade sits at the center of America’s infrastructure and technology future—and the need for skilled electricians has never been greater. Demand is accelerating due to the rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers, grid modernization, and increased investment in advanced manufacturing and electrification projects.
At the same time, the industry faces a significant labor gap, with a large portion of the current electrical workforce expected to retire within the next decade. Registered Apprenticeship programs supported by organizations like IEC are essential to closing this gap by delivering hands-on training, mentorship, and portable credentials that prepare workers for long-term success.
Trade Hounds exists to increase visibility for the trades, connect contractors with skilled workers, and elevate real stories from the field. Trade Hounds recently released a new section in the app called the "toolbelt" to make it easier for tradespeople to make money and save time. Free tools include an AI chatbot that helps tradespeople learn and locate products at nearby supply houses. It includes a Compare Your Billing tool that uses crowdsourced data to help tradespeople and contractors know how much they should charge their customers so they don't leave money on the table. The toolbelt includes a job board where contractors can list job openings for free. Trade Hounds is also preparing to launch a free material ordering tool.
By partnering with IEC, Trade Hounds helps promote apprenticeships as a first-choice career path, highlight the earning power and stability of electrical careers, reach younger audiences and career switchers online, and strengthen contractor recruiting efforts.
Trade Hounds applauds IEC and workforce leaders for championing apprenticeships. We are proud to stand alongside organizations working to ensure the electrical trade remains strong, skilled, and accessible for the next generation.
Stay tuned for more details about the week's event. Follow #NAW2026 and #ApprenticeshipUSA to see this year’s posts from around the country.