U.S. Registered Apprenticeships Grew Following Both Great Recession and COVID-19 Recession

The number of active registered apprenticeships in the U.S. and the Fed’s Eighth District increased after the Great Recession (2009-2019) and the COVID-19 recession (2021-2025). During the Great Recession recovery, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Missouri saw apprenticeship growth faster than the national average of 21%. Following the COVID-19 recession, all but Indiana in the Eighth District surpassed the national growth rate of 26%. Construction occupations, which made up 53% of all apprentices, showed consistent growth in both periods, while healthcare also saw significant growth, particularly in 2009-2019. Risks to future growth include low program completion rates and challenges in securing employer buy-in.