FIU President Rosenberg Appointed to U.S. Department of Labor’s Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion

Florida International University President Mark B. Rosenberg was appointed Monday to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion. APLU President Peter McPherson nominated Rosenberg for the task force position.

The task force was formed in response to an executive order signed by President 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 explain the interests of public universities and help our country expand opportunities that will lead to prosperity for many,” said APLU President Peter McPherson.

Rosenberg is currently is 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 for this important task force,” 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 the full announcement, please click here.