This week, the White House issued a landmark Executive Order titled “Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future,” signaling a transformative shift in our national workforce development strategy. As the founder of the Atarashii Apprentice Program, I am both encouraged and energized by this bold federal commitment to expanding Registered Apprenticeships and refocusing on skills-based career pathways.
The Executive Order directs the Departments of Labor, Commerce, and Education to develop a plan within 120 days to reach and surpass one million new active apprentices annually. It emphasizes expanding apprenticeships into emerging industries, streamlining workforce development programs, and identifying alternative credentials beyond traditional four-year degrees.
At Atarashii, we have long championed the power of apprenticeships to provide equitable, debt-free access to high-quality careers in the beauty and wellness trades. Our federally approved program offers pathways in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, and hair design through a "learn while you earn" model—combining on-the-job training with structured classroom learning. This approach not only builds skill mastery but also empowers apprentices to financially support themselves throughout their education.
Importantly, Atarashii is not only a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Multi-Employer Sponsor of Registered Apprenticeship Programs—we are also proud to serve as an official DOL Apprenticeship Ambassador. In this role, we are tasked with expanding the reach of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) within the beauty trades and serving as a liaison between state boards, employers, apprentices, and DOL offices. Our work supports the very spirit of this Executive Order: creating high-quality, sustainable career pathways for all Americans.
The administration’s focus on expanding apprenticeships into nontraditional sectors like ours further validates the need for innovation across industries. As an Apprenticeship Ambassador, Atarashii is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between regulatory agencies and real-world apprenticeship implementation, ensuring that programs not only meet industry standards but also elevate the next generation of skilled beauty professionals.
We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with federal agencies, state boards, and industry partners to scale our programs, improve efficiency, and continue delivering exceptional outcomes for apprentices and employers alike. By leveraging technology, innovation, and a deep commitment to student success, Atarashii is helping shape the workforce of tomorrow.
As we move forward, we are proud to stand alongside the Department of Labor and our fellow Apprenticeship Ambassadors to create a stronger, more inclusive future for skilled trades in America. Together, we are preparing Americans for the high-paying, high-impact jobs of the future—one apprentice at a time.
Jessee Skittrall is the Founder and CEO of the Atarashii Apprentice Program, a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor and Apprenticeship Ambassador for the beauty and wellness trades.
