Building the Apprenticeship Pipeline: Workforce Solutions for Small Businesses

Description

Presented by the Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the DC Department of Employment Services 

In today’s rapidly evolving labor market, apprenticeships are emerging as a powerful workforce solution—particularly for small and minority-owned businesses seeking to attract, train, and retain skilled talent. 

The Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the DC Department of Employment Services, invites business owners, workforce leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders to Building the Apprenticeship Pipeline, a dynamic, solutions-oriented convening focused on how apprenticeships can serve as a scalable and sustainable workforce strategy. 

This event is designed to move beyond theory and provide practical tools, real-world models, and clear pathways for businesses ready to invest in talent development. 

What This Convening Will Explore 

• Apprenticeships as a modern workforce “superpower” for small businesses 
• Practical apprenticeship models that can be implemented across industries 
• How minority-owned businesses are successfully leveraging apprenticeships to grow and sustain operations 
• The role of government, intermediaries, and employers in building a connected workforce ecosystem 

Program Highlights 

• Strategic Policy & Systems-Level Discussion 
• Featuring workforce leaders and agency partners examining how policy, intermediaries, and employers can align to strengthen apprenticeship pipelines across DC. 
• Business Owner Panel: From Concept to Implementation Minority-owned business leaders share real-world experiences designing, launching, and sustaining apprenticeship programs, including lessons learned and measurable outcomes. 
• Tools & Pathways Session A practical overview of available tools, incentives, funding, and resources—along with clear next steps for employers of varying sizes. 
• Networking Reception & Apprenticeship Marketplace An interactive marketplace where attendees can connect directly with employers, workforce intermediaries, training providers, and government agencies offering active apprenticeship programs and pathways. 

Who Should Attend 

• Employers exploring workforce development solutions 
• Workforce development organizations and intermediaries 
• Government agencies and policy leaders 
• Community and economic development stakeholders 

Event Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 

Networking Reception & Apprenticeship Marketplace: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM 

Location: Enlighted- 1205 Marion Barry Avenue, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20020

Join us for an afternoon of insight, connection, and action as we work together to build stronger apprenticeship pipelines and a future-ready workforce for small businesses across the District.

Event Schedule