FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2022
Contact: Juan Ramiro Sarmiento
(785) 760-6567 | JuanRamiro.Sarmiento@younginvincibles.org

YI Texas Releases Report on Women and Parents in the Workforce

Findings Will Assist Collaborative Efforts to Address Persistent Gaps

(Houston, TX) – Young Invincibles recently released a wide-ranging report on Women and Parents in the Workforce: Building a Path to Apprenticeship. Data from the survey, along with wide-ranging qualitative discussions with apprenticeship participants, suggest that women face particular barriers to entry that Texas must address if its work-based learning programs are to achieve equitable results. Young Invincibles presents a series of action items to be taken up by state policymakers and program leaders.

This report analyzes the role registered apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities play in preparing Texas women for meaningful, productive, remunerative employment. According to data from the Department of Labor, women make up barely 10 percent of active federally-registered apprentices in Texas. Further, the participants in programs we analyzed supporting the highest paying jobs, such as registered nursing and plumbing, are disproportionately white.

In response, Aurora Harris, Southern Regional Director for Young Invincibles issued the following statement.

“Texas is in an exciting time of growth for work-based learning and apprenticeship, and we are energized by state leaders’ commitment to providing young people with pathways toward economically prosperous careers. It is important to ensure that women and parents are afforded access to these opportunities, and Texas is and can continue to lead the way in building pre-apprenticeships, data systems, outreach, and student supports that build these paths. We call on lawmakers and stakeholders to include young people in this planning, as they know what they need to be successful and are important partners in workforce and education innovation.”

This report is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Greater Texas Foundation. The authors would also like to acknowledge our Texas Youth Apprenticeship Council for their voices, which serve as a foundation for our insights and recommendations.”

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