The AICPA & CIMA, which together form the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship as an Apprenticeship Ambassador.
The Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative creates a national network of employers, labor organizations, industry associations, program sponsors, educators, workforce intermediaries, minority-serving institutions, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to serve as champions for expanding and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship.
“We welcome your partnership in promoting, expanding, and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship and your support towards strengthening our nation’s workforce,” said John Ladd, Administrator, U.S. DOL Office of Apprenticeship in a letter to the AICPA & CIMA. “The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to expanding, diversifying, and modernizing Registered Apprenticeship to support the success of workers, employers, and communities across the country.”
Apprenticeship Ambassadors partner with DOL to:
- Promote and expand awareness of the benefits of Registered Apprenticeship in the U.S. for industry, employers, career seekers, educators, and communities.
- Identify and scale innovative practices and partnerships to accelerate the adoption of Registered Apprenticeship.
- Increase access and support for underrepresented and underserved populations in Registered Apprenticeship including women, youth, people of color, rural communities, justice-involved individuals, and people with disabilities.
- Communicate the business case for Registered Apprenticeship as a mainstream workforce strategy for high-demand industries and creating opportunities for good jobs across the economy.
“This designation highlights our commitment to advocating for the transformative power of apprenticeships and promoting pathways to meaningful careers in the accounting profession,” said Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, Executive Vice President of Business Engagement & Growth at the AICPA & CIMA. “Apprenticeships provide an incredible opportunity, and we are eager to help spread the word about their benefits. Together, we can empower individuals to pursue skills that lead to fulfilling careers and help employers find the talent they need.”
Additional benefits of this designation for the AICPA & CIMA and the accounting profession include:
- Leadership in Workforce Development: Highlights AICPA & CIMA’s leadership in addressing critical workforce challenges, such as the accountant shortage, by creating structured and accessible pathways into the profession through apprenticeships.
- Expansion of Opportunities: Enables AICPA & CIMA to promote the benefits of apprenticeships more widely by creating a bridge for students and career-changers, especially those from underrepresented or non-traditional backgrounds, to enter the accounting profession.
- Alignment with National Workforce Priorities: AICPA &CIMA’s inclusion in this initiative signals that the accounting profession is at the forefront of innovation in talent development, aligning with the national focus on closing skills gaps through hands-on, earn-while-you-learn programs.
- Enhancing Apprenticeship Models: Allows for enhancement AICPA & CIMA’s existing registered apprenticeship programs, such as the Finance Business Partner apprenticeship and the youth apprenticeship version. It opens opportunities for collaboration with other industries and organizations.
- Driving Industry Standards: As an Apprenticeship Ambassador, AICPA & CIMA is well-positioned to influence the standards for apprenticeships in finance and accounting, and potentially for similar programs in other industries. This could lead to more widespread adoption of apprenticeships as a viable path to professional qualifications.
For more than a century, the AICPA & CIMA has focused on driving a robust pipeline of professionals prepared to support and grow organizations worldwide. The Registered Apprenticeship Program continues that mission. To learn more about the U.S. Apprenticeship programs contact Joanne Fiore at joanne.fiore@aicpa.cima.com
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Tags: Accounting
