SHRM Foundation Launches HR Registered Apprenticeship Program to Diversify Talent, Close Skills Gap

​Alexandria, VA, February 10, 2021—Today, the SHRM Foundation, with support from the U.S. Department of Labor, launched the HR Registered Apprenticeship Program (HR RAP) to help build a more skilled and diverse workforce, expand the HR talent pool and elevate the role of HR.

With assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship: Closing the Skills Gap grant program, the SHRM Foundation's HR RAP is designed to expand opportunities to reskill displaced workers, upskill incumbent workers and develop new entrants to the workforce, including those from untapped talent pools such as people with criminal convictions, individuals with disabilities, opportunity youth, veterans, and military spouses.

The program, which comes amid increasing interest in registered apprenticeships and their proven success in meeting the needs of employers, will help close the skills gap in HR by allowing individuals to earn wages while receiving hands-on training to successfully fill the high-skilled, in-demand HR specialist positions of today.

"Amid a changing workplace landscape, it's more important than ever for employers to develop diverse talent with the skills and experience needed to manage the realities of the 21st century workplace," said Wendi Safstrom, executive director of the SHRM Foundation. "With the support of the U.S. Department of Labor, we're thrilled to launch the SHRM Foundation's HR RAP to help empower future HR professionals. In partnership with visionary employers and the volunteer leaders of SHRM chapters and state councils, we are confident registered apprenticeships will mobilize the power of HR to provide innovative solutions and inspire the next generation of leaders for years to come."

The SHRM Foundation's HR RAP will leverage SHRM's signature educational programming, aligned to its competency model and credentials, to cultivate HR leaders who will be equipped to manage and lead with innovation and insight. Upon completion of the program, apprentices will eligible to take the exam for the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential.

For more information and resources on the HR RAP, visit http://www.hrapprentice.org.

Media: Contact Julie.Hirschhorn@SHRM.org to schedule an interview.

About the SHRM Foundation

Founded in 1966 as the philanthropic arm of SHRM, the SHRM Foundation inspires and empowers HR professionals to unlock human potential and lead social change in the workplace and beyond. Its purpose is to elevate and empower HR and the generosity of donors to lead positive social change impacting work, workers and the workplace because our vision is to be a world of work that works for all. The SHRM Foundation's robust and relevant programming, resources and meaningful partnerships, along with evidence-based research, educate and train HR professionals to hire diverse talent, build inclusive workplaces, and help employees find purpose at work and beyond.