WILL Empower Apprenticeship (WE Innovate Labor Leadership)

WILL Empower invites applications to its selective Apprenticeship Program, a program designed to identify and recruit activists to the economic justice movement. The paid apprentices work for 3-12 months with unions and worker organizations across the nation.

WILL Empower (WE Innovate Labor Leadership) is a multipronged initiative designed to identify, nurture, and train a new generation of women and non-binary people’s labor leadership. The WILL Empower apprentices may work in a variety of capacities, including organizing, research, communications, politics, mobilization, and policy. Apprentices benefit from a formal mentorship program, with mentors both within and outside of the host organization, and participate in a WILL Empower training and gathering in September.

The next group of apprentices will begin work in the fall of 2026. Apprentices earn at least $20-30 an hour, or the salaried equivalent. The program is a full-time job training experience. Following successful completion of the program, WILL Empower staff work with program graduates on job identification and recommendation.

Applications are due April 10, 2026. FILL OUT THE APPLICATION HERE.

For more information contact: willempower.labor@gmail.com

Qualifications:

• A proven commitment to social and economic justice;
• A strong interest in being part of a program designed to build a new generation of women’s and non-binary people’s labor leadership;
• An interest in working long-term in a worker-based organization;
• Solid leadership skills;
• Excellent writing and speaking skills;
• Proven experience in at least one of the areas of apprenticeship focus: organizing, policy, research, communications, politics or mobilization. Experience with student organizations and / or local unions counts.
• People of color, people under the age of 35, and bilingual individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. LGBTQ applicants welcome.

Cisgender, transgender, gender non-conforming, and those who identify across a range of gender expressions are welcome.

• Note that this is not an internship for full-time students. Rather, the apprenticeship is a full-time job training experience.

Questions & Answers on WILL Empower Apprenticeship

How does the selection process work?

Applicants should fill out the application and upload a resume. WILL Empower staff will select applicants for an interview process. Final selection by June.

When would I begin work?

The next WILL Empower Apprentices will begin work in the fall of 2026. The exact date depends on the needs of the host organization and the apprentice’s schedule.

Are the apprenticeships in-person or remote?

Apprenticeships will vary in whether they are in-person, remote, or a hybrid. Applicants will be fully briefed on the circumstances for their apprenticeship before accepting the position.

Are the apprenticeships only with unions?

No. Apprenticeships can be with many kinds of worker or economic justice organizations. How long will the apprenticeship last?

The apprenticeship can last between 3 and 12 months, depending on what the host organization and the apprentice each need.

How much does the apprenticeship pay?

Pay starts at $20-30 an hour, or the equivalent salary. Hours worked per week may vary by organization.

Do you provide housing?

No, we do not provide housing.

Do you provide health care or other benefits?

Some apprentices will access benefits through the host organization, but this is not guaranteed. Will I get to talk to the host organization before I start?

Yes, before we offer a placement, we will connect you with the organization for an interview to make sure it is a good match.

Will I have mentoring support?

Yes, each apprentice will have at least two mentors; one within the host organization and one outside the host organization. Apprentices also talk frequently with WILL Empower staffers.

Is this only for Washington, D.C.?

No, the apprenticeships are based across the country, and can be seated in organizations that work at the national, regional or local level.

Do I need a college degree?

No, a college degree is not required. The apprenticeship, however, is not an internship for full-time students; it is a full-time job training program.

Learn more about the 2025 - 2026 cohort of apprentices here.

WILL Empower is a joint project of Georgetown University’s Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor and Rutgers University, SMLR’s Center for Innovation in Worker Organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Rutgers University and Georgetown University are Equal Opportunity employers.

Benefits are determined by the host site; some offer health insurance and some do not

English required