November 4, 2026 - ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions, has been approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) as the first Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor for the Cleaning Technician occupation. This apprenticeship is the first nationally recognized registered apprenticeship for frontline cleaning workers and marks the first time the professional cleaning industry has entered the national apprenticeship framework.
The competency-based program pairs structured training with applied, on-the-job experience. Apprentices will work toward nationally recognized credentials, with an emphasis on safety, infection prevention, and professional standards, and the program gives employers a consistent pipeline of skilled talent in a field that has long lacked a formal career ladder.
“Cleaning professionals keep our schools, hospitals, businesses, and communities healthy and safe, yet the industry has never had a nationally recognized apprenticeship pathway for its frontline workforce,” said John Nothdurft, ISSA Vice President of Government and Public Affairs. “We are grateful to the Department of Labor, for approving this apprenticeship and ISSA as the first national sponsor. This program gives workers the first ever clear path from entry-level roles to supervisory positions and gives employers a proven tool to train, retain, and advance their people.”
Pilot Employers to Launch First Cohort
ISSA plans to enroll its first cohort of approximately 20 apprentices beginning December 1. The following organizations have agreed to serve as pilot employers:
- GRBS Inc.
- Goodwill Industries Southern California
- Integrity Maintenance Solutions, LLC
- Melwood Enterprises
- Verde Clean, LLC
“For many people with disabilities, the cleaning and custodial industry provides an entry point into the workforce when other options are not available. Now, a formal apprenticeship training will create a pathway to turn a first job into a career,” said Larysa Kautz, CEO of the Melwood family of companies. “By combining hands-on experience with structured training and career development, this partnership can help workers build lasting skills, achieve greater economic independence, and find stable jobs in this industry. Melwood is proud to serve as a pilot employer in this effort to expand career opportunities and strengthen the custodial workforce.”
“Cleaning is essential work, and the people doing it deserve recognition, investment, and a clear path to grow,” said Amber Reyna, Chief Revenue Officer and Partner, Verde Clean. “At Verde, we’re supporting ISSA’s apprenticeship program early because we see tremendous value in giving people a pathway to build their skills and advance while helping employers attract, develop, and retain the talent our industry needs.”
“Goodwill Southern California is excited to be one of the first organizations to partner with ISSA on the Cleaning Technician registered apprenticeship program,” said Jorge Marquez, chief impact officer at Goodwill Industries Southern California. “This program is more than a training program; it represents a shared commitment to building a stronger workforce, expanding opportunities, and helping individuals secure meaningful careers. Together we’re creating pathways to employment that strengthen both people and our communities.”
Why Apprenticeships Matter
Registered apprenticeships are one of the most effective workforce strategies available to employers. According to the USDOL, employers receive $1.47 in return for every $1 invested in apprenticeships through improved productivity, lower turnover, and reduced recruitment costs. The Department also reports that 97% of employers using registered apprenticeships say the model has increased worker productivity, and 92% say it has improved employee engagement and retention.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects roughly 350,300 openings for janitors and building cleaners each year over the next decade, and employers continue to face high turnover and a shortage of structured career pathways. Demand for skilled cleaning professionals has also grown since the pandemic, as health and safety expectations have increased.
For workers, the program offers a portable, DOL-recognized credential, progressive wage increases, and a defined route to supervisory roles. Apprentices may also qualify for financial support such as Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, 529 savings plans, and scholarships. Employers in certain states may be eligible for tax credits that offset qualified education expenses and wages.
Get Involved
Employers interested in sponsoring apprentices in future cohorts starting in 2027 can learn more and express interest on our website.
SOURCE: ISSA
