Bank of America Expanded Apprenticeship Hiring Programs

The bank plans to add 1,000 apprentices and invest $150 million in national workforce development over the coming years.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Jobs — General

Isometric editorial illustration showing a precision steel gear on a wooden block, representing professional development and industrial growth. — Bank of America announced plans to hire 1,000 apprentices and invest $150 million in workforce development programs over the coming years. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Bank of America announced it will hire 1,000 additional apprentices over the next two years to support roles in consumer banking, technology, and operations. The firm also committed to a $150 million investment in workforce development organizations over the next five years.

Why it matters

The initiative reflects a broader corporate shift toward skills-based hiring, prioritizing practical abilities over traditional bachelor's degrees. This strategy aims to build a more skilled American workforce by bridging the gap between education and employment.

The bank currently hires over 800 apprentices annually and reports that 40% of its new hires do not hold a bachelor's degree. It also maintains partnerships with more than 100 colleges and 600 nonprofits to facilitate workforce recruitment.

The players

Bank of America

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, it is one of the largest financial institutions in the United States.

The details

The bank utilizes paid, work-based learning programs to facilitate its hiring goals. These efforts include commitments to onboard 10,000 workers with military backgrounds and 8,000 individuals from community colleges.

Last year, the bank invested $40 million in workforce development.
Last month, the bank unveiled a $250 billion infrastructure finance initiative.
On September 24, 2026, the hiring and investment plans were formally announced.
The 1,000 additional apprentices will be hired over the next two years.
The $150 million investment will occur over the next five years.

Market Landscape

The bank's initiative follows the growing corporate trend of prioritizing technical skills and work-based experience over traditional four-year degrees. This strategic pivot aligns the firm with competitors who are increasingly competing for non-degree-holding talent to address specific labor gaps.

The push toward skills-based hiring may open more job opportunities for individuals without bachelor's degrees who are interested in finance or technology careers. Applicants can expect broader access to paid training roles that provide clear pathways into corporate operations.

The takeaway

Companies are increasingly viewing apprenticeships as a primary tool for talent acquisition rather than a secondary recruitment channel. Job seekers should emphasize specialized skills and practical experience on their resumes to align with these evolving corporate hiring standards.