AWFS is happy to learn that the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 has passed in the House and is now headed to the Senate for vote. While it may not pass during this Congressional term, it lays the groundwork for efforts in the 117th Congress!
The House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Susan Davis’s (CA-53) legislation to reauthorize the National Apprenticeship Act that would create nearly one million new Registered Apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and pre-apprenticeship positions over the next five years. The National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 invests nearly $3.5 billion over five years to scale-up apprenticeship opportunities, streamline access to apprenticeships for workers and employers, and expand apprenticeships into new in-demand industry sectors and occupations. Davis’s bill passed on bipartisan vote of 246 to 140.
“As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the livelihoods and economic security of Americans, Congress has a responsibility to do everything we can to expand employment opportunities that bring meaningful work and family-supporting wages to Americans,” said Rep. Davis, Chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee. “This groundbreaking legislation reinvisions standards, accountability, workforce investment, and coordinated programs with high school and higher education institutions to benefit more workers, taxpayers, and our economy. The National Apprenticeship Act will also encourage employers to hire apprentices from groups often underrepresented in much of our labor force including women, veterans, and people formerly or currently incarcerated, striving to create a more diverse workforce which accurately reflects our nation’s demographics.” …