AWFS is happy to learn that the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, for which we advocated earlier this year, has passed out of the House Education and Labor Committee. AWFS had submitted comment and expressed support for funding assistance for small business and industries who want to set up apprenticeship programs, and for career exploration and planning services to be built in as well. Overall, it looks like those priorities are reflected in the bill. This will serve as a starting point for next year and a baseline for the Senate.
Susan Davis (D-CA), the Chairwoman of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment House Subcommittee, introduced a bill to reauthorize the National Apprenticeship Act to create nearly 1 million registered apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship over the next five years. The bill also calls for $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.
National Apprenticeship Reauthorization Fact Sheet (pdf)
National Apprenticeship Reauthorization Section by Section (pdf)