Two provisions U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) introduced to strengthen Michigan apprenticeship opportunities in manufacturing and environmental preservation passed the House with bipartisan support today. Slotkin's amendment was included in the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, which provides $3.5 billion over five years to expand and improve apprenticeship programs.
"Apprenticeship programs are such an important way to connect Michiganders to good-paying jobs," Slotkin said. "Through this bipartisan amendment, we can improve the quality of manufacturing apprenticeship programs, by allowing them to put grant money toward instructional materials, hardware, software and other new technologies that will help train the next generation to make and build the best products here in Michigan. And in a pretty cool addition, this amendment will support apprenticeships that cover more environmental jobs, like learning to identify and clean up PFAS contamination and protect our Great Lakes."
The measure is endorsed by the Manufacturing Institute (MI), the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers.
Slotkin's amendment, which was co-sponsored by Rep. Peter Meijer of Michigan and Rep. John Katko of New York, includes two provisions: the first ensures that funding for apprenticeships in emerging industries can include those related to green jobs, including environmental protection and conservation. This will help provide workers with training necessary to protect Michigan's environment, such as assisting in PFAS contamination clean-up or preserving our Great Lakes.
The second provision is aimed at supporting the manufacturing workforce, by ensuring apprenticeship programs can use grant funds to buy appropriate equipment and technology, such as machinery, testing equipment, tools, instructional materials, hardware and software.
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