Today the House passed a 5-year reauthorization of the National Apprenticeship Act containing key language introduced by Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) to increase apprenticeship opportunities and create more good, high-paying jobs amid the on-going economic crisis caused by COVID-19.
The National Apprenticeship Act will invest more than $3.5 billion over the next 5 years in expanding opportunities and access to Registered Apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships to help create nearly 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities.
This legislation includes two provisions introduced by Congressman Pappas to strengthen America's apprenticeship opportunities by improving data sharing and allowing for innovation in the apprenticeship system.
Congressman Pappas spoke on the House floor today calling for immediate passage of this bipartisan legislation.
Click here to watch the video of Rep. Pappas's remarks on the House floor
You can read the full remarks as written for delivery below:
I rise in support of the National Apprenticeship Act and urge swift passage of this legislation which will help open the doors of economic opportunity.
We must work to strengthen and expand apprenticeships to align the skills of our workers with the needs of our businesses and economy. Too often, however, employers and workers are simply unaware of what is out there.
I am pleased this legislation includes a provision I introduced that would create a centralized, one-stop-shop where interested parties will be able to access information on apprenticeship opportunities so we can best meet the needs of individuals, employers, educators, and trainers.
I am offering another amendment as part of this en bloc package that promotes demonstration projects to explore new models of programs, including how to adjust programs through the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we come back from this crisis, new ideas and approaches will be absolutely critical to our success.
Apprenticeships offer a ladder into good-paying jobs and life-long careers, and this legislation will make them more available and accessible.
Americans are ready, willing, and able to get to work to rebuild our country, revitalize major trades and industries, and light a path for the future.
It's time we made it a little easier for the American worker to build their American dream, and we can do that by passing the National Apprenticeship Act.
Thank you and I yield back.
Original source can be found here.
