Recently, the Biden Administration announced three actions that will reaffirm the administration's commitment to expanding registered apprenticeships to reward work, rebuild the middle-class, and connect a diverse workforce to family-supporting, living wage jobs.
Endorsement of the bi-partisan National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 which will create and expand registered apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs
The House Education and Labor Committee estimates that the bill will create nearly 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities and generate billions of dollars in benefits for taxpayers. Importantly, this bill will ensure these programs draw in a diverse workforce, by supporting industry and equity intermediaries who can help recruit women and people of color.
Reinstatement of the National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships
This Advisory Committee will appoint a diverse set of stakeholders from across the country – including unions, employers, apprentices, community colleges and other institutions – to build a registered apprenticeship program that works in all communities.
Reversal of industry-recognized apprenticeship programs (IRAPs) which threaten to undermine registered apprenticeship programs
These programs have fewer quality standards than registered apprenticeship programs and they lack the standardized training rigor that ensures employers know they are hiring a worker with high-quality training.