1. Findings
Congress finds the following:
Nationwide, there are over 585,000 apprentices currently obtaining the skills they need to succeed, while earning the wages they need to build financial security.
On June 15, 2017, President Trump signed an Executive order to double Federal spending on the Apprenticeship USA program to $200 million a year, with the money allocated from existing job training programs.
Businesses from across the country signed the “Pledge to American Workers”, committing to provide 3,800,000 workers with apprenticeship opportunities.
Nationally, 91 percent of United States apprentices are employed after completing their programs, with an average starting wage above $60,000.
The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act was signed into law in July 2018 to promote access to workplace development programs such as apprenticeship programs.
On December 21, 2018, the First Step Act of 2018 was signed into law, a landmark criminal justice reform to promote hope and opportunity for incarcerated individuals.
Former inmates often face a significant inability to enter the workforce due to a lack of relevant training, negatively impacting their family and future generations.
Sixty percent of the 650,000 inmates released every year are unemployed one year after they are released.
Congress must continue its work to expand all forms of apprenticeship opportunities to ensure all American workers have access to the necessary workforce development tools.