Sen. Cramer, ND Workforce Development Council Member Praise Labor Dept.'s Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs Final Rule

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) today praised the U.S. Department of Labor's final rule establishing a system to advance high quality, Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs).

"I strongly support finding new, innovative ways to help the next generation enter the workforce equipped with both knowledge gained in a classroom and skills learned from on-the-job experience. This rule is an excellent step in that direction," Senator Cramer said. "This system is a win for businesses in need of immediate help and a win for those entering the workforce looking to gain experience. I urge North Dakotans to look into the program to see how they can best utilize it."

According to the Labor Department, IRAPs are high-quality apprenticeship programs, recognized as such by a third-party entity under standards established in this new rule. Under this program, which builds on the already existing registered apprentice program, individuals obtain workplace-relevant training and progressively advancing skills, resulting in an industry-recognized credential, all while getting paid. IRAPs are developed or operated by industry groups, corporations, non-profits, and educational institutions, among others.

"Apprenticeships are widely recognized to be a highly effective job-training approach for American workers and for employers seeking the skilled workforce needed in today's changing workplace," Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia said in announcing the final rule. "This new rule offers employers, community colleges, and others a flexible, innovative way to quickly expand apprenticeship in telecommunications, health care, cybersecurity, and other sectors where apprenticeships currently are not widely available."

Don Shilling, a member of the North Dakota Workforce Development Council, joined Senator Cramer in supporting Labor's rule.

"I see a tremendous opportunity for North Dakota to benefit from the Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs. By using IRAPs, businesses can develop an apprenticeship and follow a recommended guideline for developing a skilled career path for an employee," said Shilling. "There are many jobs to be filled in North Dakota that don't exactly fit a standardized apprenticeship, so working within industry standards, an IRAP could provide a roadmap in developing new and future employees for the small business owners in our state."

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