Congressman Kim Votes to Pass Bill to Add Nearly 1 Million Apprenticeships

Press Release

Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) voted to pass the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, which invests more than $3.5 billion over 5 years in expanding opportunities and access to Registered Apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships. The proposal would create nearly 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities on top of the current expected growth of the apprenticeship system.

"Registered apprenticeship programs have led to good paying jobs and a path to the middle class for so many across Burlington and Ocean Counties; this bill would supercharge that at a time when we need to get more of our neighbors back to work," said Congressman Kim. "I'm proud to see my bill, the Fast Track Advanced Apprenticeships Now Act incorporated into this Act. It's important that apprenticeship programs are approved to prepare working people for the jobs of the future. This bill is an important step to doing exactly that."

The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 incorporated the Fast Track Advanced Apprenticeships Now Act, H.R. 548, a bill authored by Congressman Kim and Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), which would help fast track apprenticeships for emerging, 21st Century jobs by reducing red tape for occupations to be considered for apprenticeship programs. This would allow small and medium sized employers to more easily start a new apprenticeship program.

In addition to the provisions from the Fast Track Advanced Apprenticeships Now Act, the National Apprenticeship Act would, in part:

Authorize $400 million for fiscal year (FY) 2022, increasing by $100 million annually to $800 million for FY 2026.
Codify and streamline standards for registered apprenticeships, youth apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, including requirements for apprenticeship agreements and program registration to ensure consistency in quality standards and worker protections.
Codify existing regulations and practices to ensure that all individuals have an equal opportunity to participate in programs under the national apprenticeship system, and to increase diversity in the occupations offered and the individuals participating in programs, especially in high-skill, high-wage, and in demand industry sectors and occupations.
Authorize annual funding for State Apprenticeship Offices and State Apprenticeship Agencies (SAA) at $75 million for fiscal year (FY) 2022, increasing by $10 million annually to reach $115 million for FY 2026, with one-third of funds equally distributed to all States and outlying areas, and two-thirds of funds distributed via formula to SAAs
Congressman Kim has been a vocal leader in working with local unions to create economic opportunities for working families. During the 116th Congress, Congressman Kim introduced and passed through the House the Put Our Neighbors to Work Act, which would create more opportunities for local hiring from military construction projects. Congressman Kim also helped introduce the Bringing Registered Apprenticeships to Veterans Education (BRAVE) Act -- a bill that aims to educate veterans about registered apprenticeship programs and help their overall transition back into civilian life. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.

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