Congressman Kildee Applauds Passage of Legislation to Support Michigan Apprenticeship Programs

Press Release

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today applauded the passage of The National Apprenticeship Act, which would invest in and expand access to registered apprenticeships in Michigan and across the country.

"I'm proud to support legislation that will grow Michigan's economy and give people access to apprenticeships and pathways to good-paying jobs," said Congressman Kildee. "Apprenticeships and skills training allow students to avoid crushing student loan debt by earning a wage while they work and gain employment through on-the-job training. I am proud to support this legislation to invest in Michigan workers."

The National Apprenticeship Act would create nearly one million apprenticeship opportunities over five years by:

Starting a grant program to support the expansion of registered pre-apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships and apprenticeship programs;
Establishing the Office of Apprenticeship within the Department of Labor, to ensure participation and diversity in apprenticeship programs and review quality standards;
Requiring State Apprenticeship Agencies to submit plans on how they will promote equal opportunity and meet local workforce needs through apprenticeships; and
Requiring the Departments of Labor and Education to align youth apprenticeships to high school graduation requirements and simplify the transfer process between apprenticeship programs and institutions of higher education.
Through registered apprenticeships, individuals receive on-the-job training and related instruction and mentorship while being paid and working toward a nationally recognized credential. According to the Department of Labor, 94 percent of apprentices remain employed when they complete their apprenticeship, with an average starting salary of $70,000.

In May 2019, Congressman Kildee voted for, and the House passed, The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, which would expand access to apprenticeships by allowing individuals to use their education savings plans to pay for costs associated with apprenticeships, such as equipment and tools. Kildee also introduced The Technical Assistance for Health Grants Act in June 2019, to invest in workforce training programs that help expand access to good-paying jobs in the health care field in Michigan.

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