Virginia Foxx: “I thank my colleague from Pennsylvania for his work on the committee, which has been excellent, and for his work on this…”

“I thank my colleague from Pennsylvania for his work on the committee, which has been excellent, and for his work on this bill and this amendment, in particular. Mr. Speaker, the National Apprenticeship Act has remained untouched for the last 80 years, until today. The legislation we put forward now should modernize the registered apprenticeship system and create forward-thinking solutions for the American workforce. This amendment makes real reforms to the registered apprenticeship system, sparks innovation, expands opportunities, and encourages alternate pathways for apprentices and employers. Who knows better what the workforce needs than employers? Washington bureaucrats have run the one-size-fits-all system for decades, and far too many businesses still choose not to participate because it simply isn't workable for them. This means job opportunities are left on the table because the current system isn't built for success, opportunities we cannot afford to close the door on if our workforce is going to recover from the damage done by the pandemic. If we want the registered apprenticeship system to adapt to the ever- changing needs of the economy and workforce, we need to provide employers a seat at the table in making a model that actually addresses the skills gap.…”