On the recordFebruary 5, 2021
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from Michigan for yielding and for his work on this critical bipartisan piece of legislation. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the National Apprenticeship Act and I urge swift passage of this legislation, which will help open the doors of economic opportunity to more Americans. We must work to strengthen and expand apprenticeships to align the skills of our workers with the needs of our employers and economy. Too often, however, employers and workers are simply unaware of what is out there. I am pleased this legislation includes a provision I introduced that would create a centralized, one-stop shop where interested parties would be able to access information on apprenticeship opportunities so we can best meet the needs of individuals, employers, educators, and trainers. I am offering another amendment today that promotes real demonstration projects to explore new models of programs and that can result in innovation, including how to adjust programs through the COVID-19 pandemic for safety reasons. As we come back from this crisis, new ideas and approaches are so crucial to our success. Apprenticeships offer an important ladder into good-paying jobs and lifelong careers, and this legislation will make them more available and accessible. Americans are ready, willing, and able to get to work to rebuild our country, revitalize major trades and industries, and light a path for the future.…





