Collins, Klobuchar Introduce Legislation to Create and Expand Tuition Assistance for Participants in Apprenticeship Programs
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have introduced legislation to create and expand tuition assistance programs for participants in apprenticeship programs.
Though evidence indicates that the apprenticeship model is a highly effective training model, it is not widely used by American workers or employers. In order to expand and support registered apprenticeships, the American Apprenticeship Act would provide funding to states for the creation or expansion of tuition assistance programs that benefit participants in pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs.
“Few issues are as important to the American people as the availability of good jobs in our communities,” Senator Collins said. “I have met with many business owners in Maine who have jobs available but cannot find qualified and trained workers to fill these vacant positions. By helping to expand tuition assistance and making apprenticeship programs more accessible and affordable, our legislation will help Americans gain in-demand skills and obtain good-paying jobs.”
For workers, apprenticeships provide an opportunity to stay in the labor market, earn a higher wage, and pursue a nationally-recognized credential, making apprenticeships one of the most cost-effective workforce development tools. For employers, apprenticeships provide a custom trained workforce, reduced turnover, and improved safety outcomes, giving American businesses an edge in the global marketplace.
The American Apprenticeship Act would:
- Recognize that states play a pivotal role in elevating and expanding Registered Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships as workforce solutions
- Authorize the Department of Labor to award competitive grants to states that have developed effective strategies to diversify, market, and scale Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.
- Authorize states to utilize grant funds to assist participants in pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs in obtaining industry-relevant classroom instruction.
- Require the Department of Labor to analyze the use of apprenticeships in in-demand occupations.
