Skillbridge: apprenticeship programs

(a) Study Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Department of the Navy, shall conduct a study to identify the private entities participating in Skillbridge that offer positions in registered apprenticeship programs to covered members. (b) Recruitment The Secretary of Defense shall consult with officials and employees of the Department of Labor who have experience with registered apprenticeship programs to facilitate the Secretary entering into agreements with entities that offer positions described in subsection (a) in areas where the Secretary determines few such positions are available to covered members. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) The term covered member means a member of the Armed Forces eligible for Skillbridge. (2) The term registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.). (3) The term Skillbridge means an employment skills training program under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code.

(a) Study Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Department of the Navy, shall conduct a study to identify the private entities participating in Skillbridge that offer positions in registered apprenticeship programs to covered members. (b) Recruitment The Secretary of Defense shall consult with officials and employees of the Department of Labor who have experience with registered apprenticeship programs to facilitate the Secretary entering into agreements with entities that offer positions described in subsection (a) in areas where the Secretary determines few such positions are available to covered members. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) The term covered member means a member of the Armed Forces eligible for Skillbridge. (2) The term registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.). (3) The term Skillbridge means an employment skills training program under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code.