Findings

Congress finds the following: (1) Apprenticeships strengthen the American economy by addressing persistent workforce shortages, particularly in high-demand and essential industries, including construction, advanced manufacturing, health care, early childhood education and care, information technology, transportation and logistics, automotive repair and maintenance, hospitality, energy, agriculture, and the skilled trades. (2) A skilled and resilient workforce is essential to maintaining the economic competitiveness of the United States in an increasingly competitive global economy, particularly as other nations expand investments in workforce training, technical education, and industrial capacity. (3) Registered apprenticeship programs are a proven workforce development model that combines paid on-the-job learning with related instruction, enabling workers to earn wages while gaining industry-recognized credentials and skills aligned with employer needs. (4) Employers that invest in registered apprenticeship programs benefit from improved productivity, reduced turnover, and a more skilled workforce, but often face costs associated with program development, training, supervision, and related instruction that may limit broader adoption. (5) 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.) and regulations issued thereunder establish a rigorous framework for registered apprenticeship programs, ensuring high-quality training standards, worker protections, and nationally recognized credentials. (6) Expanding employer participation in registered apprenticeship programs is critical to promoting upward economic mobility, including for individuals without a four-year college degree, by providing pathways to higher earnings and stable, well-paying careers.