Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) voted to pass the bipartisan National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, which she also cosponsored. This bill would expand access to high-quality registered apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. The investments in the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 would provide for nearly 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities, on top of the current expected growth of the apprenticeship system and would provide $10.6 billion net benefit to taxpayers.

“When we talk about rebuilding an economy, we need to be talking about every opportunity and tool we have to do so,” said Houlahan. “Our National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 would invest in and support one such tool, the Registered Apprenticeship (RAs) system, which is America’s most successful federally authorized workforce development program. Per the Department of Labor, 94 percent of people who complete RAs are employed upon completion. The funding this bipartisan bill provides could lead to a dramatic increase in opportunity for Pennsylvanians as people look to find new work during this crisis. As our community’s representative in Congress, I will continue to champion legislation that will provide Pennsylvanians pathways to good-paying jobs.”

“The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 will help provide new pathways to good-paying jobs in Berks County and beyond,” said Bob Hoffmaster, President of Reading-Berks Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “These programs provide young Pennsylvanians with a good working education. We’re grateful for Rep. Houlahan supporting this bipartisan bill.”

The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021:

• Authorizes $400 million for fiscal year (FY) 2022, increasing by $100 million annually to $800 million for FY 2026, to support the creation or expansion of apprenticeship programs, including those for young people and in non-traditional occupations.
• Streamlines standards to ensure consistency in quality standards and protections for workers, so that apprenticeship credentials are easier to take from job to job
• Improves diversity in the occupations offered and the individuals participating in programs, especially in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations.
• Codifies the role of the DOL Office of Apprenticeship, which is charged with -
  • Increasing participation in programs under the national apprenticeship system
  • Bringing together industry sector leaders and experts, including employers, industry associations, labor and joint labor-management organizations,  education and training providers, credential providers, and apprentices
  • Establishing the evaluation system for the national apprenticeship system
• Codifies the roles and responsibilities of the State Apprenticeship Agencies (SAAs) and increases funds for SAAs
• Strengthens the connections between the Department of Education and Department of Labor through an interagency agreement to support the creation and expansion of youth apprenticeships, college consortiums, and data sharing agreements.

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Small Business Committee.

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