[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 181 (Wednesday, November 13, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1435-E1436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2019

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, as a co-chair of the Congressional 
Career and Technical Education Caucus, I'm pleased to recognize the 
fifth annual National Apprenticeship Week.
  For over 80 years, the Registered Apprenticeship system has helped 
train the next generation of skilled workers. By combining paid on-the-
job training with related classroom instruction, apprenticeships allow 
students to earn while they learn, preparing them for high-skill, high-
paying jobs in in-demand industries.
  This model has been particularly successful in the building trades, 
which have used registered apprenticeships to train their skilled 
workforce for decades. Moving forward, as we make investments to 
rebuild our nation's infrastructure, it will be even more important to 
support registered apprenticeships in the building trades and other 
related industries.
  I'm a proud cosponsor of Congressman Pocan's legislation, the 
Leveraging Effective Apprenticeships to Rebuild National Skills Act, 
which would establish a national apprenticeship advisory council and 
support the development of pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship 
programs that lead to postsecondary degrees.
  In my home state of Rhode Island, apprenticeships culminating in 
postsecondary degrees are very successful. At Quonset Point, Electric 
Boat operates an apprenticeship program in partnership with the 
Community College of Rhode Island. Electric Boat apprentices training 
in the maritime pipe and structural trades will finish the program with 
both a certificate and an Associate's degree, ready for a high-paying 
career.

[[Page E1436]]

  Apprenticeships are crucial workforce development tools that yield 
positive returns for students, workers, and businesses alike, and I 
look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle 
to continue supporting these programs.

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