[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 181 (Wednesday, November 13, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H8814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

  (Mr. KELLER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, while traveling across Pennsylvania's 12th 
Congressional District, our team consistently hears from employers with 
open positions about a skills gap of trained labor.
  Employers and individuals seeking jobs should have every tool 
available to fill open jobs needed with skills. That is why celebration 
of National Apprenticeship Week is so important. National 
Apprenticeship Week brings awareness to the growing skills gap by 
highlighting the benefits of apprenticeships.
  Apprentices earn wages during on-the-job training, while receiving 
instruction and having supervision from a mentor. Apprentices also 
learn important soft skills like work attendance, being a team player, 
and having a positive work attitude.
  Additionally, employers train students in skills they need, often 
creating a direct pathway from training to employment.
  Apprenticeships have been working across PA-12. Partnership 
opportunities exist between employers--including energy developers and 
educational institutions--to have apprenticeship-like programs. 
Programs like these and apprenticeships across the country have proven 
to grow the economy, lower student debt, and lead to family-sustaining 
careers.
  Please stand with me in support of National Apprenticeship Week.

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