[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 184 (Monday, November 18, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

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                           HON. RUSS FULCHER

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 18, 2019

  Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of National 
Apprenticeship Week.
  In my home state of Idaho, more than 1,500 students participate in 
registered apprenticeships. This is a jump of fifty percent in just the 
last two years. More than 280 Idaho companies participate in 
apprenticeship programs. They include companies like Micron Technology, 
that enroll about 350 people every year in their apprenticeship 
program. But success in apprenticeship programs is about more than 
numbers. Take the story of Bryan Brandel, who comes from my hometown of 
Meridian. Bryan grew up watching his father and grandfather work as 
linemen for the phone company. Bryan seemed to be following in their 
footsteps when he enrolled in a Vocational Technology program at 
Meridian High School. He learned practical skills, including how to 
weld. As Bryan was completing high school, his father and grandfather 
encouraged him to pursue a traditional four-year degree. He finished 
his degree; but wasn't sure what to do next. He went on to graduate 
school, still not sure what he was going to do. Months before 
completing his dissertation, Bryan realized that he did not want to 
pursue Ecology or Biology. He thought about his passion. That took him 
back to his high school Vocational Technology program. He made the bold 
step of becoming a lineman in the electric utility industry. After 
finishing school at Northwest Lineman College, he started working for 
Idaho Power, completing their lineman apprenticeship program. He 
obtained a journeyman position on a line crew, and today is a line crew 
foreman. Bryan's story is typical of the many young adults in our 
communities who follow traditional education paths that might not be 
right for them. Because of his experience, Bryan actively promotes 
apprenticeships for Idaho Power. He speaks to high school students 
about the wonderful opportunities they bring. His story is truly 
inspirational. Apprenticeship programs create good-paying jobs, allow 
students to complete programs debt-free, and provide a sense of 
accomplishment. They give Idahoans like Bryan, and all Americans, 
opportunity and purpose in our market economy.

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