[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 22 (Friday, February 5, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H393-H440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 85,
I call up the bill (H.R. 447) to amend the Act of August 16, 1937
(commonly referred to as the ``National Apprenticeship Act'') and
expand the national apprenticeship system to include apprenticeships,
youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeship registered under such
Act, to promote the furtherance of labor standards necessary to
safeguard the welfare of apprentices, and for other purposes, and ask
for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 85, the
amendment printed in part A of House Report 117-3, is adopted and the
bill, as amended, is considered read.
The text of the bill, as amended, is as follows:
H.R. 447
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Apprenticeship Act
of 2021''.
SEC. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take
effect beginning on October 1, 2021.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENT.
The Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly referred to as the
``National Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663;
29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.), is amended to read as follows:
``SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
``(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the `National
Apprenticeship Act'.
``(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this
Act is as follows:
``Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
``Sec. 2. Definitions.
``Sec. 3. Programs under the national apprenticeship system.
``Sec. 4. Transition provisions.
``Sec. 5. Disaggregation of data.
``Sec. 6. Relation to other laws.
``TITLE I--PROMOTING PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM
``Subtitle A--The Office of Apprenticeship, State Registration Agency
Approval Process, and Interagency Agreement
``Sec. 111. The Office of Apprenticeship.
``Sec. 112. National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships.
``Sec. 113. State apprenticeship agencies and State Offices of
Apprenticeship.
``Sec. 114. Interagency agreement with Department of Education.
``Subtitle B--Process and Standards for the National Apprenticeship
System
``Sec. 121. Apprenticeable occupations standards.
``Sec. 122. Quality standards of programs under the national
apprenticeship system.
``Sec. 123. Apprenticeship agreements.
``Sec. 124. Registration of programs under the national apprenticeship
system.
``Subtitle C--Evaluations and Research
``Sec. 131. Program evaluations.
``Sec. 132. National apprenticeship system research.
``Subtitle D--General Provisions
``Sec. 141. Authorization of appropriations.
``TITLE II--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM FOR THE 21ST
CENTURY GRANTS
``Sec. 201. Grant requirements.
``Sec. 202. Uses of Funds.
``Sec. 203. Grant evaluations.
``Sec. 204. Grant appropriations.
``SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
``In this Act:
``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the
Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship established
under section 111(a).
``(2) Advisory committee.--The term `Advisory Committee'
means the National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships
established under section 112.
``(3) Apprentice.--The term `apprentice' means a program
participant in an apprenticeship program.
``(4) Apprenticeship agreement.--The term `apprenticeship
agreement' means a written agreement under section 123
between--
``(A) an apprentice, a youth apprentice, or a pre-
apprentice; and
``(B) a sponsor.
[[Page H394]]
``(5) Apprenticeship hub.--The term `apprenticeship hub'
means a regional or sectoral qualified intermediary
recognized by a State apprenticeship agency or a State Office
of Apprenticeship as organizing and providing activities and
services related to the development of programs under the
national apprenticeship system.
``(6) Apprenticeable occupation.--The term `apprenticeable
occupation' means an occupation that the Administrator has
determined meets the requirements of section 121.
``(7) Apprenticeship program.--The term `apprenticeship
program' means a program that meets the standards described
in section 122(b) and is registered under this Act.
``(8) Competency.--The term `competency' means the
attainment of knowledge, skills, and abilities in a subject
area, as specified by an occupational skill standard and
demonstrated by an appropriate written or hands-on
proficiency measurement.
``(9) Department.--The term `Department' means the
Department of Labor.
``(10) Education and training provider.--The term
`education and training provider' means--
``(A) an area career and technical education school;
``(B) an early college high school;
``(C) an educational service agency;
``(D) a high school;
``(E) a local educational agency or State educational
agency;
``(F) a Tribal educational agency, Tribally controlled
college or university, or Tribally controlled postsecondary
career and technical institution;
``(G) a postsecondary educational institution;
``(H) a minority-serving institution;
``(I) a provider of adult education and literacy activities
under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 U.S.C.
3271 et seq.);
``(J) a local agency administering plans under title I of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.), other
than section 112 or part C of that title (29 U.S.C. 732,
741);
``(K) a related instruction provider, including a qualified
intermediary acting as a related instruction provider as
approved by a registration agency; or
``(L) a consortium of entities described in any of
subparagraphs (A) through (K).
``(11) Eligible entity.--
``(A) In general.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(i) a program sponsor;
``(ii) a State workforce development board or State
workforce agency, or a local workforce development board or
local workforce development agency;
``(iii) an education and training provider, or a consortium
thereof;
``(iv) if the applicant is in a State with a State
apprenticeship agency, such State apprenticeship agency;
``(v) an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization;
``(vi) an industry or sector partnership, a group of
employers, a trade association, or a professional association
that sponsors or participates in a program under the national
apprenticeship system;
``(vii) a Governor of a State;
``(viii) a labor organization or joint labor-management
organization; or
``(ix) a qualified intermediary.
``(B) Sponsor requirement.--Not fewer than one entity under
subparagraph (A) shall be the sponsor of a program under the
national apprenticeship system.
``(12) Indian tribe; tribal organization.--The terms
`Indian Tribe' and `Tribal organization' have the meaning
given the terms (without regard to capitalization) in section
4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
``(13) Interim credential.--The term `interim credential'
means a credential issued by a registration agency, upon
request of the appropriate sponsor, as certification of
competency attainment by a program participant during
participation in a program under the national apprenticeship
system.
``(14) Journeyworker.--The term `journeyworker' means a
worker who has attained a level of skill, abilities, and
competencies recognized within an industry as having mastered
the skills and competencies required for the occupation.
``(15) Minority-serving institution.--The term `minority-
serving institution' means an institution defined in any of
paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a))).
``(16) National apprenticeship system.--The term `national
apprenticeship system' means the apprenticeship programs,
youth apprenticeship programs, and pre-apprenticeship
programs that meet the requirements of this Act.
``(17) Nontraditional apprenticeship population.--The term
`nontraditional apprenticeship population' means a group of
individuals (such as a group of individuals from the same
gender or race), the members of which comprise fewer than 25
percent of the program participants in an apprenticeable
occupation under the national apprenticeship system.
``(18) Nontraditional apprenticeship industry or
occupation.--The term `nontraditional apprenticeship industry
or occupation' refers to an industry sector or occupation
that represents fewer than 10 percent of apprenticeable
occupations or the programs under the national apprenticeship
system.
``(19) Outlying area.--The term `outlying area' means
American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.
``(20) Pre-apprentice.--The term `pre-apprentice' means a
program participant in a pre-apprenticeship program.
``(21) Pre-apprenticeship program.--The term `pre-
apprenticeship program' means a training model or program
that--
``(A) prepares individuals for acceptance into an
apprenticeship program;
``(B) meets the standards described in section 122(c); and
``(C) is registered under this Act.
``(22) Program participant.--The term `program participant'
means an apprentice, a pre-apprentice, or a youth apprentice.
``(23) Qualified intermediary.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified intermediary' means
an entity that demonstrates expertise in building,
connecting, sustaining, and measuring the performance of
partnerships described in subparagraph (B) and serves program
participants and employers by--
``(i) connecting employers to programs under the national
apprenticeship system;
``(ii) assisting in the design and implementation of such
programs, including curriculum development and delivery for
related instruction;
``(iii) supporting entities, sponsors, or program
administrators in meeting the registration and reporting
requirements of this Act;
``(iv) providing professional development activities such
as training to mentors;
``(v) supporting the recruitment, retention, and completion
of potential program participants, including nontraditional
apprenticeship populations and individuals with barriers to
employment;
``(vi) developing and providing personalized program
participant supports, including by partnering with
organizations to provide access to or referrals for
supportive services and financial advising;
``(vii) providing services, resources, and supports for
development, delivery, expansion, or improvement of programs
under the national apprenticeship system; or
``(viii) serving as a program sponsor.
``(B) Partnerships.--The term `partnerships described in
subparagraph (B)' means partnerships among entities involved
in, or applying to participate in, programs under the
national apprenticeship system, including--
``(i) industry or sector partnerships;
``(ii) partnerships among employers, joint labor-management
organizations, labor organizations, community-based
organizations, industry associations, State or local
workforce development boards, education and training
providers, social service organizations, economic development
organizations, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, one-
stop operators, or one-stop partners in the State workforce
development system; or
``(iii) partnerships among one or more of the entities
described in clauses (i) and (ii).
``(24) Recognized postsecondary credential.--The term
`recognized postsecondary credential' has the meaning given
the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102), except that such term does
not include a certificate of completion of an apprenticeship.
``(25) Registration agency.--The term `registration agency'
means the State Office of Apprenticeship or State
apprenticeship agency in a State that is responsible for--
``(A) approving or denying applications from sponsors for
registration of programs under the national apprenticeship
system in the State or area covered by the registration
agency; and
``(B) carrying out the responsibilities of supporting the
youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or apprenticeship
programs registered by the registration agency.
``(26) Related instruction.--The term `related instruction'
means an organized and systematic form of instruction that
meets the requirements of section 122(b)(1)(C).
``(27) Related federal programs.--The term `related Federal
programs' means programs or activities under the following:
``(A) The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), including adult education and literacy
activities under such Act.
``(B) The Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.).
``(C) The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.).
``(D) The Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et
seq.).
``(E) The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20
U.S.C. 1400 et seq.).
``(F) Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
720 et seq.).
``(G) Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C.
3056 et seq.).
``(H) The postsecondary level under the Carl D. Perkins
Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
``(I) Chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
U.S.C. 2271 et seq.).
``(J) Chapter 41 of title 38, United States Code.
``(K) Employment and training activities carried out under
the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9901 et
seq.).
``(L) State unemployment compensation laws (in accordance
with applicable Federal law).
``(M) Section 231 of the Second Chance Act of 2007 (34
U.S.C. 60541).
``(N) Part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
``(O) Employment and training activities carried out by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department
of Defense, the Department of Commerce, the Department of
Energy, the Department of Transportation, and the Small
Business Administration.
``(P) Section 6(d)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
(7 U.S.C. 2015(d)(4)).
``(Q) Educational assistance programs under chapters 30
through 36 of title 38, United States Code.
``(28) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Labor.
``(29) Sponsor.--The term `sponsor' means an employer,
joint labor-management organization, trade association,
professional association, labor
[[Page H395]]
organization, education and training provider, or qualified
intermediary that is applying to administer and operate a
program under the national apprenticeship system.
``(30) State.--The term `State'--
``(A) has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102);
and
``(B) includes each of the outlying areas.
``(31) State apprenticeship agency.--The term `State
apprenticeship agency' means a State agency recognized as a
State apprenticeship agency under section 113.
``(32) State apprenticeship council.--The term `State
apprenticeship council' means an entity established under
section 113(b)(3) to assist the State apprenticeship agency.
``(33) State office of apprenticeship.--The term `State
office of apprenticeship' means the office designated by the
Administrator to administer programs under the national
apprenticeship system in such State and meets the
requirements of section 111(b)(3).
``(34) State or local workforce development boards.--The
terms `State workforce development board' and `local
workforce development board' have the meanings given the
terms `State board' and `local board', respectively, in
section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3102).
``(35) State workforce agency.--The term `State workforce
agency' means the State agency with responsibility for
workforce investment activities under chapters 2 and 3 of
subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3121 et seq., 3131 et seq.).
``(36) CTE terms.--The terms `area career and technical
education school', `articulation agreement', `credit transfer
agreement', `postsecondary educational institution',
`Tribally controlled college or university', `Tribally
controlled postsecondary career and technical institution',
and `work-based learning' have the meanings given in section
3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act
of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
``(37) ESEA terms.--The terms `dual or concurrent
enrollment program', `early college high school', `education
service agency', `high school', `local educational agency',
`paraprofessional', and `State educational agency' have the
meanings given in section 8101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
``(38) Tribal educational agency.--The term `Tribal
educational agency' has the meaning given the term in section
6132 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 7452).
``(39) WIOA terms.--The terms `career pathway', `in-demand
industry sector or occupation', `individual with a barrier to
employment', `industry or sector partnership', `labor market
area', `local area', `one-stop center', `one-stop operator',
`one-stop partner', `supportive services' and `workforce
development system' have the meanings given in section 3 of
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3102).
``(40) Youth apprentice.--The term `youth apprentice' means
a participant in a youth apprenticeship program.
``(41) Youth apprenticeship program.--The term `youth
apprenticeship program' means a model or program that meets
the standards described in section 122(d) and is registered
under this Act.
``SEC. 3. PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM.
``Any funds appropriated under this Act shall only be used
for, or provided to, programs under the national
apprenticeship system, including any funds awarded for the
purposes of grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, or
the development, implementation, or administration, of
program under the national apprenticeship system.
``SEC. 4. TRANSITION PROVISIONS.
``The Secretary shall take such steps as are necessary to
provide for the orderly transition to the authority of this
Act (as amended by the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021)
from any authority under this Act as in effect on the day
before the date of enactment of the National Apprenticeship
Act of 2021.
``SEC. 5. DISAGGREGATION OF DATA.
``The disaggregation of data under this Act shall not be
required when the number of program participants in a
category is insufficient to yield statistically reliable
information or when the results would reveal personally
identifiable information about a program participant or would
reveal such information when combined with other released
information.
``SEC. 6. RELATION TO OTHER LAWS.
``Nothing in this Act shall invalidate or limit the
remedies, rights, and procedures under any Federal law or the
law of any State or political subdivision of any State or
jurisdiction that provides greater or equal protection for
individuals based on race, color, religion, national origin,
sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, or
disability than are afforded by this Act.
``TITLE I--PROMOTING PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM
``Subtitle A--The Office of Apprenticeship, State Registration Agency
Approval Process, and Interagency Agreement
``SEC. 111. THE OFFICE OF APPRENTICESHIP.
``(a) Establishment of the Office of Apprenticeship.--There
is established, in the Employment and Training Administration
of the Department of Labor, an Office of Apprenticeship
(referred to in this section as the `Office'), which shall be
directed by an Administrator who has demonstrated knowledge
of the national apprenticeship system necessary to head the
Office.
``(b) Responsibilities.--The Administrator shall be
responsible for the administration of this Act, including:
``(1) Promotion and awareness activities.--The
Administrator shall carry out promotion and awareness
activities, including the following:
``(A) Supporting the development or scaling of
apprenticeship models nationally, promoting the effectiveness
of youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and
apprenticeship programs, and providing promotional materials
to State apprenticeship agencies, State workforce development
systems or local workforce development systems, State
educational agencies or local educational agencies,
employers, trade associations, professional associations,
industry groups, labor organizations, joint labor-management
organizations, education and training providers, Federal and
State correctional facilities, and prospective apprentices in
such programs.
``(B) Promoting greater diversity in the national
apprenticeship system including by--
``(i)(I) promoting outreach to nontraditional
apprenticeship populations;
``(II) engaging minority-serving institutions and employers
from nontraditional apprenticeship industries or occupations;
and
``(III) engaging small, medium-size, women-owned, and
minority-owned businesses, and employers in high-skill, high-
wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations that are
nontraditional apprenticeship industries or occupations; and
``(ii) supporting the participation and retention of
apprentices and employers described in clause (i) in the
national apprenticeship system.
``(2) Technical assistance activities.--The Administrator
shall carry out technical assistance activities, including
the following:
``(A) Providing technical assistance to--
``(i) assist State apprenticeship agencies and sponsors in
complying with the requirements of this Act, including the
process and standards described in subtitle B and the
evaluation and research requirements described in subtitle C;
``(ii) receive and resolve comments or complaints from
youth apprentices, pre-apprentices, or apprentices, sponsors,
employers, State apprenticeship agencies, State local
workforce agencies or local workforce agencies, State
educational agencies or local educational agencies, qualified
intermediaries, labor organizations, joint labor-management
organizations, or other stakeholders;
``(iii) assist sponsors, employers, qualified
intermediaries, and education and training or related
instruction providers, or other entities interested in
becoming sponsors, or seeking support for developing programs
under the national apprenticeship system or effectively
carrying out such programs, including providing assistance
for remote or virtual learning or training, as necessary;
``(iv) assist those applying for or carrying out grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under title II; and
``(v) share, through a national apprenticeship system
clearinghouse, high-quality materials for programs under the
national apprenticeship system, such as related instruction
or training materials.
``(B) Cooperating with the--
``(i) Secretary of Education in--
``(I) providing technical assistance for the development
and implementation of related instruction under the national
apprenticeship system that is aligned with State education
systems and education and training providers; and
``(II) supporting the stackability and portability of
academic credit and credentials earned as part of such
programs, including through articulation agreements and
career pathways; and
``(ii) State workforce development systems to promote
awareness of opportunities under the national apprenticeship
system.
``(3) State offices of apprenticeship.--
``(A) Establishment of offices.--
``(i) In general.--The Administrator shall establish and
operate a State Office of Apprenticeship in a State described
in clause (ii) to serve as the registration agency for such
State.
``(ii) Applicable states.--A State described in this clause
is a State--
``(I) in which, as of the day before the date of enactment
of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, there is no State
Office of Apprenticeship; and
``(II) that has not applied for recognition as a State
apprenticeship agency under section 113, or for which such
recognition has not provided or has been withdrawn by the
Administrator under such section.
``(B) State plan requirement.--Each State Office of
Apprenticeship shall be administered by a State Director who
shall prepare and submit a State plan that meets the
requirements of section 113(c).
``(C) Vacancies.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations, in the case of a State Office of
Apprenticeship with a vacant position, the Administrator
shall--
``(i) make information on such vacancy available on a
publicly accessible website; and
``(ii) report to the Committee on Education and Labor of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, on the status
and length of such vacancy if such vacancy is not filled not
later than 90 days after such position has become vacant.
``(D) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this paragraph
shall be construed to prohibit any State described in
subparagraph (A)(ii) from establishing an agency or entity to
promote programs under the national apprenticeship system in
such State, in coordination with the State Office of
Apprenticeship operating in the State, so long as such agency
or entity does not act as the registration agency in such
State.
``(4) Quality standards, apprenticeship agreement, and
registration review.--In
[[Page H396]]
order for the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to
support the formulation and furtherance of labor standards
necessary to safeguard the welfare of program participants,
and to extend the application of such standards in
apprenticeship agreements, not later than 1 year after the
effective date of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021,
and at least every 3 years thereafter, the Administrator
shall review, and where appropriate, update the process for
meeting the requirements of subtitle B, including applicable
regulations and subregulatory guidance to ensure that such
process is easily accessible and efficient to bring together
employers and labor as sponsors or potential sponsors of
programs under the national apprenticeship system.
``(5) Apprenticeable occupations.--
``(A) Existing apprenticeable occupations.--The
Administrator shall regularly review and update the
requirements for each apprenticeable occupation to ensure
that such requirements are in compliance with requirements
under this Act.
``(B) New apprenticeable occupation.--
``(i) In general.--The Administrator shall review and make
a determination on whether to approve an occupation as an
apprenticeable occupation not later than 45 days after
receiving an application from a person seeking such approval
from the Administrator.
``(ii) Estimated timeline.--If such determination is not
made within 45 days, the Administrator shall provide the
applicant with a written explanation for the delay and offer
an estimated timeline for a determination that does not to
exceed 90 days after the date of such written explanation.
``(C) Industry recognized occupational standards.--
``(i) In general.--From the funds appropriated under
section 141(a), the Administrator shall convene, on an
ongoing basis and taking into consideration recommendations
of the Advisory Committee under section 112(d)(4), the
industry sector leaders and experts described in clause (ii)
for the purposes of establishing or updating specific
frameworks of industry recognized occupational standards for
apprenticeable occupations (including potential
apprenticeable occupations) that--
``(I) meet the requirements of this Act; and
``(II) describe program scope and length, related
instruction, on-the-job training, recognized postsecondary
credentials, and competencies, and relevant timelines for
review of such frameworks.
``(ii) Industry sector leaders and experts.--The industry
sector leaders and experts are employers, industry
associations, joint labor-management organizations, labor
organizations, education and training providers, credential
providers, program participants, national qualified
intermediaries, including those supporting increased
participation of nontraditional apprenticeship populations
and nontraditional apprenticeship industries or occupations,
and other stakeholders relevant to the sector or occupation
for which the frameworks are being established or updated, as
determined by the Administrator.
``(iii) Priority industry recognized apprenticeable
occupations.--In establishing frameworks under clause (i) for
the first time after the effective date of the National
Apprenticeship Act of 2021, the Administrator shall
prioritize the establishment of such standards in high-skill,
high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors and occupations.
``(D) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, the
Secretary shall issue regulations that outline a process for
proactively establishing and approving standards and
requirements for apprenticeable occupations in consultation
with the industry sector leaders and experts described in
subparagraph (C)(ii).
``(6) Program oversight and evaluation.--The Administrator
shall--
``(A) monitor State apprenticeship agencies, State Offices
of Apprenticeship, grantees, and sponsors of programs under
the national apprenticeship system to ensure compliance with
the requirements of this Act;
``(B) provide technical assistance to assist such entities
with such compliance or program performance; and
``(C) conduct research and evaluation in accordance with
subtitle C.
``(7) Promoting diversity in the national apprenticeship
system.--The Administrator shall promote diversity and ensure
equal opportunity to participate in programs for apprentices,
youth apprentices, and pre-apprentices, including--
``(A) taking steps necessary to promote diversity in
apprenticeable occupations under the national apprenticeship
system, especially in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand
industry sectors and occupations in areas with high
percentages of low-income individuals;
``(B) ensuring programs under the national apprenticeship
system--
``(i) adopt and implement policies to provide for equal
opportunity in such programs, as described in section 30.3 of
title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on
January 31, 2020);
``(ii) do not engage in intimidation or retaliation as
prohibited under section 30.17 of title 29, Code of Federal
Regulations (as in effect on January 31, 2020); and
``(iii) are subject, for any violation of clauses (i) or
(ii), to enforcement action under this Act; and
``(C) supporting the recruitment, employment, and retention
of nontraditional apprenticeship populations in programs
under the national apprenticeship system in high-skill, high-
wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations,
including women, people of color, individuals with
disabilities, individuals impacted by the criminal and
juvenile justice system, and individuals with barriers to
employment, as applicable.
``(8) Grant awards.--The Administrator shall award grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under title II.
``(9) National advisory committee.--The Administrator
shall--
``(A) regularly consult with the National Advisory
Committee on Apprenticeships under section 112; and
``(B) ensure that the required recommendations and other
reports of the Advisory Committee are submitted to the
Secretary and transmitted to the Committee on Education and
Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
``(10) Coordination.--The Administrator shall coordinate
and align programs under the national apprenticeship system
with related Federal programs.
``(c) Information Collection and Dissemination.--The
Administrator shall provide for data collection and
dissemination of information regarding programs under the
national apprenticeship system, including--
``(1) not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment
of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, establishing and
supporting a single information technology infrastructure to
support data collection and reporting from State
apprenticeship agencies, State Offices of Apprenticeship,
grantees under title II, program sponsors, and program
administrators under the national apprenticeship system by
providing for a data infrastructure that--
``(A) is developed and maintained by the Administrator,
with input from national data and privacy experts, is
informed by best practices on public provision of credential
information, and to the extent practicable, aligns with the
technology infrastructure for related Federal programs, such
as the technology infrastructure used under the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.);
``(B) best meets the needs of the national apprenticeship
system stakeholders reporting data to the Administrator or
State apprenticeship agencies, including through the
provision of technical assistance and financial assistance as
necessary to ensure reporting systems are equipped to report
into a single information technology infrastructure; and
``(C) is aligned with data from the performance reviews
under section 131(b)(1)(A);
``(2) providing for data sharing that includes making
nonpersonally identifiable apprenticeship data available on a
publicly accessible website that is searchable and
comparable, through the use of common, linked, open-data
description language, such as the credential transparency
description language or a substantially similar resource, so
that interested parties can become aware of apprenticeship
opportunities and of program outcomes that best meets the
needs of youth apprentices, pre-apprentices, and apprentices,
employers, education and training providers, program
sponsors, and relevant stakeholders, including--
``(A) information on program offerings under the national
apprenticeship system based on geographical location and
apprenticeable occupation;
``(B) information on education and training providers
providing opportunities under such system, including whether
programs under such system offer dual or concurrent
enrollment programs, articulation agreements, and recognized
postsecondary credentials as part of the program offerings;
``(C) information about the educational and occupational
credentials and related competencies of programs under such
system; and
``(D) information based on the most recent data available
to the Office that is consistent with national standards and
practices.
``SEC. 112. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON APPRENTICESHIPS.
``(a) Establishment.--
``(1) In general.--There is established, in the Department
of Labor, a National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships.
``(2) Composition.--
``(A) Appointments.--The Advisory Committee shall consist
of 27 voting members described in subparagraph (B) appointed
by the Secretary.
``(B) List of individuals.--The individuals described in
this subparagraph are--
``(i) 9 representatives of employers or industry
associations who participate in an apprenticeship program (at
least 1 of which represents a women, minority, or veteran-
owned business), including representatives of employers
representing nontraditional apprenticeship industries or
occupations, and other high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand
industry sectors or occupations, as applicable;
``(ii) 9 representatives of labor organizations or joint
labor-management organizations who have responsibility for
the administration of an apprenticeship program (including
those sponsored by a joint labor-management organization and
from nontraditional apprenticeship industries or
occupations), at least 1 of which represent employees
primarily in the building trades and construction industry;
``(iii) 1 representative of each from--
``(I) a State apprenticeship agency;
``(II) a State or local workforce development board with
significant expertise in supporting a program under the
national apprenticeship system;
``(III) a community organization with significant expertise
supporting such a program;
``(IV) an area career and technical education school or
local educational agency;
``(V) a State apprenticeship council;
``(VI) a State or local postsecondary education and
training providers that administers, or has not less than 1
articulation agreement with an
[[Page H397]]
entity administering, a program under the national
apprenticeship system;
``(VII) a provider of an industry-recognized credential;
``(VIII) a national qualified intermediary, including a
national qualified intermediary that supports increased
participation of nontraditional apprenticeship populations
and nontraditional apprenticeship industries or occupations;
and
``(IX) a program participant.
``(C) Ex officio nonvoting members.--The Advisory Committee
shall consist of ex officio nonvoting members from each of
the following departments, selected by the applicable
Secretary--
``(i) the Department of Labor;
``(ii) the Department of Commerce;
``(iii) the Department of Education;
``(iv) the Department of Energy;
``(v) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
``(vi) the Department of Transportation;
``(vii) the Department of Veterans Affairs;
``(viii) the Department of Health and Human Services;
``(ix) the Department of Justice; and
``(x) the Department of Defense.
``(D) Recommendations.--The Speaker of the House of
Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of
Representatives, the Majority Leader of the Senate, and the
Minority Leader of the Senate may each recommend to the
Secretary an individual described in clause (i) or (ii) of
subparagraph (B) for appointment under subparagraph (A) who
shall be subject to the requirements of paragraph (3).
``(3) Qualifications.--An individual shall be selected
under paragraph (1) on the basis of the experience and
competence of such individual with respect to programs under
the national apprenticeship system.
``(4) Terms.--
``(A) In general.--Each voting member of the Advisory
Committee shall be appointed for a term of 4 years, except as
provided in subparagraphs (B) through (D).
``(B) Terms of initial appointees.--
``(i) In general.--The appointments of the initial members
of the Advisory Committee shall be made not later than 90
days after the effective date of the National Apprenticeship
Act of 2021.
``(ii) Staggering of terms.--As designated by the Secretary
at the time of the appointment, of the members first
appointed--
``(I) half of such members shall serve a 2-year term; and
``(II) half of such members shall serve a 4-year term.
``(C) Vacancies.--Any member appointed to fill a vacancy
occurring before the expiration of the term for which the
member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only
for the remainder of that term. A member may serve after the
expiration of that member's term until a successor has taken
office. A vacancy in the Advisory Committee shall be filled
in the manner in which the original appointment was made,
except that such appointment shall be made not later than 90
days after the date of the vacancy. A member who fulfilled a
partial term as the result of a vacancy may, at the end that
term, be appointed to a full term.
``(D) Multiple terms.--A voting member of the Advisory
Committee may serve not more than 2 full terms on the
Advisory Committee.
``(b) Chairperson.--The Advisory Committee members shall
designate by vote one of the voting members described in
subsection (a)(2)(A) of the Advisory Committee to serve as
Chairperson of the Advisory Committee.
``(c) Meetings.--
``(1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall meet at the
call of the Chairperson and hold not fewer than 4 meetings
during each calendar year.
``(2) Open access.--All meetings of the Advisory Committee
shall be open to the public. A transcript shall be kept of
each meeting and made available for public inspection within
30 days of the meeting.
``(d) Duties.--The Advisory Committee shall, at a minimum--
``(1) advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the
Administrator on matters relating to the administration of
this Act, including recommendations on regulations and
policies related to the administration of this Act;
``(2) annually prepare a set of recommendations for the
Administrator, to be shared with the Committee on Education
and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions of the Senate, to
improve the registration process under subtitle B to make the
process easily accessible and efficient for use by sponsors
while maintaining the requirements under subtitle B;
``(3) make recommendations on expanding participation of
nontraditional apprenticeship populations in programs under
the national apprenticeship system; and
``(4) review apprenticeable occupations and, based on
reviews of labor market trends and changes, make
recommendations to the Administrator on whether to--
``(A) make updates to apprenticeable occupations under
section 111(b)(5)(A); or
``(B) convene sector leaders and experts under section
111(b)(5)(C) for the establishing specific frameworks of
industry recognized occupational standards.
``(e) Personnel.--
``(1) Compensation of members.--
``(A) In general.--A member of the Advisory Committee who
is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall
be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the
annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the
Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United
States Code, for each day (including travel time) during
which the member is engaged in the performance of the duties
of the Advisory Committee.
``(B) Officers or employees of the united states.--Members
of the Advisory Committee who are officers or employees of
the United States may not receive additional pay, allowances,
or benefits by reason of their service on the Advisory
Committee.
``(2) Staff.--The Secretary shall supply the Advisory
Committee with an executive Secretary and provide such
secretarial, clerical, and other services as the Secretary
determines to be necessary to enable the Advisory Committee
to carry out the duties described in subsection (d).
``(3) Data requests.--The Advisory Committee through its
Chairperson may request data from the Secretary as determined
necessary by the Advisory Committee to carry out its
functions as described in this section.
``(f) Permanent Committee.--The Federal Advisory Committee
Act (5 U.S.C. App.) (other than section 14 of such Act) shall
apply to the Advisory Committee.
``SEC. 113. STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCIES AND STATE OFFICES
OF APPRENTICESHIP.
``(a) Recognition of State Apprenticeship Agencies.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall recognize a
State agency as a State apprenticeship agency in accordance
with this section and cooperate with such State
apprenticeship agency regarding the formulation and promotion
of standards of apprenticeship under subtitle B.
``(2) Application.--A State desiring to have a State agency
recognized as a State apprenticeship agency under this
section shall submit an application at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information as the Administrator
may require, including--
``(A) the initial State plan described in subsection
(c)(2)(A)(i);
``(B) a description of how the State apprenticeship agency
will meet the State plan requirements of subsection (c); and
``(C) a description of the linkages and coordination of the
State's proposed standards, criteria, and requirements with
the State's economic development strategies and workforce
development system and the State's secondary, postsecondary,
and adult education systems.
``(3) Review and recognition.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date on
which a State submits an application under paragraph (2), the
Secretary shall notify the State regarding whether the agency
of the State is recognized as a State apprenticeship agency
under this section.
``(B) Duration of recognition.--
``(i) Duration.--The recognition of a State apprenticeship
agency shall be for a 4-year period beginning on the date the
State apprenticeship agency is notified under subparagraph
(A).
``(ii) Notification.--
``(I) In general.--The Secretary shall notify a State
apprenticeship agency not later than 180 days before the last
day of the 4-year period regarding whether the State
apprenticeship agency is in compliance with this section.
``(II) Compliance.--In the case of a State apprenticeship
agency that is in compliance with this section, the agency's
recognition under this section shall be renewed for an
additional 4-year period and the notification under subclause
(I) shall include notification of such renewal.
``(III) Noncompliance.--In the case of a State
apprenticeship agency that is not in compliance with this
section, the notification shall--
``(aa) specify the areas of noncompliance;
``(bb) require corrective action; and
``(cc) offer technical assistance.
``(iii) Renewal after correction.--If the Administrator
determines that a State apprenticeship agency has corrected
the identified areas of noncompliance under this subparagraph
not later than 180 days of notification of noncompliance, the
State apprenticeship agency's recognition under this section
shall be renewed for an additional 4-year period.
``(C) Transition period for state agencies.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
effective date of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, a
State agency that, as of the day before the date of enactment
of such Act, was recognized by the Secretary for purposes of
registering apprenticeship programs in accordance with this
Act shall submit an application under paragraph (2).
``(ii) Transition period.--A State agency described in
clause (i) shall be recognized as a State apprenticeship
agency under this section for a 4-year period beginning on
the date on which the Secretary approves the application
submitted by the State agency under paragraph (2).
``(b) Authority of a State Apprenticeship Agency.--
``(1) In general.--For the period during which a State
apprenticeship agency is recognized under subsection (a) and
to maintain such recognition, the State apprenticeship agency
shall carry out the requirements of this Act.
``(2) Program recognition.--With respect to a State with a
State apprenticeship agency, the State apprenticeship agency
shall have sole authority to recognize and register a pre-
apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, or apprenticeship
program in such State, which shall include--
``(A) determining whether such program is in compliance
with the standards for such program under section 122;
``(B) in the case of such a program that is in compliance
with such standards, recognizing the program and providing a
certificate of recognition for such program;
``(C) providing technical assistance to current or
potential sponsors; and
``(D) in the case of such a program that fails to meet the
requirements of this Act, providing
[[Page H398]]
for the withdrawal of recognition of the program in
accordance with section 131(b).
``(3) State apprenticeship council.--
``(A) In general.--A State apprenticeship agency shall
establish and continue to use a State apprenticeship council,
which shall operate in compliance with the requirements of
this Act under the direction of the State apprenticeship
agency.
``(B) Composition.--A State apprenticeship council may be
regulatory or advisory in nature, and shall--
``(i) be composed of persons familiar with apprenticeable
occupations; and
``(ii) be fairly balanced, with an equal number of--
``(I) representatives of employer organizations, including
from nontraditional apprenticeship industries or occupations;
``(II) representatives of labor organizations or joint
labor-management organizations, including from nontraditional
apprenticeship industries or occupations; and
``(III) public members; and
``(iii) to the extent practicable, have not less than 1
member who is a member of the State workforce board.
``(C) Special rule.--A State apprenticeship council shall
not be eligible for recognition as a State apprenticeship
agency.
``(c) State Plan.--
``(1) In general.--For a State apprenticeship agency to be
eligible to receive allotments under subsection (f) and to be
recognized under this section, the State apprenticeship
agency shall submit to the Secretary a State plan that meets
the requirements of this subsection.
``(2) Approval of state plan.--
``(A) Submission.--
``(i) Initial plan.--The first State plan of a State
apprenticeship agency shall be submitted to the Administrator
not later than 120 days prior to the commencement of the
first full program year of the State apprenticeship agency,
which shall include--
``(I) a description of any State laws, policies, or
operational procedures relating to the process of recognizing
programs under the national apprenticeship system that is
inconsistent with, or imposes requirements in addition to,
the requirements of this Act;
``(II) an assurance that the State will notify the
Administrator if there are any changes to the State laws
(including regulations), policies, or procedures described in
subclause (I) that occur after the date of submission of such
plan; and
``(III) an assurance that the State will make available on
a publicly available website a description of any laws
(including regulations), policies, and operational procedures
relating to the process of recognizing programs under the
national apprenticeship system that are inconsistent with, or
impose requirements in addition to, the requirements of this
Act.
``(ii) Subsequent plans.--Except as provided in clause (i),
a State plan shall be submitted to the Administrator not
later than 120 days prior to the end of the 4-year period
covered by the preceding State plan.
``(B) Approval.--A State plan shall be subject to the
approval of the Administrator and shall be considered to be
approved at the end of the 90-day period beginning on the
date that the plan is submitted under this paragraph, unless
the Administrator, during the 90-day period, provides the
State apprenticeship agency, in writing--
``(i) an explanation for why the State plan is inconsistent
with the requirements of this Act; and
``(ii) an opportunity for an appeal of such determination
to an Administrative Law Judge for the Department of Labor
not later than 30 days after receipt of the notice of denial
from the Administrator.
``(C) Modifications.--
``(i) Modifications.--At the end of the first 2-year period
of any 4-year State plan, the State may submit modifications
to the State plan to reflect changes in labor market and
economic conditions or other factors affecting the
implementation of the State plan.
``(ii) Approval.--A modified State plan submitted for
review under clause (i) shall be subject to the approval
requirements described in subparagraph (B).
``(3) Technical assistance.--Each State Plan shall describe
how the State apprenticeship agency will provide technical
assistance for--
``(A) potential sponsors, employers, labor organizations,
joint labor-management organizations, qualified
intermediaries, apprentices, education and training
providers, credentialing bodies, eligible entities, industry
associations, or any potential program participant in the
national apprenticeship system in the State for the purposes
of recruitment, retention, program development, expansion, or
implementation, including supporting remote or virtual
learning or training, as necessary;
``(B) sponsors of programs registered in the State,
including sponsors that are not meeting performance goals
under subtitle C, for purposes of assisting sponsors in
meeting or exceeding such goals; and
``(C) sponsors of programs registered in that State for
purposes of assisting such sponsors in achieving State goals
in diversity and equal opportunity in apprenticeships in
accordance with paragraph (5).
``(4) Reciprocity.--Each State plan shall describe how the
State apprenticeship agency, in the case of a program
recognized by a registration agency in another State, shall
recognize such program in the State of such agency for
purposes of this Act by not later than 30 days after receipt
of an application for such recognition from a program
sponsor, as long as such program meets the wage and hour
provisions of the State granting reciprocity.
``(5) Promoting diversity in the national apprenticeship
system.--Each State plan shall include a plan for how the
State apprenticeship agency will--
``(A) promote diversity in apprenticeable occupations
offered throughout the State, and a description of how such
agency will promote the addition of apprenticeable
occupations in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry
sectors and occupations, and in nontraditional apprenticeship
occupations and sectors; and
``(B) promote diversity and equal opportunity in programs
under the national apprenticeship system by uniformly
adopting and implementing the requirements of subparagraphs
(B) and (C) of section 111(b)(7).
``(6) Complaints.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), each State
plan shall include a description of the system for the State
apprenticeship agency to receive and resolve complaints
submitted by program participants, the program participant's
authorized representative, sponsors, employers, or nonprofit
compliance organizations, such as complaints concerning equal
employment opportunity or discrimination, violations of the
apprenticeship agreement, or violations of requirements under
this Act.
``(B) Collective bargaining agreements.--Any controversy
arising under an apprenticeship agreement which is covered by
a collective bargaining agreement shall not be subject to the
system described in subparagraph (A), except that complaints
concerning discrimination or any matters described in
subparagraph (5)(B) shall be subject to such system.
``(7) State apprenticeship hubs.--Each State plan shall
describe how the State will support, in a manner that takes
into consideration geographic diversity, the creation and
implementation of apprenticeship hubs throughout the State
that shall work with industry and sector partnerships to
expand programs under the national apprenticeship system, and
apprenticeable occupations, in the State.
``(8) State apprenticeship performance outcomes.--Each
State plan shall--
``(A) in coordination with the Administrator, establish
annual State performance goals for the programs registered by
the State apprenticeship agency for the indicators
described--
``(i) in subparagraph (A) of section 131(b)(1); and
``(ii) in subparagraph (B)(ii) of section 131(b)(1); and
``(B) describe how the State apprenticeship agency will
collect performance data from programs registered by the
agency; and
``(C) annually report on the outcomes of each such program
in relation to the State established goals under subparagraph
(A).
``(9) Uses of funds.--Each State plan shall include a
description of the uses described in subsection (d) of the
allotment received by the State apprenticeship agency under
subsection (f).
``(10) Alignment of workforce activities.--Each State plan
shall include a summary of State-supported workforce
development activities (including education and training) in
the State, including--
``(A) a summary of the apprenticeship programs on the list
of eligible providers of training services under section
122(d) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3152(d));
``(B) the degree to which the programs under the national
apprenticeship system in the State are aligned with and
address the skill needs of the employers in the State
identified by the State workforce development board; and
``(C) a description of how apprenticeship programs will
receive expedited consideration to be included on the list of
eligible providers of training services under section 122(d)
of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3152(d)).
``(11) State strategic vision.--Each State plan shall
include a summary of the State's strategic vision and set of
goals for preparing an educated and skilled workforce and for
meeting the skilled workforce needs of employers, including
in existing and emerging in-demand industry sectors and
occupations as identified by the State, and how the programs
registered by the State apprenticeship agency in the State
will help to meet such goals.
``(12) Strategy for any joint planning, alignment,
coordination, and leveraging of funds.--Each State plan shall
provide a description of the State apprenticeship agency's
strategy for joint planning, alignment, coordination, and
leveraging of funds--
``(A) with the State's workforce development system, to
achieve the strategic vision and goals described in paragraph
(11), including the core programs defined in section 3 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102) and
the elements related to system alignment under section
102(b)(2)(B) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 3112(b)(2)(B));
``(B) for programs under the national apprenticeship system
in the State with other Federal education programs, including
programs under--
``(i) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965;
``(ii) the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act;
``(iii) the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education
Act of 2006; and
``(iv) the Higher Education Act of 1965; and
``(C) to provide information about access to available
State assistance or assistance under related Federal
programs, including such assistance under--
``(i) section 6(d) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008;
``(ii) subsection (c)(1) of section 3672 of title 38,
United States Code;
``(iii) section 231 of the Second Chance Act of 2007 (34
U.S.C. 60541); and
``(iv) the State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
programs under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act.
[[Page H399]]
``(13) State apprenticeship council.--Each State plan shall
provide for a description of the composition, roles, and
responsibility of the State apprenticeship council, and how
the Council will comply with the requirements of subsection
(b)(3).
``(d) State Apprenticeship Agency Funding.--A State
apprenticeship agency shall use funds received under clauses
(i) and (ii) of subsection (f)(1)(A) according to the
following requirements:
``(1) Program administration.--The State apprenticeship
agency shall use such funds to support the administration of
programs under the national apprenticeship system across the
State, including for--
``(A) staff and resources;
``(B) oversight and evaluation as required under this Act;
``(C) technical assistance to program sponsors, program
participants, employers, labor organizations, joint labor-
management organizations, education and training providers,
and qualified intermediaries;
``(D) pre-apprenticeship, youth, and apprenticeship program
recruitment and development, including for--
``(i) engaging potential providers of such programs such as
employers, qualified intermediaries, related instruction
providers, and potential program participants;
``(ii) publicizing apprenticeship opportunities and
benefits; and
``(iii) engaging State workforce and education systems for
collaboration and alignment across systems;
``(E) supporting the enrollment and apprenticeship
certification requirements to allow veterans and other
individuals eligible for the educational assistance programs
under chapters 30 through 36 of title 38, United States Code,
and any related educational assistance programs under laws
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to use
such assistance for the apprenticeship program, including the
requirement of designating a certifying official; and
``(F) supporting the retention and completion of program
participants in such programs, such as by assisting with the
costs--
``(i) related to enrolling in such programs; or
``(ii) of assessments related to obtaining a recognized
postsecondary credential.
``(2) Educational alignment.--The State apprenticeship
agency shall use not less than 10 percent of such funds to
engage with the State education system to provide technical
assistance and best practices regarding--
``(A) alignment of youth apprenticeship programs with the
secondary education programs in the State, including support
for career exploration, career pathways, education and career
planning, and engagement with youth apprenticeship programs
for teachers, career guidance and academic counselors, school
leaders, administrators, and specialized instructional
support personnel and paraprofessionals;
``(B) alignment of related instruction provided under the
national apprenticeship system in the State with academic
credit granting postsecondary programs (including developing
career pathways, articulation agreements, and prior learning
assessments); and
``(C) the joint planning, alignment, coordination, and
leveraging of funds described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of
subsection (c)(12).
``(3) Workforce alignment.--The State apprenticeship agency
shall use not less than 10 percent of such funds to engage
with the State workforce development system to provide
technical assistance and best practices regarding--
``(A) alignment with the State's workforce activities and
strategic vision in accordance with paragraphs (10), (11),
and subparagraphs (A) and (C) of paragraph (12) of subsection
(c);
``(B) guidance for training staff of the workforce
development system, including the vocational rehabilitation
agencies, within the State on the value of programs under the
national apprenticeship system as a work-based learning
option for participants, including participants of programs
authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) such as Job Corps under subtitle C
of title I of such Act and YouthBuild under section 171 of
such Act;
``(C) providing a list of programs under the national
apprenticeship system that are offered in the State,
including in the State's high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand
industry sectors or occupations;
``(D) alignment of funding received and reporting required
under this Act, including relevant placement, retention, and
earnings information, with the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), and technical
assistance in how individual training accounts under section
134(c)(3) of such Act could be used to pay for the costs of
enrolling and participating in programs under the national
apprenticeship system;
``(E) partnerships with State or local workforce
development boards, State workforce agencies, and one-stop
centers and one-stop operators that assist program
participants in accessing supportive services to support--
``(i) the recruitment, retention, and completion of
programs under the national apprenticeship system;
``(ii) transitions from youth apprenticeships and pre-
apprenticeships to apprenticeship programs; and
``(iii) the placement into employment or further education
upon program completion; and
``(F) expanding the list of eligible providers of training
services under section 122(d) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act to include programs under the national
apprenticeship system in the State (29 U.S.C. 3152(d)).
``(4) Leadership activities.--
``(A) In general.--A State apprenticeship agency may
reserve not more than 15 percent of the funds received under
subsection (f) in support of State apprenticeship initiatives
described in this paragraph.
``(B) Diversity.--Not less than 5 percent of the amount
reserved under subparagraph (A) shall be used by the State
apprenticeship agency for supporting and expanding diversity
in apprenticeable occupations under the national
apprenticeship system in the State and program participant
populations in the State.
``(C) Incentives for employers.--A State apprenticeship
agency may use funds reserved under subparagraph (A) to
incentivize employers to participate in programs under the
national apprenticeship system, such as costs related to
program development, staffing for mentors and supervisors,
related instruction, or the creation of industry or sector
partnerships to support employer participation.
``(D) State-specific initiatives.--A State apprenticeship
agency may use funds reserved under subparagraph (A) for
State-specific initiatives, such as the development or
expansion of youth apprenticeship programs or apprenticeship
programs in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry
sectors and occupations.
``(5) State match for federal investment.--
``(A) In general.--Except in the case of exceptional
circumstances, as determined by the Administrator, in order
to receive a full allotment under subsection (f), a State
apprenticeship agency shall use matching funds from non-
Federal resources to carry out the activities of the agency
under this Act in an amount not less than 25 percent of such
allotment.
``(B) Transition period.--The requirement under this
paragraph shall take effect with respect to a State
apprenticeship agency on the date that is 1 day after the
date on which the transition period for such agency under
subsection (a)(3)(C)(ii) ends.
``(e) Derecognition of State Apprenticeship Agencies.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may withdraw recognition
of a State apprenticeship agency before the end of the
agency's 4-year recognition period under subsection (a)(2)(B)
if the Secretary determines, after notice and an opportunity
for a hearing, that the State apprenticeship agency has
failed for one of the reasons described in paragraph (2), and
has not been in compliance with the performance improvement
plan under paragraph (3) to remedy such failure.
``(2) Derecognition criteria.--The recognition of a State
apprenticeship agency under this section may be withdrawn
under paragraph (1) in a case in which the State
apprenticeship agency fails to--
``(A) adopt or properly enforce a State plan;
``(B) properly carry out its role as the sole registration
agency in the State;
``(C) submit a report under section 131(b)(1)(B) for any
program year;
``(D) meet the State levels of performance as described in
subsection (c)(8)(A) or demonstrate improvements in
performance for 3 consecutive program years; or
``(E) otherwise fulfill or operate in compliance with the
requirements of this Act.
``(3) Derecognition process.--
``(A) In general.--If a State apprenticeship agency fails
for any of the reasons described in paragraph (2), the
Secretary shall provide technical assistance to such agency
for corrective action to remedy such failure, including
assistance in the development of a performance improvement
plan.
``(B) Reduction of funds.--Except in the case of
exceptional circumstances as determined by the Administrator,
in a case in which such a State apprenticeship agency
continues such failure after the provision of the technical
assistance under subparagraph (A)--
``(i) the percentage of the funds to be allotted to the
State apprenticeship agency under subsection (f) for each
fiscal year following the fiscal year in which such failure
has been identified shall be reduced by 5 percentage points;
and
``(ii) the Administrator shall provide notice to the State
apprenticeship agency that the agency's recognition under
this section may be withdrawn if the agency fails to remedy
the failure.
``(C) Termination of proceedings.--If the Administrator
determines that the State apprenticeship agency's corrective
action under subparagraph (A) has addressed the agency's
failure identified under paragraph (2), the Administrator
shall--
``(i) restore the agency's full funding allocation under
this title for the next full fiscal year; and
``(ii) notify the State apprenticeship agency that the
agency's recognition will not be withdrawn under this section
for the reason for which the agency's funding under this
title was most recently reduced.
``(D) Opportunity for hearing.--
``(i) In general.--In a case in which a State
apprenticeship agency fails to remedy a failure identified
under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall--
``(I) notify, in writing, the State apprenticeship agency
of the failure of the State apprenticeship agency, including
a description of such failure and an explanation that the
agency's recognition under this section may be withdrawn as a
result of such failure; and
``(II) offer the State apprenticeship agency an opportunity
to request a hearing not later than 30 days after the date of
such notice.
``(ii) Referral to office of administrative law judges.--In
a case in which the State apprenticeship agency requests a
hearing under clause (i)(II), the Administrator shall refer
the matter to the Office of Administrative Law Judges for a
recommended decision by the Administrative Review Board for
final agency action.
``(4) Requirements regarding withdrawal of recognition.--
``(A) Office of apprenticeship.--
[[Page H400]]
``(i) Prior to order.--Prior to the withdrawal of the
recognition of a State apprenticeship agency under this
section, the Administrator shall--
``(I) provide to the State apprenticeship agency an order
withdrawing recognition of such agency under this section;
and
``(II) establish a State Office of Apprenticeship; and
``(ii) After order.--Not later than 30 days after the date
of such order, provide notification of the withdrawal to the
sponsors of the programs under the national apprenticeship
system in such State that were registered with the State
apprenticeship agency to enable each such sponsor to be
registered with the Administrator (acting through the State
Office of Apprenticeship established under clause (i)(II)).
``(B) State apprenticeship agency requirements.--A State
agency whose recognition as a State apprenticeship agency
under this section has been withdrawn under paragraph (3)
shall--
``(i) provide to the Administrator program standards,
apprenticeship agreements, completion records, cancellation
and suspension records, performance metrics, and any other
documents relating to the State's programs under the national
apprenticeship system in the State;
``(ii) cooperate fully during the transition period
beginning on the date of the order withdrawing such
recognition and ending on the date on which the Administrator
establishes a State Office of Apprenticeship in the State;
and
``(iii) return any unused funds received under this Act.
``(5) Reinstatement of recognition.--A State apprenticeship
agency that has had its recognition withdrawn under this
section may have such recognition reinstated upon
presentation of adequate evidence that the State
apprenticeship agency has--
``(A) submitted an application under subsection (a)(2); and
``(B) demonstrated the ability to operate in compliance
with the requirements of this Act.
``(f) Reservation and State Allotments.--
``(1) State allotments.--
``(A) In general.--Of the amount appropriated under
subsection (g) for a fiscal year--
``(i) 33 \1/3\ percent shall be equally distributed among
each State Office of Apprenticeship, outlying area, and
eligible State; and
``(ii) 66 \2/3\ percent shall be allotted to eligible
States on the basis described in subparagraph (B).
``(B) Formula.--
``(i) In general.--Of the amount available under
subparagraph (A)(ii)--
``(I) 25 percent shall be allotted on the basis of the
relative share of program participants in each eligible
State, as determined on the basis of the most recent
satisfactory data available from the Administrator, compared
to the total number of program participants in all eligible
States, as determined on such basis;
``(II) 25 percent shall be allotted on the basis of the
relative share of program participants who have completed a
program under the national apprenticeship system in each
eligible State during the most recent 5-year period, as
determined on the basis of the most recent satisfactory data
available from the Administrator, compared to the total 5-
year average of program participants who have completed a
program in all eligible States, as determined on such basis;
and
``(III) 50 percent shall be allotted on the basis described
in clause (ii).
``(ii) Allotments based on bls and acs data.--Of the amount
available under clause (i)(III)--
``(I) 33\1/3\ percent shall be allotted on the basis of the
relative share of individuals in the civilian labor force in
each eligible State, compared to the total number of
individuals in the civilian labor force in all eligible
States;
``(II) 33\1/3\ percent shall be allotted on the basis of
the relative share of individuals living below the poverty
line in each eligible State, compared to the total number of
individuals living below the poverty line in all eligible
States; and
``(III) 33\1/3\ percent shall be allotted on the basis of
the relative number of unemployed individuals in each
eligible State, compared to the total number of unemployed
individuals in all eligible States.
``(2) Definitions.--In this subsection--
``(A) Eligible state.--The term `eligible State' means a
State (as defined in section 2) that has a State
apprenticeship agency.
``(B) Poverty line.--The term `poverty line' has the
meaning given such term in section 3 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
``(C) Unemployed individual.--The term `unemployed
individual' has the meaning given such term in section 3 of
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3102).
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section--
``(1) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(2) $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
``(3) $95,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
``(4) $105,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and
``(5) $115,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
``SEC. 114. INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH DEPARTMENT OF
EDUCATION.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the
effective date of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, in
order to cooperate with the Secretary of Education and
promote awareness and adoption of apprenticeship programs,
the Secretary (acting through the Administrator) shall--
``(1) enter into an interagency agreement with the
Secretary of Education to promote and support integration and
alignment of programs under the national apprenticeship
system with secondary, postsecondary, and adult education,
through the activities described in this section; and
``(2) submit to the Committee on Education and Labor of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of Senate, such agreement and
any modifications to such agreement.
``(b) Alignment for Youth Apprenticeships.--In order to
promote alignment between youth apprenticeship programs and
high school graduation requirements, the interagency
agreement under subsection (a) shall describe how the
Secretaries will work to provide--
``(1) information and resources to--
``(A) parents and students to promote a better
understanding of programs under the national apprenticeship
system and their value in secondary and postsecondary
education and career pathways by not later than middle
school; and
``(B) school leaders (working with academic counselors,
teachers, and faculty) about the value of such programs and
information on how to effectively align youth apprenticeship
programs with secondary and career and technical education
programs; and
``(2) technical assistance on how to--
``(A) align related instruction and apprenticeable
occupation skills and competencies to high school graduation
requirements;
``(B) offer related instruction through dual and concurrent
enrollment programs and other accelerated learning programs,
as described in section 4104(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV) of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7114(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV));
``(C) facilitate transitions for youth apprentices who have
completed their youth apprenticeships into further education,
including an associate, baccalaureate, or advanced degree,
and related apprenticeship opportunities; and
``(D) align activities carried out under this Act with
eligible funding from, and planning processes for, the Carl
D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20
U.S.C. 2301 et seq.), the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.), the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.).
``(c) Apprenticeship College Consortium.--In order to
support the establishment of a college consortium of
postsecondary educational institutions, including minority
serving institutions, related instruction providers,
sponsors, qualified intermediaries, employers, labor
organizations, and joint labor-management organizations for
the purposes of promoting stronger connections between
programs under the national apprenticeship system and
participating 2- and 4-year postsecondary educational
institutions, the interagency agreement under subsection (a)
shall include a description of how the Secretaries will--
``(1) support data sharing systems that align education
records and records of programs under the national
apprenticeship system regarding whether program participants
who receive financial aid under title IV of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 enroll in, or complete, postsecondary
coursework while participating in a program under such
system;
``(2) provide guidance on how to align eligible funding
from, planning processes for, and the requirements of the
Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006
(20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.)
with this Act;
``(3) require all participants of the apprenticeship
college consortium to enter into agreements to--
``(A) have an articulation agreement with a participating
sponsor of an apprenticeship program, which may include a 2-
or 4-year postsecondary educational institution;
``(B) create or expand the awarding and articulation of
academic credit for related instruction completed and
credentials awarded to program participants as part of a
program under the national apprenticeship system; and
``(C) support the creation or expansion of electronic
transcripts for apprenticeship programs and all academic
content, including related instruction and on-the-job
training;
``(4) provide technical assistance on eligible uses of
financial aid, including the Federal work study program under
part C of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1087-51 et seq.), for related instruction for programs
under the national apprenticeship system;
``(5) provide to consortium participants or potential
participants information regarding--
``(A) a list of apprenticeship programs in related
occupations offered in the State or available under the
Office of Apprenticeship that may become part of the
consortium;
``(B) information on how to develop an apprenticeship
program;
``(C) information on Federal, State, and local financial
resources available to assist with the establishment and
implementation of apprenticeship programs; and
``(D) information on related qualified intermediaries or
industry or sector partnerships supporting apprenticeship
programs, as applicable; and
``(6) support information regarding the apprenticeship
consortium being made available on a publicly accessible
website, including--
``(A) a list of participating members of the consortium,
apprenticeship programs provided, credentials awarded with
each program, and available apprenticeable occupations; and
``(B) models of articulation agreements, prior learning
assessments, and competency-based curriculum for related
instruction for illustrative purposes.
``(d) Best Practice Development and Sharing.--
[[Page H401]]
``(1) Dissemination.--Such interagency agreement shall
require that the Secretaries disseminate information on the
value of programs under the national apprenticeship system,
including relevant placement, retention, and earnings
information, labor market data from the local area, and
sector forecasts to determine high-skill, high-wage, or in-
demand industry sectors or occupations of such programs, to
local education and training providers, labor organizations,
or joint labor-management organizations (including those
representing teachers).
``(2) Clearinghouse.--Such agreement shall require the
Secretaries to create a clearinghouse of best practices--
``(A) for improving performance and increasing alignment of
education and programs under the national apprenticeship
system, including career pathways; and
``(B) publicly disseminate information and resources on--
``(i) replicable related instruction and on-the-job
learning; and
``(ii) how to build an understanding of apprenticeship
opportunities available to students.
``(e) Data Sharing Agreement.--The Secretaries shall
disseminate best practices for the alignment of education
records and records of programs under the national
apprenticeship system, including information on program
participants who enroll in, complete, and receive academic
credit for postsecondary coursework while participating in
such a program.
``(f) Secretaries Defined.--In this section, the term
`Secretaries' means the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary
of Education.
``Subtitle B--Process and Standards for the National Apprenticeship
System
``SEC. 121. APPRENTICEABLE OCCUPATIONS STANDARDS.
``For an occupation to be an apprenticeable occupation
under this Act, a person seeking approval for such occupation
to be an apprenticeable occupation shall submit an
application to the Administrator that demonstrates that such
apprenticeable occupation is in-demand and will prepare
individuals for the full range of skills and competencies
needed for such occupation by describing how such
apprenticeable occupation shall--
``(1) meet the industry-recognized occupational standards
under section 111(b)(5)(C); or
``(2) involve the progressive attainment of skills,
competencies, and knowledge that are--
``(A) clearly identified and commonly recognized throughout
the relevant industry or occupation;
``(B) customarily learned or enhanced in a practical way
through a structured, systematic program of on-the-job
supervised learning and related instruction to supplement
such learning; and
``(C) offered through a time-based, competency-based, or
hybrid model as described in section 122(b)(1)(E).
``SEC. 122. QUALITY STANDARDS OF PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL
APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the
Administrator, shall formulate and promote the furtherance of
quality standards necessary to safeguard the welfare of
apprentices, pre-apprentices, and youth apprentices.
``(b) Apprenticeship Program Standards.--In addition to the
standards described in subsection (e), an apprenticeship
program shall meet the following standards:
``(1) The program has an organized and clearly written
plan, developed by the sponsor, that includes, at a minimum,
the following information:
``(A) The employment and training to be received by each
apprentice participating in the program, including--
``(i) an outline of the work processes or the plan in which
the apprentice will receive supervised work experience, on-
the-job training, and on-the-job learning;
``(ii) the allocation of the approximate amount of time
that will be spent in each major work process by the
apprentice;
``(iii) a description of the mentoring that will be
provided to the apprentice; and
``(iv) a description or timeline explaining the periodic
reviews and evaluations of the apprentice's performance on
the job and in related instruction.
``(B) A process for maintaining appropriate progress
records, including the reviews and evaluations described in
subparagraph (A)(iv).
``(C) A description of the organized related instruction
the apprentice will receive in technical subjects related to
the occupation, which--
``(i) for time-based or hybrid apprenticeship programs as
described in paragraph (E), shall include not less than 144
hours for each year of apprenticeship, unless an alternative
requirement is put forth by the employer and sponsor that
reflects industry standards and is accepted by the
registration agency;
``(ii) may be accomplished through classroom instruction,
occupational or industry courses, instruction provided
through electronic media, or other instruction approved by
the registration agency;
``(iii) shall be provided by one or more qualified
instructors that--
``(I)(aa) meet technical instructor requirements of the
applicable education agency in the State of registration; or
``(bb) are subject matter experts, defined for purposes of
this subparagraph as individuals recognized within an
industry as having expertise in a specific occupation; and
``(II) have training in teaching techniques and learning
styles, or will obtain such training before providing the
related technical instruction;
``(iv) where appropriate and to the extent practicable,
shall be aligned to a career pathway; and
``(v) where appropriate and to the extent practicable,
incorporate the principles of universal design for learning
under section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1003).
``(D) A progressively increasing, clearly defined schedule
of wages to be paid to the apprentice that is--
``(i) consistent with measurable skill gains; and
``(ii) ensures the entry wage is not less than the greater
of--
``(I) the minimum wage required under section 6(a) of the
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)); or
``(II) the applicable wage required by other applicable
Federal or State laws (including regulations) or collective
bargaining agreements.
``(E) The term of the apprenticeship program, which may be
measured using--
``(i) a time-based model, which requires the completion of
the industry standard for on-the-job learning hours, which in
no case shall be less than a cumulative 2,000 hours, unless
an alternative requirement is put forth by the employer and
sponsor from a nontraditional apprenticeship industry or
occupation as of the date of the enactment of the National
Apprenticeship Act of 2021 that reflects industry standards
and the relative hazards of the occupation, and is accepted
by the Secretary and registration agency;
``(ii) a competency-based model, which requires the
attainment of competency in the occupation; or
``(iii) a hybrid model, which blends the time-based and
competency-based approaches.
``(F) The methods used to measure an apprentice's skills
and competencies, which may include an initial diagnostic
assessment or assessment of credentials that verify an
individual's foundational knowledge and skills that would be
needed to succeed in an apprenticeship program, and which
shall include--
``(i) in the case of a time-based apprenticeship described
in subparagraph (E)(i), the individual apprentice's
completion of the required hours of on-the-job learning as
described in a work process schedule; or
``(ii) in the case of a competency-based model described in
subparagraph (E)(ii), the individual apprentice's successful
demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge through
appropriate means of testing and evaluation for such
competencies, and by requiring apprentices to complete a paid
on-the-job learning component of the apprenticeship;
``(iii) in the case of a hybrid apprenticeship described in
subparagraph (E)(iii), a combination of a specified minimum
number of hours of on-the-job learning and the successful
demonstration of competency, as described in subparagraph
(E)(i) and a work process schedule.
``(2) The program equally grants advanced standing or
credit to all individuals applying for the apprenticeship
with demonstrated competency or acquired experience,
training, or skills, and provides commensurate wages for any
progression in standing or credit so granted, including for
veterans' service-acquired skills and experiences.
``(3) The program has minimum qualifications for
individuals desiring to enter the apprenticeship program,
with an eligible starting age for an apprentice of not less
than 16 years.
``(4) In the case of a program that chooses to issue an
interim credential, the program--
``(A) clearly identifies each interim credential;
``(B) only issues an interim credential for recognized
components of an apprenticeable occupation and demonstrates
how each interim credential specifically links to the
knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with such
components; and
``(C) establishes the process for assessing an individual
apprentice's demonstration of competency and measurable skill
gains associated with the particular interim credential.
``(c) Pre-Apprenticeship Program Standards.--In addition to
the standards described in subsection (e), a pre-
apprenticeship program shall meet the following standards:
``(1) The program is designed to assist individuals who do
not meet minimum qualifications for an apprenticeship program
as described in subsection (b) and prepare them to enter and
succeed in such an apprenticeship programs, including by
providing the skills and competency attainment needed to
enter the apprenticeship program.
``(2) The program--
``(A) is carried out by a sponsor that has a written
agreement with at least one sponsor of an apprenticeship
program;
``(B) demonstrates the existence of an active, advisory
partnership with an industry or sector partnership to inform
the training and education services necessary for a pre-
apprenticeship program;
``(C) demonstrates evidence of sufficient demand in an
apprenticeship program at the completion of a pre-
apprenticeship program to support a transition from a pre-
apprenticeship to an apprenticeship; and
``(D) demonstrates partnerships with qualified
intermediaries, community-based organizations, labor
organizations, or joint labor-management organizations.
``(3) The program includes a written plan developed by the
sponsor of the pre-apprenticeship program that is developed
in consultation with the sponsor of the apprenticeship
program described in paragraph (2)(A), that--
``(A) provides for work-based learning, and paid work-based
learning to the extent practicable, in which an industry or
sector partnership and a related instruction provider
collaborate to provide training that will introduce
participants to the skills, competencies, and materials used
in one or more apprenticeable occupations;
``(B) is based on and aligned with national, State,
regional, or local industry standards for high-skill, high-
wage, or in-demand industry
[[Page H402]]
sectors and occupations, and the requirements of the related
apprenticeship program;
``(C) to the extent appropriate and practicable, meets the
related instruction requirements as described in clauses (ii)
through (iv) of subsection (b)(1)(C) that includes enabling
an individual to attain a secondary school diploma or its
recognized equivalent that enables a pre-apprentice to enter
into an apprenticeship program; and
``(D) includes mentoring, career exposure, career planning,
and career awareness activities.
``(d) Youth Apprenticeship Program Standards.--In addition
to the standards described in subsection (e), a youth
apprenticeship program shall meet the following standards:
``(1) The program is designed for youth apprentices who at
the start of the program are enrolled in high school.
``(2) The program includes each of the following core
elements:
``(A) The employment and training to be received by each
youth apprentice participating in the program, including--
``(i) an outline of the work processes or the plan in which
the youth apprentice will receive supervised work experience
and on-the-job training or in an experiential setting;
``(ii) the allocation of the approximate amount of time
that will be spent in each major work process by the youth
apprentice;
``(iii) a description of the mentoring that will be
provided to the youth apprentice; and
``(iv) a description or timeline explaining the periodic
reviews and evaluations of the youth apprentice's performance
on the job and in related instruction.
``(B) A process for maintaining appropriate progress
records, including the reviews and evaluations described in
subparagraph (A)(iv).
``(C) Related classroom-based instruction, which may be
fulfilled through dual or concurrent enrollment, and--
``(i) is, to the extent practicable, aligned with high
school diploma requirements and career clusters; and
``(ii) meets the additional requirements as described in
subsection (b)(1)(C).
``(D) A progressively increasing, clearly defined schedule
of wages to be paid to the youth apprentice.
``(E) The term of the youth apprenticeship program, as
described in subsection (b)(1)(E).
``(F) For a competency-based or hybrid youth apprenticeship
program, the methods used to measure skill acquisition for a
youth apprentice, including ongoing assessment against
established skill and competency standards as described in
subsection (b)(1)(F).
``(G) Prepares the youth apprentice for placement in
further education, employment, or an apprenticeship program.
``(3) The program equally grants advanced standing or
credit to all individuals applying for the youth
apprenticeship with demonstrated competency or acquired
experience, training, or skills.
``(4) In the case of a youth apprenticeship program that
chooses to issue an interim credential, the program meets the
requirements of subsection (b)(4).
``(e) General Requirements.--Each program under the
national apprenticeship system shall meet the following
standards:
``(1) The program--
``(A) has adequate and safe equipment, environments, and
facilities for training and supervision;
``(B) provides safety training on-the-job and in related
instruction as applicable by the apprenticeable occupation;
and
``(C) provides adequate training for mentors and qualified
instructors on providing a safe work and training
environment.
``(2) The program records and maintains all records
concerning the program as may be required by the Secretary,
the registration agency of the program, or any other
applicable law, including records required under title 38,
United States Code, in order for veterans and other
individuals eligible for educational assistance under such
title to use such assistance for enrollment in the program.
``(3) The program provides--
``(A) all individuals with an equal opportunity to
participate in the program as described in subparagraphs (B)
and (C) of section 111(b)(7); and
``(B) materials that conform with accessibility standards
under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
U.S.C. 794d), such as materials that conform with the most
recent Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
``(4) The program awards a certificate of completion in
recognition of successful completion of the program,
evidenced by an appropriate certificate issued by the
registration agency, and in the case of apprenticeships and
youth apprenticeships, prepares a program participant to
obtain a recognized postsecondary credential.
``(5) The program provides that an individual who is to
become a program participant under the program enters into a
written apprenticeship agreement described in section 123
with the sponsor of the program.
``(6) The numeric ratio of program participants to
supervisors (such as journeyworkers, mentors, or on-the-job
learning instructors, as applicable) for the apprenticeable
occupation, that are based on evidence-based and evidence-
informed best practices for supervision, training, safety,
and continuity of employment, throughout the work processes
of the program, job site, department, or plant, appropriate
for the degree of hazard in different occupations, and
consistent with provisions in collective bargaining
agreements, as applicable, except if such ratios are
expressly prohibited by the collective bargaining agreements.
``SEC. 123. APPRENTICESHIP AGREEMENTS.
``(a) In General.--To ensure the standards described in
section 122 are applied to programs under the national
apprenticeship system, the Administrator shall require a
sponsor to develop an apprenticeship agreement that shall--
``(1) be the same for each program participant;
``(2) contain the names and signatures of the program
participant and the sponsor;
``(3) meet the requirements of subsection (b); and
``(4) be submitted to the registration agency in accordance
with section 124 by the program sponsor.
``(b) Standards.--Each agreement under subsection (a) shall
contain, explicitly or by reference, program standards under
section 122, including--
``(1) in the case of an apprenticeship program--
``(A) that is time-based, a statement of the number of
hours to be spent by the program participant in on-the-job
learning and on-the-job training in order to complete the
program;
``(B) that is competency-based, a description of the skill
sets to be attained by completion of the program, including
the on-the-job learning and work components; or
``(C) that is a hybrid model, the minimum number of hours
to be spent by the program participant in on-the-job learning
and work components and in related instruction, and a
description of the skill sets and competencies to be attained
by completion of the program;
``(2) the number of hours and form of related instruction,
including how related instruction will be compensated
(whether through academic credit, wages, or both), the costs
the program participant will incur for participating in the
program (such as for equipment, related instruction, or
assessment or licensure fees), and the recognized
postsecondary credentials the program participants will be
eligible to receive upon program completion;
``(3) a schedule of the work processes in the occupation or
industry divisions in which the program participant is to be
trained and the approximate time to be spent at each process;
``(4) for apprenticeships or youth apprenticeships, the
graduated wage scale to be paid to the apprentices, benefits
offered to the apprentices, and how the wages and benefits
compare to State, local, or regional wages in the related
occupation; and
``(5) demonstration of commitment to and compliance with
subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 111(b)(7).
``SEC. 124. REGISTRATION OF PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL
APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM.
``(a) Program Registration Application.--In order to bring
together employers and labor for the formulation of programs
under the national apprenticeship system, the Administrator
shall provide for the registration of programs in which a
sponsor applying to register a program under the national
apprenticeship system shall request registration of such
program from a registration agency by submitting the
information required by the registration agency, including--
``(1) information demonstrating that each of the
requirements of section 122 will be met for the program;
``(2) a copy of the apprenticeship agreement described in
section 123 used by the sponsor;
``(3) a written assurance that, if the program is
registered under this Act, the sponsor will administer the
program in accordance with the requirements of this Act and
comply with the requirements of the apprenticeship agreement
for each apprentice; and
``(4) methods the program sponsor will use to report
performance data describing outcomes associated with the
program as required by the registration agency--
``(A) on an annual basis for any program sponsor with fewer
than 5 program participants; or
``(B) on a quarterly basis for any program sponsor with 5
or more program participants.
``(b) Recognition and Registration Process.--
``(1) Review and approval process.--
``(A) Provisional approval review.--An application
submitted under subsection (a) that the registration agency
determines meets the requirements described in such
subsection shall be registered for a provisional 1-year
period beginning not later than 30 days after such
application is submitted. During such period, the
registration agency shall accept and record the
apprenticeship agreement as evidence of the program's
compliance and registration to operate such program.
``(B) Full approval or extended provisional approval.--By
the end of a provisional registration period for a program,
the registration agency providing provisional approval under
subparagraph (A) shall review the program for quality and for
compliance with the applicable standards under this subtitle
and all other applicable program requirements under this Act,
and--
``(i) if a registration agency conducting a provisional
review determines that the program complies with the
standards and requirements under this Act, the registration
agency shall fully approve the registration of the program;
or
``(ii) if a registration agency conducting a provisional
review determines that the program is not conforming to the
requirements or standards under this Act, the registration
agency may continue the provisional registration of the
program through the first full training cycle for program
participants, and conduct an additional provisional review at
the conclusion of the training cycle.
``(C) Failure to meet requirements.--If, after an initial
provisional review under subparagraph (A), a registration
agency conducting such provisional review determines that the
program is not in operation or does not conform to the
requirements under this Act, the registration agency shall
recommend technical assistance
[[Page H403]]
and corrective action for the program, or deregistration, in
accordance with procedures established under subsections (b)
and (c) of section 131.
``(2) Certificate of registration.--
``(A) In general.--A registration agency that registers a
program under paragraph (1) shall--
``(i) provide the sponsor of the program with a certificate
of registration or other written evidence of registration;
and
``(ii) provide a copy of the certificate of registration to
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or the applicable State
veterans agency for the purpose of aligning the registration
process with the process for approving such program for
eligible veterans' use of supplemental educational assistance
benefits.
``(B) Registration name.--A program shall be registered in
the name of the sponsor, or if a sponsor enters into a
partnership with an employer who registers the program, in
the name of the employer.
``(3) Program participant registration.--A sponsor
providing a program that is registered in accordance with
paragraph (2) shall provide to an individual seeking to be a
program participant the opportunity to apply through the
sponsor, and shall--
``(A) enter into a written individual apprenticeship
agreement described in section 123 with each such individual
before the commencement of the program; and
``(B) individually register each program participant with
the registration agency by filing a copy of the individual
apprenticeship agreement with the registration agency or as
otherwise required by the registration agency, and sharing a
copy with the Administrator as appropriate, as described
under section 123(a)(4).
``(4) Transition process for previously approved
programs.--With respect to a program that was registered
under this Act as of the day before the date of enactment of
the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, the registration
agency shall take such steps as necessary to--
``(A) in the case of a program that meets of the
requirements of this Act, maintain the status of the sponsor
of the program as of the date before such date of enactment
as the sponsor of such program under this Act; and
``(B) in the case of a program that does not meet the
requirements of this Act, provide technical assistance to the
sponsor of such program to ensure that the sponsor is in
compliance with this Act not later than 3 years after the
date of enactment of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
``(c) Modifications or Changes to Youth Apprenticeship,
Pre-Apprenticeship, or Apprenticeship Programs.--
``(1) Sponsor proposal.--Any sponsor that wishes to modify
a program, including the program's method of meeting the
standards required under this Act, shall submit the proposal
for such change or modification to the registration agency
for the program.
``(2) Registration agency requirements.--
``(A) In general.--The registration agency shall determine
whether to approve the proposal and notify the sponsor of the
determination by not later than 60 days after receipt of the
proposal.
``(B) Approval of proposal.--If the proposal is approved,
the registration agency shall amend the record of the program
to reflect the modification or change, and provide the
sponsor or program administrator with an acknowledgment of
the amended program, by not later than 30 days after the date
of approval.
``(C) Disapproval of proposal.--If the proposal is not
approved, the registration agency shall--
``(i) notify the sponsor of the reasons for the disapproval
and provide the sponsor with technical assistance to maintain
the program as originally registered;
``(ii) provide the sponsor with the opportunity to submit a
revised modification proposal, including providing
appropriate technical assistance to modify the proposal in
order to meet the requirements of this Act; and
``(iii) in a case in which the sponsor submits a revised
modification proposal, not later than 60 days after receipt
of such proposal--
``(I) approve the proposal; or
``(II) disapprove the proposal and provide the sponsor with
technical assistance to maintain the program as originally
registered.
``Subtitle C--Evaluations and Research
``SEC. 131. PROGRAM EVALUATIONS.
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to provide
program performance transparency across the programs under
the national apprenticeship system, assess the effectiveness
of States in achieving positive outcomes for program
participants served by those programs, and establish
performance accountability measures related to program
completion and key indicators of performance under the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et
seq.).
``(b) Reviews by Registration Agencies.--
``(1) Performance reviews.--
``(A) In general.--A registration agency shall--
``(i) annually collect performance data for each program
registered under section 124 by such agency to determine--
``(I) the performance of the program with respect to the
indicators of performance under section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) of
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3141(b)(2)(A)(i) or in the case of a youth apprenticeship
program, section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii)) of such Act (29 U.S.C.
3141(b)(2)(A)(ii)), as applied to programs under the national
apprenticeship system; and
``(II) the completion rates of the program; and
``(ii) provide technical assistance for the collection of
the information under clause (i) of this subparagraph and
subparagraph (B), as necessary.
``(B) Reports.--The registration agency for a State shall
annually prepare and submit to the Administrator a State
performance report that includes the following information
with respect to each program registered under section 124 by
such agency, including--
``(i) information specifying the levels of performance
described in subparagraph (A), as compared to goals set in
section 113(c)(8)(A)(i);
``(ii) the percentage of program participants by race, sex
ethnicity and, to the extent practicable, by individuals with
disabilities, as compared to such percentages within the
working age population who are in the geographical area from
which the sponsor usually seeks or reasonably could seek
program participants and who meet the minimum eligibility
requirements for entry into in the program;
``(iii) the percentage of program participants served by
each of the programs that obtained unsubsidized employment in
a field related to the apprenticeable occupation;
``(iv) the average time to completion for the program as
compared to the description in the agreement under paragraphs
(1) and (2) of section 123(b);
``(v) the average cost per participant during the most
recent program year and the 3 preceding program years;
``(vi) the percentage of program participants who received
supportive services;
``(vii) information on the State's activities required
under section 113(c), including the State's uses of funds;
and
``(viii) the disaggregation of the performance data
described in clauses (i) through (vi)--
``(I) by the program type (apprenticeship, youth
apprenticeship, or pre-apprenticeship program) involved; and
``(II) by race, ethnicity, sex, age, and membership in a
population specified in section 3(24) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(24)).
``(C) Reports to congress.--Not later than 60 days after
receiving a report under subparagraph (B), the Secretary
shall transmit to the Committee on Education and Labor of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
``(D) Publication.--The Administrator shall annually make
available on a publicly accessible website each report
received under subparagraph (B) not later than 30 days after
receipt of such report.
``(2) Comprehensive program reviews.--
``(A) In general.--A registration agency shall periodically
review each program registered under section 124 by such
agency for quality assurance and compliance with the
requirements of this Act.
``(B) Timing of reviews.--A review described in
subparagraph (A) shall occur--
``(i) at the end of the first full training cycle of
program participants under the program; and
``(ii) beginning after the review described in clause (i)
at least once every 5 years.
``(C) Review.--The review shall be a comprehensive review
regarding all aspects of the program performance, including--
``(i) determining whether the registration agency is
receiving notification from the sponsor of a program
regarding individuals who are registered as new youth
apprentices, pre-apprentices, or apprentices under the
program, or who successfully complete the program, as
required under this Act;
``(ii) determining whether the sponsor of the program is
complying with the requirements of this Act;
``(iii) evaluating the performance of the sponsor with
respect to, at a minimum, the indicators described in
paragraph (1)(A)(i), with the performance data disaggregated
as described in paragraph (1)(B)(viii); and
``(iv) ensuring the sponsor's compliance with the
requirement to provide equal opportunity in recruitment,
training, and employment as described in subparagraphs (B)
and (C) of section 111(b)(7).
``(D) Reports.--On completion of a review under this
paragraph, the registration agency shall prepare and submit
to the Administrator a report containing the results of the
review.
``(c) Subsequent Action.--
``(1) Technical assistance.--The registration agency shall
provide technical assistance to the sponsor and identify
areas that require technical assistance, including--
``(A) to support the sponsor in creating a plan to meet the
State goals described in section 113(c)(8)(A)(ii), as
applicable; and
``(B) assistance in the development of a performance
improvement plan if the registration agency determines,
pursuant to any review under subsection (b), that the youth
apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or apprenticeship
program--
``(i) is not in operation;
``(ii) is not in compliance with the requirements of this
Act; or
``(iii) is achieving levels of performance on any
indicators described in subsection (b)(1)(A)(i) that are
lower than the State goals for any program year.
``(2) Corrective action and deregistration of an
apprenticeship program.--The registration agency may take
corrective action, and if warranted, deregister a youth
apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or apprenticeship
program, after making a determination that the program
demonstrates persistent and significant failure to perform
successfully, which occurs when--
``(A) the sponsor of the program consistently fails to
register at least 1 program participant;
``(B) the program shows a pattern of poor results on the
indicators described in subsection (b)(1)(A)(i) over a period
of 3 years, given the characteristics of program participants
and economic conditions in the area served, or are lower than
the national or State average;
``(C) the program shows no indication of improvement in the
areas identified by the registration agency and in the
performance improvement plan under paragraph (1); or
[[Page H404]]
``(D) the sponsor has not administered the program in
accordance with the program's registration, as applicable, or
with the requirements of this Act.
``(3) Notification and hearing.--If the registration agency
makes a determination described in paragraph (2), the
registration agency shall notify the Secretary and the
sponsor of the determination in writing, and permit the
sponsor to request a hearing by the Office of Administrative
Law Judges. The registration agency shall transmit to the
Secretary a report containing all pertinent facts and
circumstances concerning the determination, including
findings and a recommendation for deregistration, and copies
of all relevant documents and records. If the sponsor does
not request the hearing not later than 15 days after
receiving such notification, the registration agency shall
deregister the program after the period for requesting such a
hearing has expired.
``(4) Notification and treatment of apprentices.--Not later
than 15 days after the registration agency deregisters a
program, the sponsor or program administrator shall notify
program participant--
``(A) of such deregistration and the effective date;
``(B) that such deregistration automatically deprives the
program participant of individual registration as part of
such youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or
apprenticeship program, including the ability to receive a
certificate of completion from the registration agency;
``(C) that the deregistration of the program removes the
program participant from eligibility for any Federal
financial or other assistance, or rights, privileges, or
exemptions under Federal law, that--
``(i) relates to an apprentice; and
``(ii) requires the registration agency's approval; and
``(D) that all youth apprentices, pre-apprentices, or
apprentices are referred to the registration agency for
information about potential transfers to other programs under
the national apprenticeship system.
``SEC. 132. NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM RESEARCH.
``(a) Research.--The Secretary shall conduct, through an
independent entity, research for the purpose of improving the
management and effectiveness of the programs and activities
carried out under this Act and to assist in the evaluation of
the programs as described in section 131.
``(b) Techniques.--The research conducted under this
section shall utilize appropriate methodology and research
designs.
``(c) Contents.--Such research shall address--
``(1) the general effectiveness of such programs and
activities in relation to their cost, including the extent to
which the programs and activities--
``(A) improve the skill and employment competencies of
participants in comparison to comparably-situated individuals
who did not participate in such programs and activities;
``(B) to the extent feasible, increase the levels of total
employment, of attainment of recognized postsecondary
credentials, and of measurable skills, above the levels that
would have existed in the absence of such programs and
activities;
``(C) respond to the needs reflected in labor market data
in the local area and align with high-skill, high-wage, or
in-demand industries or occupations; and
``(D) demonstrate a return on investment of Federal, State,
local, sponsor, employer, and other funding for programs
under the national apprenticeship system, capturing the full
level of investment in, and impact of, such programs under
the national apprenticeship system;
``(2) the impact of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021
on the general effectiveness of programs under the national
apprenticeship system, including the implementation of
policies such as dual or concurrent enrollment programs,
advanced standing, or industry recognized apprenticeable
occupations;
``(3) best practices in increasing participation of
nontraditional apprenticeship populations and individuals
with barriers to employment, including individuals with
disabilities, in programs under the national apprenticeship
system; and
``(4) opportunities to scale up effective models under the
national apprenticeship system.
``(d) Reports.--
``(1) Independent entity.--The independent entity carrying
out the research shall prepare and submit to the Secretary--
``(A) an interim report containing findings from the
research; and
``(B) a final report containing the results of the
research, including policy recommendations.
``(2) Reports to congress.--Not later than 60 days after
receipt of the interim report and final report described in
subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1), respectively, the
Secretary shall submit each report to the Committee on
Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate.
``(e) Public Access.--The Secretary shall make the interim
and final reports available on a publicly accessible website
not later than 60 days after the receipt of the interim and
final report.
``Subtitle D--General Provisions
``SEC. 141. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) Office of Apprenticeship.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out sections 111, 112, 131, and 132--
``(1) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(2) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
``(3) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
``(4) $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and
``(5) $90,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
``(b) Interagency Agreement.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out section 114--
``(1) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(2) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
``(3) $14,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
``(4) $16,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and
``(5) $18,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
``TITLE II--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM FOR THE 21ST
CENTURY GRANTS
``SEC. 201. GRANT REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) Authority.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall award grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible entities on
a competitive basis for the following purposes:
``(A) Creation and expansion activities.--To expand the
offerings of programs under the national apprenticeship
system--
``(i) to create new apprenticeship programs in a
nontraditional apprenticeship industry or occupation, such as
for programs demonstrating demand in information technology,
energy, green jobs, advanced manufacturing, health care, or
cybersecurity;
``(ii) to expand existing apprenticeship programs
demonstrating labor market demand;
``(iii) to create new or expand existing pre-apprenticeship
programs; or
``(iv) to create new or expand existing youth
apprenticeship programs.
``(B) Encouraging employer participation.--To encourage
employer participation in programs under the national
apprenticeship system--
``(i) that target individuals with barriers to employment
in youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or
apprenticeship programs, prioritizing nontraditional
apprenticeship populations such as women, minorities, long-
term unemployed, individuals with a disability, individuals
with substance abuse issues, veterans, military spouses,
individuals experiencing homelessness, individuals impacted
by the criminal or juvenile justice system, and foster and
former foster youth;
``(ii) that are in high-need social service-related
industries, sectors, or occupations, such as direct care
workers and early childhood educators;
``(iii) that target individuals currently or recently
incarcerated; or
``(iv) among small- and medium-sized employers.
``(C) Intermediary grants.--If the eligible entity is a
qualified intermediary--
``(i) to support national industry and equity
intermediaries in establishing or expanding sector-based
partnerships to support the delivery or expansion of programs
under the national apprenticeship system to significant scale
in the United States--
``(I) in key sectors, including manufacturing, information
technology, cyber security, health care, insurance and
finance, energy, hospitality, retail, construction, and other
sectors identified by the Administrator and the Advisory
Committee as targeted for expansion under the national
apprenticeship system; or
``(II) for nontraditional apprenticeship populations,
women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and
individuals impacted by the criminal or juvenile justice
system; or
``(ii) to serve programs under the national apprenticeship
system in a local or regional setting.
``(D) Educational alignment.--To strengthen alignment
between programs under the national apprenticeship system and
education and training providers with secondary,
postsecondary, and adult education systems, including degree
and credential requirements.
``(2) Duration.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall award grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under this subsection
for a period of not more than 3 years.
``(B) Extension.--The eligible entity may apply for, and
the Administrator may grant, an extension of the grant period
for not more than 1 additional 2-year period, if the grant
recipient demonstrates to the Administrator that the
recipient--
``(i) has effectively implemented a project to achieve its
stated purpose as described in subsections (e) and (f);
``(ii) has complied with the assurances as described in
subsection (e)(9); and
``(iii) has improved applicable outcomes, as demonstrated
through indicators referred to in section 203(a)(2).
``(b) Funding Requirements.--
``(1) Matching funds required.--The Administrator shall
require, as a condition of receipt of funds under this
section, an eligible entity to match funds awarded under this
section in an amount not less than 25 percent of the funds
awarded to such recipient under this section. Such eligible
entity may make the matching funds available directly or
through donations from non-Federal, public, or private
organizations, in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated.
``(2) Waiver.--The Administrator may waive the requirement
under paragraph (1) if the entity demonstrates that
exceptional circumstances prevent the entity from meeting the
requirement, such as demonstrating that the entity serves a
high proportion of individuals with barriers to employment,
or due to exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances, such
as a natural disaster or a precipitous and unforeseen decline
in the financial resources of the eligible entity.
``(c) Priority and Distribution.--
``(1) Priority.--In awarding grants, contracts, or
cooperative agreements under this section, the Administrator
shall give priority to an eligible entity--
``(A) proposing to serve a high number or high percentage
of participants who are from nontraditional apprenticeship
populations; and
``(B) providing opportunities in high-wage, high-skill, or
in-demand sectors and occupations.
[[Page H405]]
``(2) Geographic distribution.--In awarding grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under this subsection,
the Administrator shall, to the extent practicable, ensure a
geographically diverse distribution of such awards, including
a geographically diverse distribution among regions of the
country and among urban, suburban, and rural areas.
``(d) Eligible Entity.--To be eligible to apply for grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under this title, an
eligible entity shall--
``(1) demonstrate a partnership with two or more of the
following:
``(A) a State or local workforce development board or State
or local workforce agency;
``(B) an education and training provider, or a consortium
thereof;
``(C) a State apprenticeship agency;
``(D) an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization;
``(E) an industry or sector partnership, a group of
employers, a trade association, or a professional association
that sponsors or participates in a program under the national
apprenticeship system;
``(F) a Governor;
``(G) a labor organization or joint labor-management
organization;
``(H) community-based organizations that assist program
participants in accessing supportive services; or
``(I) a qualified intermediary; and
``(2) to the extent practicable--
``(A) be part of an industry or sector partnership; and
``(B) partner with a labor or joint labor-management
organization.
``(e) General Application Requirements.--An eligible entity
applying for a grant under this section shall submit to the
Administrator a description of each of the following:
``(1) Each purpose under subsection (a) for which the
applicant intends to use such grant.
``(2) Each entity with which the eligible entity is
partnered or engaged under subsection (d) and the role of
each such entity in carrying out activities funded under this
subsection.
``(3) The ability of the applicant, directly or through
partners--
``(A) to enroll, instruct, advance, and graduate program
participants served by the grant activities, and enable the
participants to gain employment after program completion;
``(B) to support (including by providing technical
assistance) program sponsors and employers (especially small-
and medium-sized businesses) in the creation of, recruitment
for, and execution of programs under the national
apprenticeship system; and
``(C) to provide opportunities to rural communities, as
applicable.
``(4) A labor market analysis with respect to the
geographic area of service that demonstrates--
``(A) the need to create or expand the program; and
``(B) a plan to align the activities supported by the grant
with the labor market needs of high-skill, high-wage, or in-
demand industry sectors or occupations.
``(5) A plan--
``(A) to comply with requirements for an evaluation and
report under section 203;
``(B) as appropriate, to coordinate activities assisted
under the grant with activities carried out under the Carl D.
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C.
2301 et seq.), the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), and any related
Federal programs and if appropriate, how funds provided under
these programs will be leveraged in support of the programs
supported by this grant;
``(C) to use funds awarded under this section in support of
the programs supported by this grant, as described in section
202;
``(D) to continue the program after the grant period ends;
and
``(E) to recruit and retain program participants for pre-
apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and apprenticeship
programs, including from nontraditional apprenticeship
populations, such as women, minorities, individuals with
disabilities, individuals impacted by the criminal or
juvenile justice system, and individuals with barriers to
employment;
``(F) to ensure program participants are able to access
supportive services, as applicable; and
``(G) to comply with the equal opportunity requirements for
diversity described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section
111(b)(7) and section 113(c)(5), as applicable.
``(6) For any grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements
expanding existing programs under the national apprenticeship
system, a description of--
``(A) a plan to coordinate the activities carried out under
the grant with the existing program; and
``(B) the effectiveness of the program, including
demonstrations of programmatic components such as program
costs to employers and to program participants, completion
and placement rates, credential attainment, diversity in
populations served, the effectiveness of the program in
increasing participant's wages and benefits, or services
provided to employers and program participants.
``(7) A description of potential program participants and
strategies to support the recruitment, retention, and
completion of such participants, including nontraditional
apprenticeship populations and individuals with barriers to
employment, to the extent practicable.
``(8) A description of strategies to recruit and support
employers involved in programs under the national
apprenticeship system.
``(9) An assurance that the eligible entity will--
``(A) provide information to the Administrator, as
requested, for any such evaluations as the Administrator may
carry out;
``(B) make program performance outcome data available (in
accordance with applicable data privacy laws, including
section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20
U.S.C. 1232g) and section 4 of this Act) to independent
evaluators to enable the evaluators to prepare the
evaluations and research reports described in section
203(a)(1); and
``(C) coordinate grant activities with a State
Apprenticeship Agency, if such agency exists in the State
where the eligible entity is applying for a grant or carrying
out activities.
``(f) Additional Application Requirements.--The
Administrator shall require an eligible entity applying for a
grant under this title to include as part of their
application in subsection (e) the following information, as
applicable:
``(1) Creation and expansion activities.--
``(A) New apprenticeship programs.--An eligible entity
applying to create new apprenticeship programs and carry out
activities in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(A)(i) shall
include as part of their application a description of--
``(i) any plans for further expansion upon development of
the program; and
``(ii) employers, and to the extent practicable, labor
organizations or joint labor-management organizations,
engaged in the program creation and implementation.
``(B) Expanding apprenticeship programs.--An eligible
entity applying to expand existing apprenticeship programs
and carry out activities in accordance with subsection
(a)(1)(A)(ii) shall include as part of their application a
description of employers engaged in the program expansion.
``(C) Creating or expanding pre-apprenticeship programs.--
An eligible entity applying to create or expand pre-
apprenticeship programs and carry out activities in
accordance with subsection (a)(1)(A)(iii) shall include as
part of their application a description of--
``(i) a partnership between the eligible entity and at
least one apprenticeship program; and
``(ii) existing partnerships with employers acting in
either an advisory capacity or actively participating in the
pre-apprenticeship program.
``(D) Creating or expanding youth apprenticeship
programs.--An eligible entity applying to create or expand
youth apprenticeship programs and carry out activities in
accordance with subsection (a)(1)(A)(iv) shall include as
part of their application a description of--
``(i) an existing partnership with at least one high school
offering related instruction for the youth apprenticeship
program, with existing integration into the academic content
of the high school diploma requirements, or with demonstrated
plans for integration of related instruction into the high
school curriculum; and
``(ii) existing partnerships with employers acting in
either an advisory capacity or actively participating in the
youth apprenticeship program.
``(2) Encouraging employer participation.--
``(A) Individuals with barriers to employment.--An eligible
entity applying to target individuals with barriers to
employment for apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, or pre-
apprenticeship programs and carry out activities in
accordance with subsection (a)(1)(B)(i) shall include as part
of their application a description of--
``(i) specific strategies to target both individuals with
barriers to employment and employers for participation in the
program; and
``(ii) partnerships with organizations that assist program
participants in accessing supportive services to support
recruitment, retention, and completion of the program by
program participants.
``(B) High-need social service-related industries.--An
eligible entity applying to offer pre-apprenticeship, youth
apprenticeship, or apprenticeship programs in high-need
social service-related industries, sectors, or occupations
and carry out activities in accordance with subsection
(a)(1)(B)(ii) shall include as part of their application a
description of wages and benefits offered to program
participants.
``(C) Individuals currently or recently incarcerated.--An
eligible entity applying to target individuals currently or
recently incarcerated and establish or carry out pre-
apprenticeship programs and apprenticeship programs in
accordance with subsection (a)(1)(B)(iii) shall include as
part of their application a description of--
``(i) a plan to assist the program participants in
obtaining the documentation and work authorization necessary
to participate in such program;
``(ii) partnerships with organizations that will assist
program participants in accessing activities to improve
financial literacy and supportive services;
``(iii) how the assessments used to support the placement
of potential program participants into a program accurately
reflect the participants' skills and competencies;
``(iv) a plan to provide information about resources to
program participants to address mental health or substance
abuse issues;
``(v) partnerships with organizations that support--
``(I) the transition from incarceration to re-entry, such
as assistance with housing, transportation, and legal
services; and
``(II) successful completion of an apprenticeship or pre-
apprenticeship program;
``(vi) wages and benefits offered to program participants
that are commensurate with wages for similar work in the
State or local area, as allowable; and
``(vii) alignment and necessary supports to comply with and
receive the benefits of the Federal Bonding Program and the
Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program for
employers participating in apprenticeship programs.
[[Page H406]]
``(D) Small- and medium-sized employers.--An eligible
entity applying to engage small- and medium-sized employers
and carry out activities in accordance with subsection
(a)(1)(B)(iv) shall include as part of their application a
description of demonstrated success in engaging small- and
medium-sized employers and the ability to recruit new
employers to participate in related partnerships or programs,
such as small businesses owned or controlled by women,
minorities, or veterans.
``(3) Intermediary grants.--
``(A) Supporting national industry and equity
intermediaries.--An eligible entity applying to carry out
activities in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(C)(i) shall
include as part of their application a description of the
ability of such entity to convene a diverse group of industry
specific stakeholders for the purposes of developing or
expanding programs, including employers, workforce
development organizations, industry associations, labor
groups (including joint labor-management organizations), and
education and training providers at a national level or with
national reach.
``(B) Serving programs in a local or regional setting.--An
eligible entity applying to carry out activities in
accordance with subsection (a)(1)(C)(ii) shall include as
part of their application a description of how such entity
will--
``(i) engage employers, especially small- and medium-sized
businesses, in the formation or ongoing development of
industry or sector partnerships and programs in the national
apprenticeship system;
``(ii) identify the industry or sector partnerships that
will be served, and demonstrate alignment to high-skill,
high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations;
``(iii) leverage additional resources, including funding
provided by Federal and non-Federal resources; and
``(iv) provide services to program sponsors and program
participants.
``(4) Educational alignment.--An eligible entity applying
to carry out activities in accordance with subsection
(a)(1)(D) shall include as part of their application a
description of--
``(A) a demonstration of a partnership with--
``(i)(I) no less than three sponsors or employers; or
``(II) an industry or sector partnership; and
``(ii) at least 1 of the following--
``(I) an educational service agency;
``(II) a high school;
``(III) a local educational agency;
``(IV) State educational agency;
``(V) an Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, Tribal
educational agency, Tribally controlled college or
university, or Tribally controlled postsecondary career and
technical institution, as applicable;
``(VI) a postsecondary educational institution; or
``(VII) a State higher education agency; and
``(B) a commitment to establishing or expanding the
alignment of the related instruction to--
``(i) the requirements for a high school diploma, which may
be fulfilled through a dual or concurrent enrollment program;
or
``(ii) the requirements for a recognized postsecondary
credential, including the degree requirements for an
associate's or bachelor's degree.
``SEC. 202. USES OF FUNDS.
``(a) General Activities.--An eligible entity applying for
any grant activity under section 201(a)(1)--
``(1) shall use at least 5 percent of the grant funds to
provide direct financial assistance to apprentices, pre-
apprentices, or youth apprentices through emergency grants to
support their financial needs to enter, remain enrolled in,
and complete such program, such as support for the related
costs of supplies and equipment, assessment or licensure
fees, courses, transportation, child care, and housing; and
``(2) may use funds for any of the following activities:
``(A) To establish or expand partnerships with
organizations that provide program participants access to
financial planning, mentoring, and supportive services that
are necessary to enable an individual to participate in and
complete a program under the national apprenticeship system.
``(B) To conduct outreach and recruitment activities,
including assessments of potential participants for, and
enrollment of participants in, a program under the national
apprenticeship system.
``(C) To conduct outreach, engagement, recruitment, and
coordination of activities with employers, industry
associations, labor and joint labor-management organizations,
qualified intermediaries, education and training providers,
State or local workforce agencies, potential sponsors,
community-based organizations, communities with high numbers
or percentages of nontraditional apprenticeship populations,
small- and medium-sized businesses, or rural communities to
establish or expand industry or sector partnerships and
opportunities under the national apprenticeship system.
``(D) To carry out grant requirements, including program
evaluation and reporting requirements.
``(E) To conduct any activities as described in the
application that would advance the purposes of the grant.
``(F) To support the transition to virtual or remote
learning or training, as necessary and as approved by the
registration agency.
``(b) Additional Uses of Funds.--
``(1) Creation or expansion activities.--
``(A) Apprenticeship program creation.--An eligible entity
that receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(A)(i) shall use
such funding to create and implement an apprenticeship
program, which may include--
``(i) creating and providing training and related
instruction based on employer engagement;
``(ii) applying apprenticeship frameworks as described in
section 111(b)(5)(C) to the State or local labor market and
employer needs; or
``(iii) aligning the new program with existing
apprenticeship programs.
``(B) Apprenticeship program expansion.--An eligible entity
that receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(A)(ii) shall use
such funds to expand an existing apprenticeship program,
which may include--
``(i) expanding and enhancing related instruction;
``(ii) conducting outreach to and engagement with employers
for the purposes of program expansion, including creation of
new or expansion of existing industry or sector partnerships;
``(iii) preparing additional instructors or mentors needed
for program expansion;
``(iv) building awareness of apprenticeship program
opportunities for State or local workforce development,
education, and economic development entities; and
``(v) providing commensurate wages to wages for on-the-job
training for program participants during related instruction,
as applicable.
``(C) Pre-apprenticeship programs.--An eligible entity that
receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(A)(iii) shall use such
funds to create a new pre-apprenticeship program or expand an
existing pre-apprenticeship program, which may include--
``(i) coordinating pre-apprenticeship program activities
with an apprenticeship program in a high-skill, high-wage, or
in-demand industry sector or occupation, including the
creation or expansion of work-based learning opportunities,
and articulation agreements for those who successfully
complete a pre-apprenticeship to earn academic credit and
enroll in an apprenticeship program;
``(ii) creating, expanding, or integrating related
instruction and work-based learning, which may include
training in the workplace and supporting partnerships to
create opportunities for pre-apprentices to earn credit at a
postsecondary educational institution for skills and
competencies acquired during the pre-apprenticeship program;
``(iii) providing participants with career exploration and
career planning activities and with exploration of
postsecondary opportunities including apprenticeship
programs;
``(iv) with respect to participants without a high school
diploma or a generally recognized equivalent, paying the
costs affiliated with acquiring such equivalent, and the
costs of any related assessments of potential pre-apprentices
or active pre-apprentices, including those that would verify
the attainment of foundational knowledge and skills necessary
to succeed in an apprenticeship program;
``(v) development or expansion of partnerships with
organizations that assist program participants in accessing
supportive services, which may include the 12-month period
after the conclusion of a pre-apprenticeship program;
``(vi) providing commensurate wages to the linked
apprenticeship program for pre-apprentices as they
participate in and complete the pre-apprenticeship program,
as appropriate;
``(vii) paying the cost of related instruction or
assessment or licensure fees associated with the pre-
apprenticeship program, as appropriate;
``(viii) creating or expanding industry or sector
partnerships to support the pre-apprenticeship program and to
provide additional opportunities to the pre-apprentices.
``(D) Youth apprenticeship programs.--An eligible entity
that receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(A)(iv) shall use
such funds to create a new youth apprenticeship program or
expand an existing youth apprenticeship program, which may
include--
``(i) paying for the costs associated with curriculum
development and alignment of that curriculum with recognized
postsecondary credentials including industry-recognized
credentials, high school graduation requirements, and related
instruction, including curriculum development for dual or
concurrent enrollment;
``(ii) providing employers, and to the extent practicable,
labor organizations and joint labor-management organizations,
technical assistance to support the participation of youth
apprentices under the age of 18;
``(iii) integrating work-based and academic learning, which
may include training in the workplace;
``(iv) providing career exploration and career planning
activities, including exploration of postsecondary
opportunities such as apprenticeship programs;
``(v) providing technical assistance to support the
participation of small- and medium-sized businesses in youth
apprenticeship programs;
``(vi) developing or expanding partnerships with
organizations that assist program participants in accessing
supportive services, which may include the 12-month period
after the conclusion of such a youth apprenticeship program;
or
``(vii) providing teachers, career guidance and academic
counselors, school leaders, administrators, specialized
instructional support personnel, and paraprofessionals with
professional development opportunities to build an
understanding of apprenticeship opportunities available to
students, including experiential opportunities like
externships.
``(2) Incentive funds.--
``(A) Barriers to employment.--An eligible entity that
receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(B)(i) shall use such
funds to encourage employer participation in programs under
the national apprenticeship system that target individuals
with barriers to employment, which may include--
``(i) providing financial assistance to employers to
support costs related to the programs,
[[Page H407]]
such as training incumbent workers for participation as
mentors or employees supervising the on-the-job learning;
``(ii) supporting the cost of related instruction,
assessment or licensure fees, or wages for program
participants during related instruction; and
``(iii) establishing or expanding partnerships with
organizations that assist program participants in accessing
supportive services to support recruitment, retention, and
completion, including providing supplies and equipment
necessary to begin a program under the national
apprenticeship system.
``(B) High-need social service-related industries.--An
eligible entity that receives funds under section
201(a)(1)(B)(ii) shall use such funds to incentivize employer
participation in programs under the national apprenticeship
system in high need social service-related industries,
sectors, or occupations, which may include--
``(i) providing financial assistance to employers to
support costs related to the program, such as training
incumbent workers as mentors, or employees providing on-the-
job training;
``(ii) supporting the cost of related instruction,
assessment or licensure fees, or wages for program
participants during related instruction;
``(iii) establishing or expanding partnerships with
organizations that assist program participants in accessing
supportive services to support recruitment, retention, and
completion, including providing supplies and equipment
necessary to begin a program under the national
apprenticeship system; or
``(iv) aligning such program with career pathways and
opportunities for advancement along such career pathways.
``(C) Individuals impacted by the justice system.--An
eligible entity that receives funds under section
201(a)(1)(B)(iii) shall use such funds to incentivize
employer participation in programs under the national
apprenticeship system that target individuals impacted by the
criminal or juvenile justice system, which may include--
``(i) providing financial assistance to employers to
support costs related to the program, such as training
incumbent workers as mentors or employees supervising the on-
the-job learning; or
``(ii) supporting the cost of related instruction,
assessment or licensure fees, or wages for program
participants during related instruction.
``(D) In-demand industry sector or occupation grants for
small- and medium-sized businesses.-- An eligible entity that
receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(B)(iv) shall use such
funds to encourage participation of small- and medium-sized
businesses in programs under the national apprenticeship
system, which may include--
``(i) providing financial assistance to employers to
support costs related to the program, such as training
incumbent workers as mentors or employees supervising the on-
the-job learning;
``(ii) supporting the cost of related instruction,
assessment or licensure fees, or wages for program
participants during related instruction;
``(iii) providing technical assistance to small- and
medium-sized businesses on the program registration process
and leveraging other available funds to support carrying out
programs supported by this grant; or
``(iv) establishing or expanding partnerships to support
program development or expansion, including establishing or
expanding industry or sector partnerships to ensure inclusion
of small- and medium-sized businesses.
``(3) Intermediary grants.--
``(A) National industry and equity intermediaries.--An
eligible entity that receives funds under section
201(a)(1)(C)(i) shall use such funds to carry out activities
at a national and regional level to support the promotion and
expansion of industry or equity intermediaries, which may
include--
``(i) creating partnerships and leveraging collaborations
with employers, workforce development organizations, industry
associations, labor organizations, and education and training
providers to help multiple employers make education and
training more affordable and accelerate the expansion of
programs under the national apprenticeship system nationwide;
``(ii) assisting employers in expanding programs, starting
new programs, and working together to create a pipeline of
skilled workers;
``(iii) increasing the participation and completion of
nontraditional apprenticeship populations in programs under
the national apprenticeship system, which may include--
``(I) supporting the development, implementation, and
scaling of plans and practices; and
``(II) identifying, developing, and disseminating effective
program tools and strategies;
``(iv) providing national activities to increase awareness
and access to programs, including strategic marketing and
outreach, technology improvements, and innovations that make
it easier for employers to start programs and for individuals
to connect with program opportunities;
``(v) developing and disseminating training or related
instruction associated with the program or for curriculum
improvements that align with the requirements of the program
and learning assessments; or
``(vi) providing industry employees or potential employees
with a clear understanding of future career paths and the
skills needed to succeed, along with cost effective ways of
acquiring those skills through youth apprenticeship, pre-
apprenticeship, or apprenticeship programs.
``(B) Local intermediaries.--An eligible entity that
receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(C)(ii) may use such
funds to carry out activities at a local or regional level to
support the promotion and expansion of programs under the
national apprenticeship system, which may include--
``(i) providing training or related instruction associated
with the programs or for curriculum improvements that align
with the requirements of the programs and learning
assessments;
``(ii) engaging with local education and training providers
to support related instruction aligned with the needs of
high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors and
occupations, and to the extent practicable, support the
provision of academic credit for related instruction;
``(iii) providing services, including business engagement,
classroom instruction, and development of partnerships with
organizations that assist program participants in accessing
supportive services (which may include the 12-month period
after the conclusion of the other activities in the youth
apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs involved);
``(iv) providing technical assistance on the registration
process for a sponsor of a youth apprenticeship, pre-
apprenticeship, or apprenticeship program;
``(v) connecting businesses, labor organizations, or joint
labor-management organizations with education and training
providers to develop related instruction to complement the
on-the-job learning portion of a youth apprenticeship, pre-
apprenticeship, or apprenticeship program;
``(vi) providing training to employees to serve as on-the-
job trainers or mentors to program participants; and
``(vii) providing career exposure, career planning, and
career awareness activities.
``(4) Educational alignment grants.--An eligible entity
that receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(D) shall use such
funds to strengthen alignment between programs under the
national apprenticeship system and education and training
providers with secondary and postsecondary education systems,
including degree and credential requirements, which may
include--
``(A) creating and aligning the related instruction to
requirements for a high school diploma or an associate's or
bachelor's degree, including through--
``(i) dual enrollment and credit articulation for youth
apprenticeship programs;
``(ii) articulation agreements; or
``(iii) credit transfer agreements;
``(B) creating or expanding career pathways aligned with
pre-apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, or apprenticeship
programs;
``(C) providing professional development for teachers,
career guidance and academic counselors, school leaders,
administrators, specialized instructional support personnel,
and paraprofessionals to build an understanding of
opportunities in the national apprenticeship system available
to students and to incorporate such opportunities into
academic content and offerings;
``(D) offering prior learning assessments, which may
include credit for prior learning to grant advanced standing
in a program under the national apprenticeship system and
credit towards an associate's or bachelor's degree;
``(E) maintaining a connection between a pre-apprenticeship
or youth apprenticeship program and an apprenticeship
program; and
``(F) providing training for instructors or mentors.
``SEC. 203. GRANT EVALUATIONS.
``(a) Recipient Reports.--Each recipient of a grant under
this section shall--
``(1) provide for an independent evaluation of the
activities carried out under this title during the grant
period;
``(2) provide for an annual report and for a final report
at the conclusion of the grant period, which include--
``(A) a description of how the funds received through the
grant were used and how the uses of funds aligned with the
description in the application specified in section
201(e)(5)(C);
``(B) in the case of an eligible entity that is required to
report data under section 131(b)(1), the data collected under
such section for the grant period;
``(C) the total number of active program participants
served by each of the grant programs;
``(D) the total number that obtained unsubsidized
employment in a field related to the apprenticeable
occupation;
``(E) the total number of program participants that
completed the program in which they were enrolled;
``(F) the average time to completion for each program as
compared to the program standards description under
paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 123(b);
``(G) the average cost per participant during the most
recent program year and the 3 preceding program years;
``(H) the percentage of participants who received support
services; and
``(I) the disaggregation of performance data described in
subparagraphs (A) through (H)--
``(i) by the program type (apprenticeship, youth
apprenticeship, or pre-apprenticeship program) involved; and
``(ii) by race, ethnicity, sex, age, and membership in a
population specified in section 3(24) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(24)); and
``(3) submit each report under paragraph (2)--
``(A) to the registration agency; and
``(B) to the Administrator.
``(b) Administrator Evaluations.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall prepare--
``(A) not later than 36 months after the date of enactment
of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, an interim
evaluation on the activities carried out under grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements awarded under this
section; and
``(B) not later than 60 months after the date of enactment
of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, a final
evaluation containing the results of the grant activities.
``(2) Contents.--Such evaluations shall address, for the
activities carried out under each
[[Page H408]]
grant awarded under this section, the general effectiveness
of the activities in relation to their cost, including the
extent to which the activities--
``(A) improve the participation in, retention in, and
completion of youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and
apprenticeship programs by nontraditional apprenticeship
populations;
``(B) to the extent feasible, increase the levels of total
employment, of attainment of recognized postsecondary
credentials, and of measurable skills, above the levels that
would have existed in the absence of such activities;
``(C) respond to the needs reflected in State, regional, or
local labor market data;
``(D) align with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand
industries or occupations; and
``(E) reach a wide variety of industry sectors and
occupations;
``(3) Reports to congress.--Not later than 60 days after
the completion of the interim evaluation and the final
evaluation described in this section, the Administrator shall
submit to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report summarizing the
findings of the interim evaluations and a report summarizing
the final evaluations.
``(4) Public access.--The Administrator shall make the
interim and final reports available on a publicly accessible
website not later than 60 days after the completion of the
interim report and the final report.
``SEC. 204. GRANT APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
title:
``(1) $400,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(2) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
``(3) $600,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
``(4) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and
``(5) $800,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.''.
SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act
of 1998.--Section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and
Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2916a) is
repealed.
(b) Immigration and Nationality Act.--Section 286(s)(2) of
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(s)(2)) is
amended--
(1) in the heading, by striking ``for job training'' and
inserting ``for programs under the national apprenticeship
system''; and
(2) by striking ``for demonstration programs and projects
described in section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness
and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998'' and inserting ``to
carry out title II of the National Apprenticeship Act''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill, as amended, is debatable for 1
hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Education and Labor.
The gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin) and the gentlewoman from
North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) each will control 30 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan.
General Leave
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 447, the National
Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Michigan?
There was no objection.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 447, the National
Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant and lasting hardship for
our Nation's workers. Millions of people are still without work, and at
least 7 million of the jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic will not
come back. During this historic economic downturn, we must use every
tool we have to help workers find jobs and prepare them for high-
quality jobs and employment opportunities of the future.
The most successful of these tools that we have, without question, is
our registered apprenticeship system. Each year, hundreds of thousands
of workers count on registered apprenticeships to learn in-demand
skills, earn wages that grow along with those skills, and receive
nationally recognized credentials that lead to rewarding careers.
Registered apprenticeships are so successful that 94 percent of
apprentices are employed upon completion and they earn an average
starting wage of more than $70,000 a year.
Yet Congress has not reauthorized the National Apprenticeship Act
since it was first passed as part of the New Deal in 1937. Simply put,
we have left our Nation's very best workforce development initiative
underresourced at a time when we need it most.
In response, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 invests $3.5
billion in our national apprenticeship system; ensures consistency and
quality across apprenticeship programs; increases opportunities for
diverse groups of workers who have not traditionally been included in
the apprenticeship system; and expands registered apprenticeships in
emerging sectors, such as healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and
technology.
This investment alone will create an additional 1 million
apprenticeship opportunities--I am so excited to say that--and it will
yield more than $10 billion in benefits to taxpayers through higher tax
revenue and decreased spending on social safety net programs. There is
no better policy, Mr. Speaker, than helping people get great training
for great jobs.
Construction trades and their industry partners have long proven that
the registered apprenticeship model works. That is why trade groups,
industry associations, labor unions, and other stakeholders supported
both Democrats and Republicans in overwhelmingly voting for this bill
last November. Now we must come together again to pass the National
Apprenticeship Act of 2021 so that workers across the country and
across industries can benefit from registered apprenticeship
opportunities.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not recognize Representative Pocan
of Wisconsin, who sponsored the Leveraging Effective Apprenticeships to
Rebuild National Skills Act, or the LEARNS Act; and Representative
Bonamici of Oregon, who authored the PARTNERS Act; and former
Representative, our dear colleague, Susan Davis of California, who
shepherded this bill in the 116th Congress, for all of their
significant contributions to this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Jerry Nadler for the courtesy of
providing for discharge of the portion of the bill within the
jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this legislation, and I reserve the
balance of my time.
House of Representatives,
Committee on the Judiciary,
Washington, DC, February 1, 2021.
Hon. Bobby Scott,
Chairman, House Committee on Education and Labor, Washington,
DC.
Dear Chairman Scott: This is to advise you that we have now
had an opportunity to review the provisions in H.R. 447, the
``National Apprenticeship Act of 2021,'' that fall within our
Rule X jurisdiction. I appreciate your consulting with us on
those provisions. We have no objection to your including them
in the bill for consideration on the House floor, and to
expedite that consideration is willing to forgo action on
H.R. 447, with the understanding that we do not thereby waive
any future jurisdictional claim over those provisions or
their subject matters.
In the event a House-Senate conference on this or similar
legislation is convened, the Judiciary Committee reserves the
right to request an appropriate number of conferees to
address any concerns with these or similar provisions that
may arise in conference.
Please place this letter into the Congressional Record
during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank
you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked
regarding this matter and others between our committees.
Sincerely,
Jerrold Nadler,
Chairman.
____
Committee on Education and Labor, House of
Representatives,
Washington, DC, February 1, 2021.
Hon. Jerrold Nadler,
Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Nadler: In reference to your letter of
February 1, 2021, I write to confirm our mutual understanding
regarding H.R. 447, the ``National Apprenticeship Act of
2021.''
I appreciate the Committee on the Judiciary's waiver of
consideration of H.R. 447 as specified in your letter. I
acknowledge that the waiver was granted only to expedite
floor consideration of H.R. 447 and does not in any way waive
or diminish the Committee on the Judiciary's jurisdictional
interests over this or similar legislation.
I would be pleased to include our exchange of letters on
this matter in the Congressional Record during floor
consideration of the bill to memorialize our joint
understanding.
Again, thank you for your assistance with this matter.
Very truly yours,
Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott,
Chairman.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 477, the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, which impedes the ability of
businesses and employers to fill in-demand jobs.
[[Page H409]]
Legislation deserves a proper, thorough, and bipartisan examination,
which is why the House has long established procedures to do just that.
Those procedures respect the majority and minority and ensure that both
sides are represented.
Democrats are ignoring these procedures and bringing this bill
straight to the floor, steamrolling the committee of jurisdiction. Time
and again Speaker Pelosi has shown more interest in ``our way or the
highway'' governing than upholding the deliberative process of the
people's House.
Rushing a bill to the House floor without committee consideration
simply because we have gaveled in a new Congress and need something to
fill the time on the floor isn't a sustainable path forward under any
circumstances. This is particularly frustrating considering the
bipartisan agreement that our Nation's apprenticeship system needs to
be updated to provide more opportunities for hardworking Americans.
H.R. 447 closes pathways to work for students and job seekers at a
time when our Nation is in desperate need of getting more Americans
back to work. In recent years, steps were taken to increase the number
of high-quality apprenticeships and introduce innovation into work-
based learning programs. For example, the Trump administration created
Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, IRAPs, which provide
another avenue for companies seeking skilled workers who want to
develop programs with more input from other industry leaders rather
than from the Federal Government.
Democrats like to say that IRAPs are ``untried'' or ``untested.''
Other words for that are ``new'' and ``innovative.''
This bill would take away opportunities for the 131 IRAPs that have
been recognized in the last 4 months, the vast majority of which are
for nursing credentials. Limiting nursing credentials during a global
pandemic is idiotic.
By prohibiting these innovative programs, the bill assumes that a
registered program that worked for one employer will meet the diverse
needs of every business across the country, regardless of size or
industry.
In fiscal year 2019, 252,000 individuals entered apprenticeships, but
only 81,000 graduated from the registered system. In fact, there have
been, on average, over 190,000 new apprenticeships every year since
2015, but only 81,000 graduate in a year from the registered system.
That is a graduation rate of 43 percent, at best. Yet Democrats refer
to this program as the ``gold standard.''
Lord help us if this is the gold standard.
Clearly, there is room to improve the registered system, make space
for employer-led innovation, and get more Americans back to work.
Instead, Democrats assume that simply throwing more taxpayer dollars at
a broken system will lead to the creation of a million new
apprenticeships. But they have failed to address the underlying
problems with the system and, along the way, are shutting down a new,
more flexible option that businesses have already found appealing.
Stifling innovation and doubling down on an 80-year-old system that
favors union-driven apprenticeships will hurt our efforts to get more
Americans back to work. Yet language included in the legislation favors
grant funding for entities partnering with unions. Turning the bill's
grant program into a union slush fund would also block countless
potential for participants from accessing grant money.
Even worse, H.R. 447 will force job creators to deal with overly
prescriptive requirements, additional bureaucracy, and time-consuming
paperwork on top of the one-size-fits-all approach. It is no wonder
this stifling environment has discouraged new and small businesses from
participating in the registered apprenticeship system.
Employers know best what skills their employees require to excel in
the workplace. That is why Republicans believe Congress should
encourage employer-led innovation in the apprenticeship space.
Unfortunately, today's legislation falls woefully short.
We know that apprenticeships will play a defining role in closing the
skills gap and putting more Americans to work, but only if employees
and job creators are given the flexibility to innovate and develop
high-quality earn-and-learn programs without overreach from Washington.
Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Norcross), who is a member of the
Committee on Education and Labor and a person whose life embodies the
value of apprenticeships not just to our industries, but to our Nation.
Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the importance of
the bipartisan National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
First, I would like to thank former Congresswoman Susan Davis for the
work that she and Brett Guthrie put in this bill and how important it
was. We had traveled the world looking at different models to see how
other countries have done it, but the answer was right here in our
backyard, the gold standard, what the national building trades have
done over the past 100 years.
Mr. Speaker, as a child growing up, you hear from teachers and
counselors that you have to go to college in order to make it in
America. Well, I was one of four boys. My three brothers went to
college. I like to say I went to the other 4-year school, a registered
IBEW apprenticeship program for electricians.
{time} 0930
It allowed me to earn while I was going to school, to take what I
learned in the books at night and apply it the next day; how important
that was to help raise my young family and literally paved the way for
me to go from the construction site to the floor of Congress;
remarkable.
But we know, one size does not fit all. I like to say, some people
want to go to college, some people want to build the college, some
people want to defend the college. We need everyone to come together,
and this registered apprenticeship is the most successful training
program in the history of the United States. You heard, 94 percent of
the people who complete it go right to work and are fully employed.
And the building trades have a graduation rate of approaching 90
percent, something unheard of, and coming out making $70,000, with
little or no debt. Little or no debt. That paycheck that goes along
with it is that dignity that if you can work with your hands you also
work with your heart and your head, and how important that is.
Whether you work in a shipyard, medical technology, or you have your
Ph.D., we are all the same, adding value to this great country, and we
need all of them to succeed.
This apprenticeship act builds off of what we have done in the past.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds
to the gentleman from New Jersey.
Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I just want to make sure, the standards
are so important. When there is a hurricane that hits the Gulf Coast,
literally, linemen and workers from around the country come together.
And why is that important? Because they all train on the same
standards.
Could you imagine if everybody came in learning a different way? That
is how people die. That is why standards are critically important and
proven over time.
So I encourage everybody to come together to work on and vote for the
most impressive and successful program in the history of the United
States.
Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the North America's Building
Trades Unions letter of support.
North America's
Building Trades Unions,
Washington, DC, February 3, 2021.
Dear Member of Congress: On behalf of the over 3 million
skilled craft professionals that comprise North America's
Building Trades Unions (NABTU), I write in support of H.R.
447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
I first would like to commend the work of Chairman Scott
and the bipartisan cosponsors of this legislation for their
diligent efforts to maintain the integrity of the Registered
Apprenticeship system, and their continued engagement with us
on this bill, which reauthorizes the foundational law on
which our apprenticeship programs are built. In the eight
decades since the Registered Apprenticeship system was
created, our nation, the economy, our industry, and
technology have drastically changed. What has not
[[Page H410]]
changed is the need to forever protect and enshrine the
rights of those individuals who enter an apprenticeship
program, and H.R. 447 continues to protect the safety, well
being, and economic trajectory of the apprentice.
More than two-thirds of all civilian registered apprentices
in the United States are trained in the construction
industry. Among these construction apprentices, seventy-five
percent receive their training at one of the 1,900 privately
funded training centers in North America which are jointly
administered by construction contractors and building trades
unions. Investing almost $2 billion in private capital
annually in our Registered Apprenticeship programs, our joint
labor-management programs have long been considered the gold
standard of the Registered Apprenticeship system.
The affiliated unions of NABTU provide a debt-free ladder
of opportunity to those who seek a career in the construction
industry through Registered Apprenticeship. From day one,
apprentices earn while they learn on a progressively
increasing wage scale, with the added security of healthcare
and retirement benefits, and upon completion of the program
earn, on average, $60,000 annually. Furthermore, through our
ever-expanding pre-apprenticeship programs, we continue to
work with our industry partners to increase the diversity of
apprenticeship candidates by recruiting women, people of
color and veterans.
While there are other avenues one may take to be trained in
the construction crafts, for generations, the safest, most
highly skilled and productive construction craft workers in
the world have received their training through the Registered
Apprenticeship system. H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship
Act of 2021, will ensure the Registered Apprenticeship system
not only remains the gold standard in workforce training in
the construction industry, but that it is accessible for all
industries that seek a productive and highly skilled
workforce. I urge swift passage of this bill and look forward
to working with you to strengthen economic opportunities in
every community, both large and small, across our great
nation.
Sincerely,
Sean McGarvey,
President.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson).
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition
to H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
As co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education
Caucus, it takes a lot for me to oppose legislation like this, which
should be and always has been bipartisan. But my friends across the
aisle have included measures that just are not good for America, and
not bipartisan.
The National Apprenticeship Act, which was originally passed in 1937,
established the registered apprenticeship system we see today. This
system has provided many Americans with the opportunities to learn
tangible skills they need for high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand jobs
that will lead to fulfilling careers.
More recently, we have seen interest for apprenticeships rise as more
employers and small businesses are recognizing the vital role they play
in the development of a skilled workforce. This law is in desperate
need of reforms that will both strengthen and expand this traditional
system, while empowering employers and others to pursue work-based
learning innovation.
As co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus,
I have always supported and will continue to support legislation that
promotes skills-based education for a 21st century economy.
With that being said, we must acknowledge that the registered
apprenticeship system created during the Great Depression will never be
suitable by itself for a modern workforce.
While this bill codifies several Federal regulations for the
registered apprenticeship model, the underlying bill ignores the needs
of our workers and our economy.
Previous administrations have taken tremendous steps to grow the
number of high-quality apprenticeships and modernize work-based
learning programs, especially through the Department of Labor's
Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, or IRAPS.
This program is aimed to help foster continued innovation that
recognizes the dignity of all work and provides another tool for
apprentices to move into meaningful work in our rapidly evolving
economy.
However, the current legislation does not provide the needed
flexibility for innovation of these programs, the necessary funding to
carry out these programs, or change the current status quo.
By prohibiting these innovative programs, this bill assumes that a
registered program that works for one employer will meet the various
needs of every business across the country, regardless of size or
industry. We need to listen to what businesses are telling us.
For this reason, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the
gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici), a hardworking member of the
Committee on Education and Labor.
Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan
National Apprenticeship Act, which I am honored to co-lead with
Chairman Scott.
Last summer, I held a roundtable discussion with apprentices and pre-
apprentices from around northwest Oregon. I spoke with Melissa, who
said that joining the Boilermakers Local 242 apprenticeship was a
``life-changing decision.'' And Lacy, who talked about her
apprenticeship with Laborers Local 737; she said it ``made it possible
to pay my bills and feed my kid.''
By supporting the National Apprenticeship Act, we will help more
workers like Melissa and Lacy gain the skills and support services they
need to provide for themselves and their families.
As our Nation recovers from the economic consequences of the
pandemic, registered apprenticeships provide especially meaningful
upskilling and reskilling opportunities for displaced and dislocated
workers to help them secure good-paying jobs.
I am glad that my bipartisan PARTNERS Act is included to help small
and medium-sized businesses develop registered apprenticeships and
provide workers with support services like tools, work attire,
transportation, childcare, and mentorship.
The legislation we pass today will help more Oregonians and Americans
get the skills they need to succeed.
Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the National Task
Force on Tradeswomen's Issues in support of the National Apprenticeship
Act.
[From the National Task Force on tradeswomen's Issues, Jan. 28, 2021]
Comments of the National Taskforce on Tradeswomen's Issues on the
National Apprenticeship Act Reauthorization
The National Taskforce on Tradeswomen's Issues (TWTF) is a
national coalition of women's organizations and tradeswomen
whose mission is to create access, opportunity and equity in
nontraditional employment and training for women. TWTF very
much appreciates the reauthorizing of the National
Apprenticeship Act (NAA) of 2021 (H.R. 447) in a way that
best protects apprentices and best serves other stakeholders
in the apprenticeship system. In particular, TWTF is deeply
grateful for the careful attention that H.R. 447 pays to
enhancing opportunities for women and people of color--
populations that have historically been too often unfairly
denied such opportunities because of their gender, race, or
ethnicity--to gain access to and retain high-skill, high-wage
jobs through registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships,
and youth apprenticeships. TWTF is also highly appreciative
of the significant investments that H.R. 447 makes to the
national apprenticeship system.
Our organizational members, such as Chicago Women in the
Trades, Oregon Tradeswomen Inc., Tradeswomen, Inc. (in
Northern California), ANEW (in Washington State),
Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) (in New York City),
and Nevada Women in Trades currently operate, and for years
have operated, pre-apprenticeship programs and other programs
for encouraging women's participation in the trades and in
other occupations in which women have not traditionally
worked. Together we have over 152 years of combined
experience in operating such programs.
Our organizational members also provide a wide range of
technical assistance services and resources that support
apprenticeship programs, employers, training providers and
the workforce system in enhancing equity for diverse
apprentices and potential apprentices through the National
Center for Women's Equity in Employment and Apprenticeship.
This technical assistance includes EEO planning guidance,
toolkits, best practice briefs, curriculum, staff training,
replicable program models, and other resources and strategies
that have proven successful in attracting and retaining women
in these fields. (The National Center for Women's Equity in
Employment and Apprenticeship was funded until 2020 in part
by a contract with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office
of Apprenticeship (OA).)
TWTF's individual members--current and former tradeswomen--
have, in our scores of years of lived experience in all
aspects of apprenticeship and employment in the trades, seen
it all. A number of these individuals also serve in
leadership positions within apprenticeship programs and their
sponsors
[[Page H411]]
and have intimate knowledge of registration, especially as it
relates to EEO/AA. We have known the exhilaration of
acquiring mastery of skills, the sense of accomplishment of
working with the tools, the pride of being part of building
something tangible and important, the comfort of genuine
mentoring and support from our co-workers and colleagues, and
the satisfaction of supporting our families with a living
wage and real benefits. We have also known the financial
struggle of being ``last hired, first fired'' and the sting
and humiliation of hazing, harassment, and discrimination.
Many, many of us have had successful careers in the trades;
many others have been unable to continue in those occupations
due to discrimination or other barriers. Indeed,
historically, tradeswomen have been at the forefront of work
to change conditions that prevent women from being fully
integrated into well-paid, blue-collar jobs.
These comments are informed by the experiences of both our
organizational and individual members.
TWTF is pleased to support H.R. 447 in general. In
particular, we support the bill's incorporation of certain
nondiscrimination and affirmative action standards for
apprenticeship programs currently codified in 29 CFR part 30;
the requirement that funded entities devote a minimum of 5
percent of grant funds to direct financial assistance to
apprentices, pre-apprentices, or youth apprentices for
supportive services; and the significant investments that the
bill makes in registered apprenticeship, preapprenticeship,
and youth apprenticeship programs and technical assistance to
make progress on equity and inclusion for women and people of
color.
However, we do have some critical concerns about some of
the language in the bill. For example--
Unlike current law, the bill does not clearly and
unambiguously require registered apprenticeship programs
(RAPs) to set goals for the proportions of their apprentices
who are women, Hispanics, African Americans, Asians, and
other racial categories that reflect those each of those
groups' proportions among the people in the areas they
recruit from who meet the minimum qualifications for the
apprenticeship. Nor does it clearly and unambiguously require
RAPs to take steps to target their recruitment, hiring, and
retention practices to the underrepresented group(s) if they
fail to meet those goal(s).
The bill is subject to the interpretation that it
completely preempts continuation or reinstatement of the
positive requirements that are in 29 CFR 30, the current law
but not clearly included in H.R. 447.
Some of the requirements for pre-apprenticeship programs
contained in H.R. 447 were designed for registered
apprenticeship programs but are not appropriate for pre-
apprenticeship programs.
Some of the conditions on grants to be awarded under the
bill may make it difficult for pre-apprenticeship programs to
receive funding under the bill.
We plan to work provide more detail on these concerns as
the bill moves forward in the Senate, and will ask that
Congress address them before the bill becomes law.
Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Scott for his leadership.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Allen).
Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R.
447.
Coming from the construction industry, I know firsthand that
apprenticeships help Americans gain valuable skills that lead to good-
paying jobs and long-lasting careers.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we had the greatest economy in the
world. Unfortunately, we have seen the negative impact this virus has
had on employment opportunities, and Congress should be working in a
bipartisan manner to get this economy back on track.
There is no doubt that skilled trades will play a crucial part in
economic recovery in the coming months. By encouraging more
apprenticeship programs, we can help American workers get back on their
feet while, simultaneously, helping employers meet their workforce
needs.
But the last thing American workers and businesses need is additional
bureaucratic red tape like those included in H.R. 447.
My Democratic colleagues are pushing forward an approach that doubles
down on burdensome mandates and will prevent more workers from
accessing apprenticeship opportunities by imposing a one-size-fits-all
Federal registered apprenticeship system, while doing nothing to
support other models.
I offered an amendment to today's bill that would uphold the Trump
administration's rule regarding the Department of Labor's Industry-
Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, which provides companies an
alternative avenue to train skilled workers for their specific industry
needs, while allowing Americans to earn while they learn.
We should empower employers to innovate and develop their own
apprenticeship programs, not constrain them. Yet, per usual, my
Democratic colleagues blocked my amendment from consideration.
If you truly want unity and working across the aisle, then I urge my
colleagues to work with the Republicans on the House Education and
Labor Committee on a bipartisan bill that would encourage innovation
and flexibility into the apprenticeship model so that more Americans
can get back to work.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney), a member of the Committee on
Education and Labor, and a scholar of the history of apprenticeship in
this body.
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, in 1937, a freshman Member of Congress who
held my seat, Representative William Fitzgerald, from Norwich,
Connecticut, led the effort to pass the first National Apprenticeship
Act. After being signed into law by President Roosevelt, this remained
largely untouched for 83 years, yet the registered apprenticeship
system it created has buoyed the Nation through decades of tumultuous
change in our economy and its workforce.
The Fitzgerald Act is simple. It instructs the Secretary of Labor to
bring together employers and workers, and using national standards,
develop apprenticeship programs and work with State agencies to carry
out certifications all across the country. With that elegant framework,
the registered apprenticeship program has expanded to 1,200 recognized
occupations, enrolling thousands of new apprentices each year. Upon
completion of a registered apprenticeship, workers can expect to earn
an average of $70,000 per year. All this was achieved with a tiny
Federal investment.
Today, we take an historic step to build on its success with the
first-ever reauthorization of the Fitzgerald Act to size up and grow
its proven model. H.R. 447 creates a dedicated source of funding to
State apprenticeship offices that will connect more employers to
trainees and launches competitive grants to start apprentices in new
sectors of the economy and, thus, recruit underserved populations.
This bill will enact those reforms yet remain true to the crown jewel
of Fitzgerald's vision, safeguarding national standards so that workers
and employers can trust that the program's skills and certifications
are high-quality and, thus, transportable.
In Connecticut, I have seen how registered apprenticeships help
first-time employers. Chris Jewell of Bozrah, Connecticut said this
about his metal fabrication shop's new participation in the program:
``The training money we received allowed us to take a chance on
employees that we felt were ready to make the next step in their career
path.''
Those workers and others at Chris' shop are thriving today in high-
paying jobs because of the Fitzgerald Act. This bill will multiply that
success for millions at just the time our Nation's ailing economy needs
it the most. I urge my colleagues to pass this bill.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Keller).
Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition of H.R. 447, the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
Let's be very clear: Apprenticeship programs are a tremendous benefit
to our economy. They provide a diverse range of opportunities for
emerging workers to hone and develop skill sets while providing
competitive salaries that strengthen our economy.
I agree with my colleagues that our existing apprenticeship system is
severely outdated and it must be restructured to reflect the needs and
challenges of the current economy and the modern workforce. However,
H.R. 447 completely fails to address and expand work-based learning
programs.
Current regulations permit a special carve-out for union-sponsored
apprenticeships to ignore the mandatory ratio of apprentices to
supervisors intended to keep workers safe. This preferential treatment,
by definition, creates an uneven playing field and jeopardizes worker
safety.
I offered an amendment to this legislation that would have closed
this loophole, leveled the playing field, and ensured the safety of all
apprentices on the job. However, the majority voted to
[[Page H412]]
reject this effort to hold all apprenticeship programs to the same
standards of safety regardless of which entity sponsors the program.
Given the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our economy, now more
than ever we need an apprenticeship system that provides and protects
workers and gives them the tools and opportunities for success. The
bottom line is that this law must be updated so employees can
participate in a system that is reflective of their needs and the needs
of their workers, something this legislation in its current form fails
to do entirely.
Voting for H.R. 447 in its current form would mean doubling down on
the outdated policies and bureaucratic red tape that too often prevents
innovative and necessary improvements from taking place.
This bill should be rejected.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman
from Maryland (Mr. Trone), a colleague who knows a little bit about how
to help business in this country.
{time} 0945
Mr. TRONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge support for my
amendment, which addresses the barriers to finding a job that justice-
impacted individuals face when they leave prison.
Stable employment is one of the single biggest factors for
determining whether Americans who have been incarcerated will return to
prison or jail. Returning citizens face significant barriers to
employment, with an unemployment rate five times higher than the
national average.
My amendment will help support the establishment and expansion of the
apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship workforce training programs in
all Federal correctional facilities. It will reduce recidivism and help
formerly incarcerated individuals lead productive lives and build
strong communities.
The criminal justice system in the United States is anything but
just. We can fix it. It is time to lead with compassion. It is time to
focus on rehabilitation, not retribution. It is time to give those who
serve their time, and are trying to start a new life, a second chance.
Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a communication from the
Signatory Wall and Ceiling Contractors Alliance, and I urge bipartisan
support.
SWACCA,
January 29, 2021.
Hon. Robert C. Scott,
Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Scott: I write to you today on behalf of the
Signatory Wall and Ceiling Contractors Alliance (SWACCA) to
advise you of our strong support for H.R. 447, the ``National
Apprenticeship Act of 2021.''
SWACCA is a national association representing construction
company owners employing tens of thousands of laborers,
drywall finishers, plasterers, and carpenters who perform
billions of dollars of framing, drywall, ceiling, and other
interior systems work annually throughout the United States.
SWACCA prides itself on serving as a voice for responsible
employers. Our member companies pay their workers for every
hour worked, as well as overtime when their work exceeds
forty hours in a week. They also provide middle-class wages,
sponsor training programs, and offer retirement and health
benefits.
As signatory employers, we have a long history of working
with our union partners to create and sustain rigorous, high-
quality registered apprenticeship programs. Our members
understand that registered apprenticeship programs are one of
the key factors in ensuring they can continue to provide the
high quality, efficient construction services that enable
them to be profitable while providing jobs with family-
sustaining wages and benefits. As such, we appreciate you and
your Committee's efforts to maintain and strengthen the
nation's registered apprenticeship system.
Your legislation would inject much needed funding with the
aim of expanding access to registered apprenticeships, pre-
apprenticeships, and youth apprenticeships across the
country. This new funding will serve as a critical supplement
to the investment our members make to support these important
programs. H.R. 447 would also codify and streamline existing
standards for registered apprenticeship programs and expand
those standards to cover preapprenticeship and youth
apprenticeship programs. Importantly, H.R. 447 also includes
provisions to codify the role of the Office of Apprenticeship
at the Department of Labor. It also strengthens the standing
of the National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships within
the Department of Labor so that it can provide seasoned,
expert recommendations to the Secretary of Labor on how to
improve the nation's apprenticeship programs.
Thank you again for your efforts to expand and strengthen
the nation's registered apprenticeship programs. We look
forward to working with you to swiftly enact this critically
important legislation into law. If I can be of assistance in
the future, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Scott Casabona,
President.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Smucker).
Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, this bill today is a missed opportunity, a
missed opportunity for people all across this country to live their own
American Dream, to access the jobs that are available in this country.
This is at a time when millions have lost their jobs due to this
pandemic.
Why? Because Democrats are more interested in protecting the labor
unions than they are in helping the 94 percent of the private-sector
workforce that is not part of a labor union and in helping the millions
of individuals who are not able to access the workforce at all.
It is a shame. You should be ashamed of yourselves. I know because I
owned a nonunion construction company that was unable to start an
apprenticeship program due to union pushback.
Now, I will agree with you, construction labor unions have a great
training program. I have seen them firsthand. But why not expand that
to other construction companies and other industries?
All of us know that in the United States, we are far behind many
European countries in the apprenticeship programs that we offer in many
different industries, and it affects the American worker and the
opportunities that they have. This bill doubles down on that system.
What we need is more innovation to allow more individuals and more
families to achieve their own American Dream, and the Democrats are
wholly failing to do so in this bill.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to discussing with
my colleague a program that allows workers to unionize in the United
States as freely as they do in Europe, and we achieve the same level of
unionization those countries with larger numbers of apprenticeships
have.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from North Carolina
(Ms. Adams), a member of the Committee on Education and Labor and the
chairwoman of the Subcommittee for Workforce Protections.
Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
By creating nearly 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities and
yielding over $10 billion in net benefits, this legislation is a
lifeline for our economy and for countless Americans, including those
in my home State of North Carolina.
With a proven track record of success, we know this is a safe and
smart investment, something our country desperately needs right now.
I am also pleased that this legislation includes a bill which I led
with Representative Mondaire Jones, the Apprenticeship Access for All
Act, language that will advance programs that promote the recruitment,
employment, and retention of people of color, individuals with
disabilities, and individuals facing barriers to employment, especially
in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand sectors and occupations. After
all, we must be sure that everyone has access to opportunity.
This vote is about ensuring our workforce gets the investment it
needs and the support it deserves. This vote is about showing the
American people that they are seen, that they are heard, and that we
deeply care about providing them pathways to a stable future. This vote
is also about upholding Congress' commitment and obligation to serve
every American.
I urge support.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Carter).
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the
National Apprenticeship Act.
Like so many issues we debate here, we have a common desire to help
the American people, but we disagree about how to go about doing it.
In today's case, it is apprenticeships. We agree apprenticeships are
incredible pathways to success. An amazing 94 percent of apprentices
are employed after completing registered apprenticeships with good-
paying salaries.
[[Page H413]]
I know in my situation, when I owned my own business, apprenticeships
were a great way for people to become employed in our business.
However, only a small fraction of the workforce participates in the
registered programs. This is because the Department of Labor's
apprenticeship program is too burdensome and prescriptive for the
actual needs of American businesses.
The diversity and variety of American businesses is a highlight of
our economy and essential to our constant innovation. If a business has
created an apprenticeship model that meets their needs, that should be
celebrated and not forced into the Department of Labor's model.
Rather than update the outdated program that was created in 1937 to
fit the needs of our modern economy, this bill would double down on
this one-size-fits-all Federal registered apprenticeship system.
The previous administration recognized the need for flexible
apprenticeships by creating an Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship
Program. This would have allowed for third-party certifiers to approve
apprenticeships that are responsive to employer and workforce needs.
Instead, this legislation fails to anticipate the future of
apprenticeship programs in a 21st century economy.
What is worse is it picks winners and losers by favoring
apprenticeship grants for those who partner with labor organizations
rather than awarding them based on merit. This would severely limit and
stifle our ability to meet the needs for our future.
I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution so we don't leave
behind future apprenticeship opportunities.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. McBath), a member of the Committee on
Education and Labor.
Mrs. McBATH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 447, the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
We are still in the midst of our country's worst economic crisis in
decades, and to better serve the American people, we must invest in a
workforce, invest in the American Dream.
Registered apprenticeships prepare people for the jobs of the 21st
century. They make our cities, our States, and our country stronger and
far more competitive.
By supporting registered apprenticeship programs, we can ensure that
my great State of Georgia remains the best State in the country in
which to live and do business.
For decades, the Registered Apprenticeship Program has proven to be
an entryway for many into the middle class, and the National
Apprenticeship Act would inject much-needed funding to support a
successful workforce program at a time when our Nation truly needs it
the most.
I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Virginia (Mr. Good).
Mr. GOOD of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the
National Apprenticeship Act.
Republicans and Democrats agree that apprenticeships are important
for workforce development. Unfortunately, House Democrats think that
Federal bureaucrats, who rely on an almost century-old system, should
manage all apprenticeship programs, not businesses and job creators.
This legislation represents a classic Democrat one-size-fits-all
approach, as it would make the existing Registered Apprenticeship
Program the only option for businesses. Registered programs are only a
small fraction of total apprenticeships, representing only about 20
percent of apprenticeships in 2019.
Instead of reducing options and increasing bureaucracy, Republicans
support policies that maximize flexibility and innovation, like
President Trump's landmark and highly successful Industry-Recognized
Apprenticeship Program.
It is tragic that during a time of historic unemployment, the House
of Representatives is taking up a bill that stifles employment and
workforce development opportunities when we need it least.
I stand in opposition to H.R. 447.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire of the time
remaining.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Michigan has 16\3/4\
minutes remaining. The gentlewoman from North Carolina has 13\1/2\
minutes remaining.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman
from the Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan), a member of the
Committee on Education and Labor and my esteemed colleague.
Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 447.
Apprenticeships are well recognized as a way to help local economies
grow by providing career opportunities for young people. However, the
current national apprenticeship system does not adequately support the
creation of apprenticeships in the Marianas and other insular areas.
That inequity ends today.
H.R. 447 incorporates my bill, the Outlying Area Apprenticeship
Expansion Act, which I introduced in the last Congress. My bill
provides $2.5 million over 5 years for the Marianas to create and
expand apprenticeships, and it provides more than $11.2 million for the
insular areas in total.
Our island schools already equip students with the skills employers
seek. With these additional funds and participation in the national
apprenticeship program, we will be able to build that connection
between what was learned in the classroom and real-world work. With
widespread unemployment due to the coronavirus, that link is needed now
more than ever.
I thank Chairman Scott for including the outlying areas in this
program and for his work to update this law first enacted in 1937.
Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a statement from the Association
of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers.
[From AWFS, Jan. 29, 2021]
AWFS Stands in Support of National Apprenticeship Act of 2021
Anaheim, CA.--The Association of Woodworking and
Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS), a national
trade association for the wood industry and owner/operator of
the AWFSFair trade show, is in support of the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. AWFS has officially
signed on as a supporter of the Act.
``Our industry, comprised primarily of small businesses, is
experiencing a skills gap,'' says AWFS Executive Vice
President Angelo Gangone. ``We need to utilize all tools and
resources available to us to attract and train new talent,
including apprenticeships.''
The expanded opportunities to Registered Apprenticeships,
youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships made available
through the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 will help
small wood manufacturers who lack the capacity to create an
apprenticeship on their own. Congressman Robert Scott (D-VA-
3), Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor
has introduced the bill (H.R. 447), an amendment of the
National Apprenticeship Act of 1937. According to Rep. Scott,
the Act ``will begin to bring America's investments in
apprenticeship more in line with countries around the world''
as ``our peer industrialized nations spend roughly six times
as much as a share of GDP on apprenticeships as the U.S.''
``There are multiple successful U.S. apprenticeship models
comprised of companies collaborating together and with local
school and community partners.'' says Gangone. ``This is a
critical element that will help us solve the workforce gap
and strengthen our industry into the future.'' The Act's
encouragement for employers, industry associations, labor and
joint labor-management organizations, education and training
providers, credential providers, and apprentices to work
together to establish and expand apprenticeships will have a
meaningful impact on the skilled workforce and the future of
industry careers.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Idaho
(Mr. Fulcher).
Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 447, the
National Apprenticeship Act.
This bill invites continued Federal rules that hinder Idaho's ability
to use industry-based standards.
There is a lot of success with apprenticeships in Idaho. From
companies like Idaho Power, Micron Technology, and St. Luke's Hospital
to small businesses of all types, apprenticeships are crucial to job
growth in the Gem State.
These businesses partner with colleges and universities across my
State, connecting skill development to college degrees from regionally
accredited schools.
Whether it is Idaho Power partnering with the College of Southern
Idaho or the many small entrepreneurs working with schools like College
of Western
[[Page H414]]
Idaho, North Idaho College, Lewis-Clark State College, and others,
businesses need the flexibility to use approved third parties to
certify apprenticeship programs.
Make no mistake, Idahoans are used to dealing with heavy-handed
Federal bureaucracy. Despite long wait times for approval by the
Federal Department of Labor, our State officials continue to succeed in
setting up apprenticeship programs. But often, Idaho's labor officials
must use existing occupations because the Federal Department of Labor
doesn't have standards for new ones.
Why make it harder by removing qualified third parties that can
approve industry-recognized apprenticeship programs needed for our
economy?
Why eliminate the opportunity for employees to participate in
industry-based programs where they can go to school, get paid work
experience, and earn an industry credential?
Idaho's economy has been resilient, despite government intervention
due to COVID. Last year, I said if the government shut down the
economy, it had an obligation to help open it back up.
We should not hamper companies trying to create apprenticeship
programs for the types of jobs they need. We should help industry by
freeing them to develop high-quality, high-paying jobs for the future.
We should give jobseekers more opportunities to grow and succeed, not
with Federal boundaries, but only by the limits of their imaginations.
It is for these reasons I vote ``no'' on H.R. 447.
{time} 1000
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Pocan), another colleague with direct
experience of the value of registered apprenticeships to our companies
and our workers, and a member of the Committee on Education and Labor.
Mr. POCAN. Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the International Union
of Painters and Allied Trades, as a co-chair of the Labor Caucus, and a
proud member of the Education and Labor Committee, I rise in strong
support of the National Apprenticeship Act.
With such high unemployment, the bill before us seeks to invest $3.5
billion over 5 years to expand access to registered apprenticeships
across America. Almost 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities will
result from the enactment of this bill, leading to good-paying, family-
supporting jobs across the country.
So what are registered apprenticeships?
Well, they are a great way to earn and learn. You get paid for your
work while learning the skills you need to master your trade at the
same time. Not everyone chooses a path of higher education, but
everyone wants to earn a good family-supporting wage for their hard
work. Apprenticeships are a perfect way for many who fit this
definition. From medical work to construction and more, apprenticeships
mean advanced opportunities for so many.
My home State of Wisconsin is a pioneer in this area. We enacted the
Nation's first apprenticeship law in 1911. The results of our
experience back home have been clear: They lead to a stronger, smarter,
and more skilled workforce.
Federally, the case for supporting registered apprenticeships is
compelling. According to data from the Department of Labor, 94 percent
of people who complete a registered apprenticeship are employed upon
completion, and their average starting wage is above $70,000.
We were fortunate to support more than 14,000 apprenticeships in
Wisconsin last year for over 3,000 employers and over 200 occupations.
I look forward to that total growing dramatically following the
enactment of today's bill.
I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record this letter of support for the
National Apprenticeship Act from the AFL-CIO.
AFL-CIO,
February 4, 2021.
Dear Representative: The AFL-CIO, urges you to support the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 (H.R. 447), scheduled for
floor consideration this week. H.R. 447 recognizes that
Registered Apprenticeship programs are the `gold standard' in
our nation's workforce development system, and we welcome
this effort to modernize a law that has not been meaningfully
updated since it was enacted 83 years ago.
Unions and our signatory employers have a long history of
establishing joint labor management partnerships to design
and implement Registered Apprenticeship programs, so we have
a deep interest in maintaining and strengthening our nation's
Registered Apprenticeship system. These programs provide good
jobs with good wages and benefits that increase as
apprentices build their skills. They provide a valuable
credential that can help secure future employment and
advancement along a rewarding career path, and the
opportunities they provide are particularly important for
women, people of color and veterans.
H.R. 447 authorizes significant new funding to expand
registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and youth
apprenticeships in the United States. It would codify and
streamline existing standards that are vital to support
apprentices, and would, for the first time, include youth
apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. The House
Education and Labor Committee estimates that H.R. 447 will
create over 1 million Registered Apprenticeship opportunities
over the next 5 years.
H.R. 447 would also codify the role of the Office of
Apprenticeship at the Department of Labor, and provide
funding streams to ensure oversight and technical assistance.
Importantly, it would expand Registered Apprenticeship
opportunities into new sectors of the workforce. The bill
also establishes standards for state apprenticeship agencies,
including a requirement that they develop a state plan to
support Registered Apprenticeships and provide technical
assistance. Finally, the bill strengthens the National
Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship, ensuring that experts
from industry and labor have a role in improving the program.
Registered Apprenticeships are America's most successful
federally authorized workforce development program, employing
94 percent of those who complete a program. H.R. 447 will
help ensure that these programs meet the highest possible
quality standards and support family sustaining jobs.
We urge you to support H.R. 447 and to oppose any
amendments that would weaken the bill approved for
consideration by the full House.
Sincerely,
William Samuel,
Director,
Government Affairs.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).
Mr. GROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, apprenticeship programs are incredibly
important for job growth in the State of Wisconsin and around the
Nation; and insofar as this bill highlights apprenticeships, that is a
good thing.
I was talking again to one of our programs this morning in Wisconsin,
and they could desperately use more people going through these
apprenticeships and making these $70-, $80-, $90,000-a-year jobs.
I think it is particularly important to get more people in the trades
because we have so many people going to 4-year universities and maybe
they wind up going to apprenticeship 5 or 6 years later, maybe they
wind up heavy in debt. If they had made the move to a construction
apprenticeship earlier on, they would be a lot better.
Unfortunately, this bill is not quite exactly what we need. The
registered apprenticeship program through the Department of Labor is
important. For many employers it works fine. However, it is a one-size-
fits-all approach. In fiscal year 2019, over 250,000 individuals
entered registered apprenticeships and only 81,000 graduated from the
system.
Over the years, some employers have expressed that participation in
registered apprenticeships allows the Department of Labor to dictate
skills an employer must provide to apprentices in specific industries
rather than allowing the business to determine that themselves. Let's
face it, employers know what kind of on-the-job training and vocational
education their apprentices need more than the Federal Government does.
IRAPs still would have to comply with Federal standards and would
have been overseen by third parties, such as trade and industry groups,
nonprofit organizations, unions, and joint labor management
organizations.
Of course, the idea of the IRAPs has totally shut down, probably for
two reasons. It took control of the apprenticeship program out of the
hands of the Federal Government. And, quite frankly, it was an idea
proposed by Donald Trump, who did a lot of good things.
Our workforce is evolving. So should our models of job training and
apprenticeships.
[[Page H415]]
I have also offered an amendment to this bill concerning the
definition of recognized postsecondary credential. Under the bill,
recognized postsecondary credential has a meaning, given the definition
in the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act. That definition should
specifically include technical diplomas and degrees, which differ from
general associate degrees. I look forward to revisiting that when the
House brings up WIOA for reauthorization.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman
from New York (Mr. Suozzi), co-chair of the Labor Caucus.
Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Labor Caucus, I rise in
support of the National Apprenticeship Act. The Labor Caucus advocates
for America's working men and women, and this legislation helps
America's working men and women.
You see, America continues to create enormous wealth, and that is a
good thing. The problem, however, is that wealth has not been shared
with the people who go to work every day.
Since the 1980s, the Dow Jones has gone up 1,500 percent, 15 times,
and the GDP has gone up 800 percent, 8 times, but workers' wages have
increased by less than 20 percent.
Everybody in America believes, or should believe, that if you are
willing to go to work every day, you should make enough money so that
you can buy a home, have health insurance, and retire one day without
being scared. Unfortunately, that is no longer a reality in America.
We know the more you learn, the more you earn. Sixty percent of
Americans, however, do not graduate from college. Working with
President Biden, the Apprenticeship Act will make the skills necessary
to be a welder, a plumber, a computer machinist, a carpenter, or a
skilled laborer available so American working men and women, whether
they go to college or not, can live the American Dream again.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Walberg).
Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 447, the
National Apprenticeship Act, not opposition to the gold standard, labor
union apprenticeship programs.
Updating our national apprenticeship system is an important
discussion to have. However, this bill fails to deliver on the goal of
strengthening our registered apprenticeship system and expanding earn-
and-learn opportunities for Americans across the Nation.
Our country's workforce is facing a unique crisis, and we must ensure
that our apprenticeship programs, the system is expanding in the
process. The apprenticeship system is up to the task to meet the needs
of our evolving workforce only as we move it forward.
For instance, the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted that connectivity
and the digital world are an integral part of our daily lives.
Developing a high-skilled workforce is critical as we seek to expand
technologies like broadband and 5G to underserved areas across the
country, including my own district in Michigan.
New research indicates winning the global race to 5G will create up
to 4.6 million jobs and contribute $1.7 trillion to the U.S. economy
over the next decade. However, unless the U.S. has a large enough and
properly trained workforce, we will not be able to fully reap the
economic and technological benefits of 5G.
Apprenticeships are a proven solution for meeting workforce needs,
especially in wireless technologies. Congress and the Department of
Labor should be laser focused on encouraging and incentivizing
apprenticeships for 5G and advanced wireless deployment.
Unfortunately, the bill we are considering would hinder the
flexibility of employers to create earn-and-learn programs to teach job
seekers the skills they need to build out and deploy the 5G and
wireless infrastructure America so desperately needs.
For these reasons, I must oppose and encourage all others to oppose
H.R. 447, and urge my colleagues to work on a bipartisan solution that
will empower workers and employers to create apprenticeships that are
responsive to our modern economy.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Wild), a dynamic member of the
Committee on Education and Labor.
Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, in November of last year, I stood in this
Chamber to support this legislation, the bipartisan National
Apprenticeship Act. The House passed it, but the Senate failed to put
it up for a vote. We need to seize this opportunity.
Revitalizing our apprenticeship system is not a Democratic or
Republican priority. It is a national priority for workers across our
country. It is essential to our task of building an economy that
provides a wider, sturdier bridge to the middle class.
For every dollar invested in our registered apprenticeship system, we
see a return of $28 in benefits. But the U.S. invests only $195 of
public money per apprentice, while our Canadian neighbors spend $1,300
per apprentice. We are leaving too many communities behind and at risk
of getting outpaced in the world economy.
Now is the time to invest in the American worker. This bill makes
long-term investments and provides grants for employers to incentivize
the hiring of apprentices, and it provides workers with the opportunity
to earn while they learn and obtain portable credentials without
incurring significant debt.
Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this bill.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry).
Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, we all want to help. We all want to help the
people in our community find their way; do better for themselves; seek
the opportunities that support themselves, their dreams, and their
families.
Now, this bill establishes ratios of journeymen and apprentices on
the job.
What does that mean?
That means you have to have somebody watching when somebody is
pulling wire, you have to have somebody watching when somebody is
learning to sweat joints because you have got to make sure it is done
right, you have got to make sure it is done safely. And that is great.
That ratio is going to be established by the Department of Labor based
on something--hopefully by people in the trade that know what they are
doing.
But this is what it also does: It says that if you have a collective
bargaining agreement, you don't have to worry about those ratios. You
can make your own up. So the union and the business can make their own,
but everybody else has to use the Department of Labor standards.
Ladies and gentlemen, one standard for all. If it is good for the
goose, it is good for the gander. This is picking winners and losers.
This is saying, if you are not in a union, you have got to have a
different standard. Oh, by the way, the different standard is it is
always more expensive for you than it is for the union. Oh, by the way,
we see that all the time.
Additionally, this bill prevents entities not affiliated with the
union from obtaining Title II grants, the grants we are talking about
in this bill. They can't get them. You have to be in a union.
Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you see what this is. It is okay for me,
but not for thee. It is the same old thing in Washington, D.C., and it
is the same thing we are seeing around the country: If you are hooked
up with the elite, if you are hooked up with the entitled class, you
get the fruit. If you are not, you get punished, you are left out in
the cold.
Ladies and gentlemen, we want to see one standard. We all want to
help our friends and we all want to help the people in our community
realize their dream. But picking winners and losers, which is exactly
what this does, actually keeps people out of work, increases the price,
and picks winners and losers. That is not what our Government is
supposed to be doing. That is not what we are supposed to be doing.
Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this bill.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I would just point out that the
grants in Title II do not have mandatory partners. They require
partners to the extent practicable in a given situation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr.
Mrvan), a member of the Committee on Education and Labor, and a new
champion
[[Page H416]]
for workers in this House of Representatives.
Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 447, the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
It is my distinct honor to be a member of the House Education and
Labor Committee, and I am encouraged to see the consideration of this
critical piece of legislation as a priority before the House so early
in the 117th Congress.
Labor organizations and their apprenticeship programs are the
backbone of northwest Indiana's economy. Time and time again, I have
worked hand in hand with labor, civic groups, and faith-based
organizations to get people who need a career into a union
apprenticeship program.
For the past 15 years, as an administrator of emergency financial
assistance, I have sat across the desk of neighbors, friends, and
constituents who have an urgency for opportunity to provide for their
families. This legislation creates life-changing economic
opportunities. These types of programs are invaluable to provide all
individuals with a lifelong skill set, a job that pays a family-
supporting wage, a safe working environment, and secure retirement.
I appreciate the legislation that aims to increase diversity and
equitable access for women to apprenticeship programs so that all
individuals can have access to good-paying jobs.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this, and I ask my colleagues to join me in
supporting this legislation and the dignity of all workers.
Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter of support from the
International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and
Reinforcing Iron Workers.
International Association of Bridge, Structural,
Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers,
Washington, DC, February 1, 2021.
Hon. Robert Scott,
Chairman, U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Scott: On behalf of the 160,000 members of
the International Association of Bridge, Structural,
Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IW), I write to
endorse H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
The original National Apprenticeship Act was enacted during
the Great Depression and it helped struggling Americans by
offering them an opportunity to learn a skilled trade while
earning a middle-class wage. That was over 80 years ago, and
a lot has changed since then. H.R. 447 is needed to update
the law to reflect a 21st century economy and labor force
ready to work during these unprecedented times.
Investing in our country's workforce by expanding the
registered apprenticeship program is needed now more than
ever. With record-high unemployment numbers across the
country, registered apprenticeships offer people the
opportunity to learn a high skilled trade while earning a
family-supporting wage. H.R. 447 will not only strengthen
current registered apprenticeship programs but also create
programs to meet the demand.
The IW supports H.R. 447 and asks all the members of the
Education and Labor Committee to vote for this bipartisan
bill without any harmful amendments.
Sincerely,
Eric Dean,
General President.
{time} 1015
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, my colleague on the other side of the aisle says that
these grants are not restricted to union programs, or programs that are
associated with unions. But the language in the bill is ``to the extent
practicable programs should be connected with the union.'' That term is
not defined.
The Department of Labor can arbitrarily deny grants to nonunion
programs. There is no accountability for this. In fact, there is very
little accountability in this bill at all. And the American people want
to know where their hardworking tax dollars are being spent. This is
just a lousy bill and we ought not to be passing it in these
conditions.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman
from New York (Mr. Jones), another new and valued member on the
Committee on Education and Labor.
Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, the economy has been left in ruins by the
prior administration's historic failure of leadership. Now, millions of
Americans are out of work and we must remember that it is people with
disabilities, people of color, and especially women of color, who have
been the hardest hit.
As Members of Congress, we must do all we can to ensure everyone--and
I do mean everyone--can live in dignity. That is why I support the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 which will create 1 million new
apprenticeships.
This bill includes the Apprenticeship Access for All Act, which I am
proud to have coauthored with my colleague, Congresswoman Alma Adams.
This legislation will help remove racist and ableist barriers to
employment of our national apprenticeship system, because everyone
deserves a good-paying job no matter your race or your ability.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
As my other colleagues have pointed out, millions of workers will
need reskilling due to the pandemic-related job loss and displacement,
not to mention the devastating executive orders signed by President
Biden which eliminated in one day hundreds of thousands of jobs.
The World Economic Forum discusses this issue at length in their
recent report titled: ``The Future of Jobs Report 2020.'' In the
report, they point to a double disruption scenario impacting workers
due to both automation and COVID-19 workplace disruptions.
This double disruption is further reinforced in their findings that
84 percent of employers are set to rapidly digitalize working
processes. And, again, as I mentioned, they don't even take into
consideration what President Biden has done to eliminate hundreds of
thousands, and it could be millions of jobs.
The demand for reskilling workers is high, and we will be left
chasing the need of our workforce with the current one-size-fits-all
approach this bill seeks to enshrine into law.
As in-demand skills evolve into the years to come, the skills gap
will continue to grow in the absence of forward-thinking reform. Again,
I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join Republicans
in creating new apprenticeship pathways through innovative models such
as the industry-recognized apprenticeship model. I reserve the balance
of my time.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time
remains.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Michigan has 9\1/2\
minutes remaining. The gentlewoman from North Carolina has 3\1/4\
minutes remaining.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Manning), another new member of
the Committee on Education and Labor and a native Michigander.
Ms. MANNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favor of the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
We are living in a time of record job loss with 10 million people out
of work and many businesses devastated by this pandemic. That is why
this legislation is critical.
We must invest in helping people gain the skills they need to prepare
for high-quality jobs that earn good wages. This apprenticeship act
will do exactly that, including those with barriers to employment.
This investment is projected to yield $10.6 billion in net benefits
to U.S. taxpayers by increasing their productivity and decreasing
spending on public assistance programs and unemployment insurance.
Equally important, it will help countless Americans achieve the dignity
of providing for their families and the satisfaction of having good
jobs.
This is exactly the kind of investment that will help us build back
better.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), who has been fighting for workers
and small businesses in this House for decades.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman is reminded to put on her
mask.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record support for this
bill from the National Electrical Contractors Association.
[[Page H417]]
[From NECA, February 1, 2021]
Media Contact: Matt Kraus, Director, Communications National
Electrical Contractors Association.
The National Electrical Contractors Association issued the
following statement in support of the National Apprenticeship
Act of 2021:
``The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 is a direct
investment in our workforce, the trades, and the entire
electrical construction industry. It will invest more than
$3.5 billion toward expanding opportunities and access to
apprenticeships in the United States in the next five years,
totaling nearly 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities.
NECA supports the National Apprenticeship Act and encourages
Congress to push this legislation forward to help grow
America's skilled workforce.''
ABOUT THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
NECA is the voice of the $171 billion electrical
construction industry that brings power, light and
communication technology to buildings and communities across
the United States. NECA's national office and 118 local
chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education,
research and standards development. Go to www.necanet.org for
more information.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for H.R. 447, the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
In the middle of this global pandemic and economic crisis, Americans
need hope and they need work. Today's legislation is a meaningful step
to increase access to registered apprenticeships. Apprenticeships
remain one of the most successful workforce development programs for
new entrants and those seeking a new career.
According to the Department of Labor, 94 percent of people who
complete apprenticeships are employed upon completion and earn an
average salary of over $70,000. As a Representative for the cities of
Toledo, Lorain, Sandusky, Cleveland, and Parma, all of which boast a
strong automotive heritage, it is difficult to overemphasize the value
of these apprenticeships for young people and adults starting careers
in the automotive trades.
So whether it is the expertise to rebuild an engine, replace a
battery in a hybrid vehicle, perfect biofuels, or TIG weld the rear
quarter panel of an old Wagoneer, there will always be a market for
skilled craftspeople who can repair or restore modern and classic
vehicles, and invent the vehicles of the future, as happened with my
own brother, Steve, who did it for many years as a race car driver and
a patent holder.
I strongly support this legislation for over a million apprenticeship
opportunities over the next 5 years to strengthen this economy and
bring people the skills that are needed to operate successful
enterprises.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline), a champion of the economic
development of workers and of businesses at the local, State, and
national level.
Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, we have an obligation to ensure that America's workers
have every opportunity to get ahead. Apprenticeships are a great way
for hardworking folks to hone their trade or learn new skills and earn
a higher wage because of it.
In fact, graduates of registered apprenticeship programs enjoy an
average starting wage of $70,000. And 94 percent of graduates are
employed upon completion. Yet, less than 1 percent of the American
workforce have completed an apprenticeship. This disconnect
disadvantages our workers and puts us behind other industrialized
nations.
The National Apprenticeship Act will address this gap in our
workforce development system by providing for almost 1 million new
apprenticeship positions over 5 years. And here is the really important
part, it will generate $10.6 billion net benefit to taxpayers.
So it is great for workers, great for our economy, and great for
taxpayers. These investments will give our economy the booster shot it
needs to recover from COVID-19 while giving a new generation of workers
the skills they need to achieve their American Dream.
I know about this experience firsthand. In my State, the Laborers'
International Union of North America has created really a national
model for apprenticeship programs. It has improved the lives of
thousands and thousands of Rhode Islanders.
I include in the Record a letter of support from the Laborers'
International Union of North America.
LiUNA,
February 2, 2021.
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Representative: I write on behalf of the 500,000
hardworking men and women of the Laborers' International
Union of North America (LIUNA), to ask you to vote for H.R.
447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, when it comes
to the House floor for a vote this week. LIUNA is proud to
support this important Bill to keep our union apprenticeship
programs strong.
Registered Apprenticeship Programs, like the apprenticeship
programs which LIUNA has implemented for decades, help
workers earn while they learn. H.R. 447 invests more than
$3.5 billion over five
(5) years in expanding opportunities and access to
Registered Apprenticeship Programs and Pre-Apprenticeships
Programs, among others. The Bill creates nearly a million new
apprenticeship opportunities on top of the current expected
growth of the apprenticeship system. It would also yield
$10.6 billion in net benefits to U.S. taxpayers in the form
of increased worker productivity and decreased spending on
public-assistance programs and unemployment insurance. The
rigorous standards in the Bill ensure top-quality
apprenticeship programs for workers.
At a time when our Nation's infrastructure needs are so
great, H.R. 447 will ensure that we continue to train the
best workforce in the world.
Again, I ask that you vote in favor of this important Bill
on the House floor. If any additional information is needed,
please contact Danielle LeClair, Assistant Director,
Legislative Department.
With kind regards, I am
Sincerely yours,
Terry O'Sullivan,
General President.
Mr. CICILLINE. Again, I just want to say in closing, Mr. Speaker,
that this is an opportunity to respond to the economic crisis that has
been created by the COVID pandemic. Give people the skills that they
need to become more successful and to earn greater wages. That is our
job, after all, to make life better for those who we represent. This is
an investment in the American worker. I urge all of my colleagues to
join us in supporting this excellent piece of legislation.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
I rise with great promise to support H.R. 447, the National
Apprenticeship Act of 2021, and thank the manager. I thank the chairman
for investing $3.5 billion over 5 years in expanding opportunities and
access to registered apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-
apprenticeships.
Let me tell you that in this time of record unemployment, 10 million
jobs lost in the United States, we need the opportunity to redirect and
retrain the American public. I am a strong supporter of apprenticeship
programs.
Colleges in my district, like HCC, have programs: independent
electrical contractors, plumbers, masonry, that make a difference and
have individuals making dollars that they have not made before.
I include in the Record two articles. The first one is from the
``Houston Chronicle,'' and the second article is entitled: ``Houston
City Leaders Honor Students in Pre-Apprenticeship Program at TRIO
Electric,'' both referencing Houston Community College.
[From the Houston Chronicle]
Interested in a New Career? Consider an Apprenticeship Union-sponsored
Programs Build Skills, Careers
Houston Community College is restoring an old high school
and converting it into college classrooms. And it's using
some of its own apprentices to do it.
San Jacinto Senior High was built in 1960, and the
community college is gutting it for new academic classrooms.
The project started about a year ago, and is scheduled to be
completed in October.
The eight apprentices--six plumbers and two pipe fitters--
are among the thousands of student workers in Houston who
spend their days doing construction and their nights hitting
the books. Houston's 11 union sponsored programs, including
the plumbers and the pipe fitters, last for five years; other
programs, such as ironworkers and glaziers, last three years.
But once the newly minted journeymen and women graduate,
they should have great skills and--if the economy
cooperates--a great career path.
Chuck Fell, president of CFI Mechanical, which is
installing the plumbing, heating
[[Page H418]]
and air conditioning in the new community college building,
gave the group of apprentices a pep talk last week at the job
site.
``You are learning skills,'' Fell said to the plumbers and
pipe fitters who are spending their days assembling and
installing the massive piping systems and four hours a night,
two nights a week in school learning their craft.
Those skills can take you a long way, whether you opt to
stay working in the craft or move up to foreman,
superintendent or project manager, said Fell, who attributed
his own success and that of nearly all of his project
managers to their own apprenticeship training.
In-depth learning
``You could be an owner of a company,'' said Fell, who
became a plumber/pipe fitter apprentice in Orlando, Fla.,
after graduating from college with a degree in architecture.
He went to work for a mechanical contractor who suggested
that to really learn the business, Fell needed to become an
apprentice.
As part of that training, Fell spent two years at Walt
Disney World's Epcot Center installing the mechanical and
plumbing systems.
``Set your sights high,'' Doug Posey, director of
apprenticeship programs for Houston Community College, told
the apprentices. ``The opportunities are just incredible to
excel and to do great things.''
Posey recalled how he put himself through college as a pipe
fitter apprentice. He started his apprenticeship immediately
after high school and eventually ended up with a degree in
mechanical engineering from the University of Houston.
Pleased with program
While the concept of apprenticing yourself to a master
craftsman and learning a trade is centuries old, it's not
exactly a well-known career path today. But two apprentices
who are working on the CFI Mechanical project are glad they
discovered the old-fashioned way to learn a skill.
Jaime Moncivais, a third-year apprentice, said he would
never have heard about the program if it hadn't been for his
cousin and his uncle, who are foremen at the job site. He was
working for a small company for two years before he left to
join the program.
Moncivais is 23 and earns about $43,000 a year, plus health
insurance and retirement benefits, by working full time
during the day. After work two nights a week, he attends
class for four hours. That costs him $88 a semester.
``I'm enjoying it,'' said Moncivais, who says he's going to
get his state plumbing license before he decides what's next.
So does his fellow apprentice Rudy Flores, who said he was
drawn by the money. He estimates he earns about $50,000 a
year.
Flores, a fifth-year apprentice who has already received
his state plumbing license, found out about the
apprenticeship training program while working for a plumber
in Houston who was also a former apprentice.
He said he appreciates the intensive training of the
program that sets him and the other apprentices apart.
it sends a message
``We like to see institutions put their money where their
mouth is,'' said Richard Shaw, secretary-treasurer of the
Harris County AFL-CIO. ``It sends a message that you ought to
be training our students.''
Shaw has been critical of school districts and other
community colleges for not hiring their own graduates when
the schools need construction work.
Funding for the apprenticeship programs comes in part from
the state of Texas. But the bulk of the money comes from
contractors and union members.
For example, members of the plumbers union as well as
plumbing contractors each contribute 55 cents per work hour
for the training program.
HCC is the fiscal administrator of the union programs as
well as the two nonunion programs that train building
engineers and electrical workers.
Seeing if they like it
Calvin Speight, business manager of Plumbers Local Union
No. 68, said he has 60 apprentices starting in the fall and
another 30 the following semester.
In the meantime, they're working as ``provisionals'' to see
if they like the job. Apprentices must be 18 years of age and
either have graduated from high school or have a general-
equivalency degree.
Houston City Leaders Honor Students in Pre-Apprenticeship Program at
TRIO Electric
City leaders in Houston recently honored students in TRIO
Electric's Pre-Apprenticeship Program, with Mayor Sylvester
Turner telling them ``we believe in people like you.''
In proclaiming it ``TRIO Pre-Apprenticeship Partnership
Day,'' Mayor Turner recognized the company and their
education partners, specifically the leadership of the Spring
Branch Independent School District.
Turner also encouraged the 40 students in the program to do
the best for themselves and their families. Mayor Turner told
students that he had once served as an electrician's
apprentice where he learned skills that he uses to this day
as the chief executive of the nation's fourth largest city.
``Today is a great day in the City of Houston,'' Mayor
Turner said. ``Beau Pollock of TRIO Electric has the vision,
dedication and commitment to provide students with job
skills,'' he said. ``You are trailblazers,'' Turner told the
students, ``willing to work hard and learn work skills. In
Houston, we invest in human infrastructure because we believe
in people like you.''
Pollock, TRIO's President, thanked the students for
performing well on the job and proving the program could be a
success.
``I had a good idea to train students, yet you had to
perform,'' Pollock said. ``You performed and proved this was
a good idea.''
TRIO started their apprenticeship program in 2013, ``to
help meet a critical demand for electricians with technical
and leadership skills. Nearly 200 workers have taken
advantage of TAP. In 2017, TRIO started working with Spring
Branch ISD and Houston Community College (HCC) to establish
the TRIO Pre-Apprenticeship Program (TPAP) for high school
students. By the fall 2018 semester, more than 150 high
school students will be taking advantage of TPAP through
Spring Branch ISD, Austin ISD and Grand Prairie ISD. TRIO
Electric plans to expand TPAP to other areas of Texas and the
U.S.''
Spring Branch superintendent Scott Muri told the students
that it was the vision that created the apprenticeship
program to solve a need for skilled workers. Houston
Community College Associate Vice Chancellor Michael Webster
said the skills learned in the apprenticeship program will
last a lifetime.
The teachers in the program are former electricians and
educators with electrical experience who have been
collectively recruited and screened. The program teaches
students how to be safe, productive and skilled electricians
as well as teaches other employable and soft skills.
In addition to HCC and Spring Branch ISD, TRIO Pre-
Apprenticeship Program partners include Spring Branch ISD SKY
partners--KIPP and YES Prep, as well as the Greater Houston
Partnership's UpSkill Houston, United Way, Texas Gulf Coast
Workforce Solutions, and the Department of Labor (DOL). The
TRIO TAP and TPAP programs are DOL-approved.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. We need to be able to provide opportunities for
young people, giving them the direction of where they can be a success.
I show these pictures of diversity in my district of individuals who
are having the opportunity to be apprentices. Increasing participation
in programs under the national apprenticeship program through technical
assistance brings together industry sector leaders and experts,
including employers. This is a new day.
As my colleague said, Congressman Lynch: I started as an iron worker
and now I am in the United States Congress.
This opens the door of opportunity. Let's support this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, as a senior member of the Committees on the Judiciary,
on Homeland Security, on the Budget, and as a cosponsor, I rise in
strong support of H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021,
which invests more than $3.5 billion over 5 years in expanding
opportunities and access to Registered Apprenticeships, youth
apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships.
I thank Congressman Scott, the Chairman of the Education and Labor
Committee, for reintroducing this legislation which passed by a
substantial margin in the 116th Congress as H.R. 8294.
This important legislation has the potential to yield $10.6 billion
in net benefits to U.S. taxpayers in the form of increased workers
productivity and decreased spending on public-assistance programs and
unemployment insurance and which bring America's investments in
apprenticeship more in line with countries around the world.
Mr. Speaker, the Registered Apprenticeship (RAs) system is America's
most successful federally authorized workforce development program.
According to the Department of Labor, 94 percent of people who
complete RAs are employed upon completion, earning an average starting
wage of above $70,000 annually.
Yet, according to the most recent data, only 0.3 percent of the
overall workforce in America have completed an apprenticeship.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation could not be more timely because during
a time of record unemployment, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021
invests more than $3.5 billion over 5 years in expanding opportunities
and access to Registered Apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and
pre-apprenticeships.
The legislation also creates an additional 1 million new
apprenticeship opportunities on top of the current expected growth of
the apprenticeship system, an investment that not only will pay off for
workers and employers, but also benefit the taxpayers.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation is critical to expanding the nation's
workforce development system during our country's deepest economic
downturn since the Great Depression.
Specifically, 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
registered apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships and pre-
apprenticeship programs, including in nontraditional
[[Page H419]]
apprenticeship occupations and for nontraditional populations.
This funding will also attract and encourage employer participation
and recruitment for individuals with barriers to employment, including
individuals impacted by the criminal justice system.
Additionally, to ensure that apprenticeship agreements and program
registration to ensure consistency in quality standards and worker
protections, H.R. 447 codifies and streamlines standards for registered
apprenticeships, youth apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs.
Also codified are the existing regulations and practices to ensure
that all individuals have an equal opportunity to participate in
programs under the national apprenticeship system, and to increase
diversity in the occupations offered and the individuals participating
in programs, especially in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand
industry sectors and occupations.
The legislation institutionalizes, and establishes by statute, the
Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship, and vests it with
the following roles and responsibilities:
1. Increasing participation in programs under the national
apprenticeship system through technical assistance and program
recognition activities;
2. Bringing together industry sector leaders and experts, including
employers, industry associations, joint labor-management organizations,
labor organizations, education and training providers, credential
providers, and apprentices to establish national frameworks to expand
apprenticeships to new occupations and sectors; and
3. Improving data infrastructure to improve reporting and publicly
disseminating information about apprenticeship programs.
Another strong feature of this legislation is that it codifies the
roles and responsibilities of the State Apprenticeship Agencies (SAAs)
by:
1. Authorizing annual funding for State Apprenticeship Offices and
SAAs at $75 million for fiscal year (FY) 2022, increasing by $10
million annually to reach $115 million for FY 2026, with one-third of
funds equally distributed to all States and outlying areas, and two-
thirds of funds distributed via formula to SAAs; and
2. Requiring SAAs to submit plans for registered apprenticeship
activities, which generally mirror existing state requirements under
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the Carl D. Perkins
Career and Technical Education Act.
My concluding reason for supporting this important legislation is
that it 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.
I strongly support this legislation and urge all Members to join me
in voting for its passage.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, would you clarify how much time I have
remaining.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from North Carolina has 3\1/
4\ minutes remaining. The gentleman from Michigan has 4\1/2\ minutes
remaining.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, IRAPs,
which would be eliminated by this bill represent a new apprenticeship
model that puts employers in the driver's seat to create programs that
meet the unique needs of their workers.
This new, innovative model was spearheaded by President Trump's
Department of Labor. Currently, 80 percent of apprenticeships are
employer-led and are not a part of the registered apprenticeship model.
The registered apprenticeship model is riddled with burdensome red tape
which discourages countless businesses from participating.
IRAPs, on the other hand, give job creators the freedom to break away
from the Washington-knows-best model and connect workers, families, and
communities with fulfilling careers.
This bill looks backwards and relies solely on a model created during
the Great Depression. We should be looking forward and not closing
opportunities for new models that reach more workers and industries
like the industry-recognized apprenticeship model.
Mr. Speaker, there is bipartisan agreement that the National
Apprenticeship Act is in desperate need of an update. But the bill
before us fails to deliver for students, workers, or job creators.
While Democrats continue with this ill-advised legislation,
Republicans will continue working hard to inject innovation and
flexibility into the apprenticeship model so that more Americans, many
of whom have been put out of work by this very administration, can get
back to work.
I urge all Members to vote ``no'' on the bill, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
{time} 1030
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, as I have listened to the debate
back and forth, I feel like it hasn't covered much of what is so
exciting about this bill.
When I was the chief workforce officer of the State of Michigan, it
was during the implosion of the auto industry and then the Great
Recession. Michigan had the highest unemployment rate of any State for
49 consecutive months. It was in that difficult circumstance that I had
to try to help Michigan workers train and get new skills for new
opportunities.
There was a Senator from Illinois around that time; his name was
Barack Obama. And he got a piece of legislation passed that said that
States could use half a percent of their SAFETEA-LU money, their money
for highway construction, to help train the workforce of the future,
more women, more people of color, more poor people.
So, I worked with the apprenticeship directors of the highway
industry, with people advocating for more opportunities for people of
color, and we created pre-apprenticeship programs that helped new
people get apprenticeships and a road to the middle class in this
country by building our roads.
Mr. Speaker, the point is, we had to do that on our own. The
registered apprenticeship system didn't offer us guidance. It certainly
didn't offer us funding. This bill does so much to modernize and open
up our apprenticeship system.
It facilitates pre-apprenticeship programs. It facilitates youth
apprenticeship programs. It specifically encourages innovation and the
birthing of new apprenticeship programs in a wide array of new
industries. Mr. Speaker, despite the rhetoric, it is quite bipartisan.
Mr. Speaker, I thank some Representatives who have done a lot to help
bring this bill to fruition, including Representatives Norcross, Brian
Fitzpatrick, Suzanne Bonamici, David McKinley, and Don Bacon, all
of whom have provided critical leadership.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition of the National
Apprenticeship Act.
As the co-chair of the Skilled Workforce Caucus with my friend from
Michigan, Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, I have had the opportunity to
see firsthand, professional training programs in my home State of
Arkansas and in Michigan.
And, I want to thank my Democratic colleagues for their sincere
effort to prioritize work training programs, however their efforts are
flawed.
I have heard my colleagues in the Democratic majority say they want
our legislation to reflect America and I share that goal.
I agree that we need legislation that reflects the where people work
in our economy.
However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 12.1
percent of Americans are employed by unions.
Frankly, this legislation does not reflect our country's workforce
because it preferences one business model over another.
Rather than encouraging entities and businesses to be empowered to
make training choices that are best for their industry, we are instead
picking winners and losers.
As we move towards recovery from the COVID crisis, we need as wide of
an approach to training programs as possible, and this bill is not the
answer. Republicans, including myself have offered several amendments
that will make a bad bill better. Please support my amendment change to
this legislation. In that regard, I ask for unanimous consent to submit
letters of support for my amendment.
I urge my colleagues to oppose the National Apprenticeship Act.
Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to include in the Record the
following letter from the Center for Law and Social Policy in support
of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
[[Page H420]]
CLASP,
January 29, 2021.
Hon. Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott,
Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor, Washington, DC.
Hon. Virginia Foxx,
Ranking Member, Committee on Education and Labor, Washington,
DC.
Dear Chairman Robert ``Bobby'' Scott and Ranking Member
Virginia Foxx: We, the Center for Law and Social Policy
(CLASP), write to express our views regarding the
reauthorization of the National Apprenticeship Act (NAA). As
a national, nonprofit, anti-poverty organization, CLASP works
to advance federal and state policies that promote economic
security for individuals with low incomes, including people
of color, opportunity youth, people impacted by the criminal
justice system, and immigrants. We appreciate the opportunity
to provide the committee with recommendations that help to
increase greater access to registered apprenticeships,
preapprenticeships and youth apprenticeships, particularly
for individuals who face the greatest obstacles in accessing
high-quality employment pathways that lead to livable wages
and benefits.
Reauthorization becomes all the more important given that
the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic crisis, and the
increasing impacts of climate change have devastated the
health and economic wellbeing of millions of families with
low incomes. Workers of color, immigrants, young people,
women, workers in jobs paying low wages, and frontline
workers are among the hardest hit by these crises. Worse
still, significant job losses and reductions in income have
deepened racial inequities and exacerbated poverty and
economic hardship for millions. Therefore, true economic
recovery will require building back high-quality jobs in all
sectors--including growth sectors like clean energy and the
care economy--that treat all workers and working families as
essential, strengthen the economy, and enable workers to meet
family obligations, save for the future, and move out of
poverty. It will require investments in workers through
workforce development and training, subsidized jobs, and work
supports such as affordable child care. It will also require
a new social contract ensuring all workers can access
critical workplace rights, benefits, and protections.
Over a century ago, Wisconsin created the first state
Registered Apprenticeship Act and in 1937, Congress enacted
the National Apprenticeship Act. The NAA created thousands of
Registered Apprenticeship programs and instructed the
Department of Labor to promote labor standards to protect
apprentice welfare. With over 706,000 new apprentices since
2017 and an average salary of $70,000 after program
completion, Registered Apprenticeships are a successful
workforce development strategy with significant economic
gains. However, inequities, discrimination, and barriers to
entry have historically prevented, and continue to prevent,
many people with low incomes, especially Black, Indigenous,
people of color (BIPOC) and women, from accessing and
succeeding in a Registered Apprenticeship, A 1967 study
described overwhelming resistance to racial integration in
apprenticeship programs. Today, while there have been
improvements, apprenticeships remain largely white and male.
As Congress considers NAA's reauthorization, it has an
opportunity to address equity and expand access to Registered
Apprenticeships, including through high-quality pre-
apprenticeships. A registered, high-quality pre-
apprenticeship can support students with low incomes--
especially students of color and those impacted by the
justice system--and promote equitable access to a Registered
Apprenticeship program. For these reasons, we are providing
the committee with recommendations to promote high-quality
apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship to ensure that
students with low incomes, students of color, immigrants, and
students impacted by the justice system can access high-
quality Registered Apprenticeships.
Below are recommendations that we urge the committee to
consider:
Require that all apprenticeships, including pre-
apprenticeships and youth apprenticeships be registered.
Across states, there is an interest in expanding pre-
apprenticeships. To prepare preapprentices to succeed in
registered apprenticeships, they must have access to high-
quality registered apprenticeships. All pre-apprenticeships
and apprenticeships must incorporate the types of workplace
and labor standards of quality that have made registered
apprenticeships successful. They must also provide direct
entry into registered apprenticeships for successful
apprentices.
Provide adequate compensation for pre-apprentices. Few
people can afford the time or money to dedicate weeks/months
to a pre-apprenticeship program without income to support
themselves and their families. Unpaid programs will exclude
people with low incomes, people impacted by the justice
system, individuals with families and others, and result in a
pool of apprentices that lacks racial and ethnic diversity.
The reauthorization of the NAA can help to ensure that people
of color and women fully participate in pre-apprenticeships
and registered apprentices receive adequate compensation.
Eliminate barriers for women, including women of color. As
of 2017, women made up just 7.3% of apprentices nationwide.
Furthermore, women tend to be enrolled in apprenticeships
with lower pay scales, such as childcare where the median
journeyperson wage is only $9.75/hour compared to $23.46/
hour, the corresponding wage for the top male apprenticeship
occupation, electrician. Our nation must work to attract more
women into registered apprenticeships as a career pathway and
ensure that they earn wages that are comparable to wages
earned by males in comparable occupations.
Eliminate barriers to entry for people with low incomes.
Many registered apprenticeships impose barriers to entry for
people with low incomes due high costs for tools, equipment,
books, supplies, uniforms and scheduling inflexibility for
parenting or commuting individuals. Scheduling barriers are
especially problematic for individuals on probation and
parole or community supervision. The reauthorization must
provide wraparound services and robust supports to cover the
costs of childcare, transportation, equipment, and related
costs that pose barriers to entry.
Support ongoing efforts to reform the criminal justice
system and ensure incarcerated individuals have access to
apprenticeship pathways. A National Center for Education
Statistics survey found that 29 percent of incarcerated
respondents wanted to obtain certificates from a trade school
or college while incarcerated; 39 percent of them said the
main reason they wanted to enroll was to ``increase the
possibilities of getting a job when released.'' Nevertheless,
only 7 percent of the incarcerated received such
certificates. The NAA must help incarcerated and formerly
incarcerated individuals access the registered
apprenticeships they want and provide them with other
opportunities to pursue employment pathways that lead to
family-sustaining jobs with benefits.
The reauthorization must support ongoing efforts at
reforming the criminal justice system. This includes ensuring
that occupational licensing bans do not preclude individuals
impacted by the justice system from obtaining employment that
they have been trained for by an apprenticeship. Individuals
who are incarcerated must also be paid fair wages, and the
law must help to ensure that providers do not discriminate
against those impacted by the justice system.
Pay incarcerated apprentices adequate compensation in line
with the minimum wage for registered apprenticeships.
Apprentices who are incarcerated are often paid below the
minimum wage. A 2019 Urban Institute report noted that the
average starting wage for apprentices was less than one
dollar an hour. Furthermore, the quality and long-term
outcomes of these apprenticeships rarely match those of
Registered Apprenticeships outside prison walls. The
reauthorization of the NAA can raise wages--as well as labor
standards--for incarcerated apprentices, bring them in line
with the minimum wage or the average wage for registered
apprentices, and ensure the apprenticeships are high-quality
education programs.
Ensure that youths and adults with low incomes are
guaranteed equitable access to established registered
apprenticeships, postsecondary education opportunities, or
both. Quite often, young people with low incomes, especially
students of color, end up funneled or ``tracked'' into lower-
performing or poorly funded programs and pathways. Youth
apprenticeships and preapprenticeship programs can guarantee
that pre-apprentices will have equitable access either to an
established registered apprenticeship or postsecondary
educational opportunities.
Incentivize and allow for greater participation of regional
and local intermediaries, such as high schools, adult
education providers, workforce partners, and community-based
organizations in the recruitment and retention of youth of
color (both in-school and out-of-school youth). Out-of-school
youth, high school students, and young people of color are
less likely to reap the benefits of federal and state
programs and are often left behind in these programs.
Regional and local intermediaries, such as workforce
partners, high schools, adult education providers, community-
based organizations, and other community partners can provide
supportive services such as mental health and behavioral
services, housing, and other supports to help increase the
participation of youth of color in the pre-apprenticeship
recruitment and retention process.
Dedicate a funding stream for high-quality, registered pre-
apprenticeships. To continue to expand and have long-term
sustainability, pre-apprenticeships must have a dedicated
funding stream that allows pre-apprentices to be adequately
compensated. Such a structure would allow for greater
participation of youth and adults who face the greatest
barriers to employment and postsecondary education.
We thank the committee for working in a bipartisan manner
to increase greater access to registered apprenticeships
through the reauthorization of the NAA. We look forward to
working with you and your staff.
Sincerely,
Molly Bashay,
Senior Policy Analyst, Postsecondary Education and
Workforce Development, CLASP.
Kisha Bird,
Director, Youth Policy, CLASP.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 447,
the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, which I introduced with
Congressman Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania.
[[Page H421]]
Registered Apprenticeships are this nation's most successful
federally funded workforce development initiative.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of workers count on Registered
Apprenticeships to learn in-demand skills, earn wages that grow along
with those skills, and receive nationally recognized credentials that
lead to rewarding careers.
Registered Apprenticeships are so successful that 94 percent of
apprentices are employed upon completion and earn an average starting
wage of more than $70,000 a year.
Investing in Registered Apprenticeships not only benefits workers; it
also strengthens our economy and helps employers build pipelines of
talented and dedicated workers.
Increased funding for high-quality workforce development programs is
precisely what we need to help workers get back on their feet during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Millions of people are still without work, and at least 7 million of
the jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic may never come back.
Yet, Congress has not reauthorized the National Apprenticeship Act
since it was first passed in 1937.
Simply put, we have left our nation's best workforce development
initiative under-resourced at a time when we need it most.
In response, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021:
invests $3.5 billion in our national apprenticeship system;
ensures consistency and quality across apprenticeship programs;
increases opportunities for diverse groups of workers who have not
traditionally been included in the apprenticeship system; and,
expands Registered Apprenticeships in emerging sectors, such as
health care, manufacturing, finance, and technology.
This investment, alone, will create an additional 1 million
apprenticeship opportunities. And it will yield more than $10 billion
in benefits to taxpayers through higher tax revenue and decreased
spending on social safety net programs.
Construction trades and their industry partners have long proven that
the Registered Apprenticeship model works. In my district, the Norfolk
Naval Shipyard's Apprentice Program and the Newport News Shipbuilding
Apprentice School have been operating successfully for more than a
century. We should expand this model so that more workers and employers
can experience the benefits.
That is why, last Congress, Committee Democrats and Republicans held
four bipartisan hearings and conducted months of intensive negotiations
to produce a bipartisan proposal that expands access to high-quality
apprenticeships. Last November, the House passed this legislation in a
bipartisan vote of 246 to 140.
Now, we have the chance to, once again, come together and pass the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 so that workers across the country,
and across industries, can benefit from Registered Apprenticeship
opportunities. Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not recognize
Representative Pocan of Wisconsin who sponsored the Leveraging
Effective Apprenticeships to Rebuild National Skills Act or the LEARNS
Act, Representative Bonamici of Oregon who authored the PARTNERS Act,
and former Representative Susan Davis of California who shepherded this
bill in the 116th Congress, for their significant contributions to this
legislation.
I urge support for this legislation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired.
Each further amendment printed in part B of House Report 117-3 not
earlier considered as part of amendments en bloc pursuant to section 3
of House Resolution 85, shall be considered only in the order printed
in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the
report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time
specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent
and an opponent, may be withdrawn by the proponent at any time before
the question is put thereon, shall not be subject to amendment, and
shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question.
It shall be in order at any time after debate for the chair of the
Committee on Education and Labor or his designee to offer amendments en
bloc consisting of further amendments printed in part B of House Report
117-3, not earlier disposed of. Amendments en bloc shall be considered
as read, shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the chair and the ranking minority member of the
Committee on Education and Labor or their respective designees, shall
not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for
division of the question.
Amendments En Bloc No. 1 Offered by Mr. Levin of Michigan
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to section 3 of House
Resolution 85, I rise to offer amendments en bloc No. 1.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendments en
bloc.
Amendments en bloc No. 1 consisting of amendment Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 9, and 13, printed in part B of House Report 117-3, offered by Mr.
Levin of Michigan:
Amendment No. 1 offered by Ms. Blunt Rochester of Delaware
Page 8, lines 11 through 12, strike ``such as groups of
individuals from the same gender or race'' and insert ``such
as individuals from the same gender, race, or ethnicity''.
Page 21, strike lines 1 through 6 and insert the following:
``(i)(I) promoting outreach to nontraditional
apprenticeship populations, including by engaging schools
that participate in a schoolwide program under section 1114
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 6314) and minority-serving institutions; and
Page 23, line 20, strike ``and''.
Page 23, line 24, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
Page 23, after line 24, insert the following:
``(iii) Secretary of Health and Human Services to
coordinate with State programs for temporary assistance to
needy families funded under part A of title VI of the Social
Security Act to promote awareness of opportunities under the
national apprenticeship system for participants in such State
programs.
Page 33, line 24, after ``on a publicly accessible website
that'' insert ``is consumer tested and''.
Amendment No. 2 offered by Mr. Brown of Maryland
Page 54, line 14, strike ``occupations and sectors'' and
insert ``industries or occupations''.
Amendment No. 3 offered by Ms. Bush of Missouri
Page 136, line 20, after ``transportation,'' insert ``child
care,''.
Amendment No. 4 offered by Mr. Castro of Texas
Page 121, line 19, insert ``media and entertainment,' ''
after ``health care,''.
Amendment No. 5 offered by Mr. Crow of Colorado
Page 121, line 19, insert ``education (including early
childhood education),'' after ``health care,''.
Page 122, line 22, insert ``, elementary school, and
secondary school'' after ``childhood''.
Amendment No. 6 offered by Ms. Escobar of Texas
Page 6, line 6, strike ``or''.
Page 6, after line 6, insert the following:
``(L) a Job Corps center (as defined in section 142 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3192));
or''.
Page 6, line 7, strike ``(L)'' and insert ``(M)''.
Page 6, line 8, strike ``(K)'' and insert ``(L)''.
Page 140, line 6, strike ``or''.
Page 140, after line 6, insert the following:
``(VII) a Job Corps center (as defined in section 142 of
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3192)); or''.
Page 140, line 7, strike ``(VII)'' and insert ``(VIII)''.
Page 141, line 5, insert ``internet access,'' after ``child
care,''.
Amendment No. 9 offered by Mr. Higgins of New York
Page 22, line 24, insert before the semicolon the
following: ``, including through facilitating the sharing of
best practices''.
Amendment No. 13 offered by Mrs. Lawrence of Michigan
Strike page 123, line 3, and all that follows through page
124, line 3, and insert the following:
``(C) Intermediary grants.--To establish or expand sector-
based partnerships for the delivery of programs under the
national apprenticeship system to significant scale through--
``(i) national industry qualified intermediaries in key
sectors, including manufacturing, information technology,
cyber security, health care, insurance and finance, energy,
hospitality, retail, construction, and other sectors
identified by the Administrator and the Advisory Committee as
targeted for expansion under the national apprenticeship
system;
``(ii) national equity qualified intermediaries serving
nontraditional apprenticeship populations, women, minorities,
individuals with disabilities, and individuals impacted by
the criminal or juvenile justice system; or
``(iii) local or regional qualified intermediaries serving
programs under the national apprenticeship system.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 85, the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin) and the gentlewoman from North
Carolina (Ms. Foxx) each will control 10 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of en bloc
amendment
[[Page H422]]
No. 1, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
These amendments will add ``ethnicity'' alongside race and gender to
the definition of ``nontraditional apprenticeship population'';
Expand outreach to title I schools and Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families programs to promote awareness of apprenticeship opportunities;
Clarify State plans' inclusion of nontraditional apprenticeship
industries and occupations;
Add childcare to the range of transition assistance options included
for formerly incarcerated people in apprenticeships;
Add ``media and entertainment'' and ``early childhood, elementary,
and secondary education'' to the list of nontraditional apprenticeship
industries eligible for support;
Make Job Corps Centers eligible for funding to run apprenticeship
programs;
Ensure that States facilitate the exchange of best practices between
grant participants;
And clarify the type of national, regional, and industry
intermediaries eligible for intermediary grants.
Mr. Speaker, these amendments make meaningful improvements to the
bill, and I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this en bloc.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Delaware (Ms.
Blunt Rochester).
Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Mr. Speaker, to Chairman Scott and the entire
Committee on Education and Labor, I thank you for the time and for your
hard work.
Mr. Speaker, as the former labor secretary from the State of
Delaware, I am proud to support the National Apprenticeship Act and
have my amendment to H.R. 447 before the House today.
My amendment would make improvements to the bill to expand pathways
for Americans to obtain good-paying jobs and ensure a diverse and
highly skilled workforce, which we need today more than ever.
This amendment will make certain that we engage schools which accept
Federal funds for students to promote apprenticeships for low-income
students, specifically title I schools.
It will coordinate with HHS to better support healthcare and
childcare jobs. It would ensure that nontraditional populations, such
as the Latino community, are represented in apprenticeship programs
and, finally, ensure that apprenticeship websites are user-friendly and
accessible to those with disabilities.
Mr. Speaker, this bill is vital. As we, in America, are in the midst
of a pandemic, we know more than ever that jobs are important and that
our economic viability is paramount. This bill is also about
opportunity and improving the lives of Americans.
I stand in support of this bill, and I ask for your support on these
amendments.
Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from Third Way.
Third Way,
February 1, 2021.
Hon. Bobby Scott,
House Committee on Education and Labor, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Scott: We are pleased to see that the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 is receiving a vote this
week on the House floor. With millions of Americans out of
work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital that
policymakers work toward an inclusive economic recovery.
That's why we encourage House lawmakers to pass the National
Apprenticeship Act of 2021, which would provide a much-needed
revamp of the nation's registered apprenticeship system.
Apprenticeships can play a key role in our economic recovery
and help people regain their footing in the job market.
Through your leadership, the National Apprenticeship Act of
2021 would take important steps to bolster apprenticeships
across the country. It would broaden economic opportunity by
expanding apprenticeships to women, people of color, and
people facing barriers to employment. The legislation would
help small and medium-sized businesses create apprenticeship
programs. Further, it would modernize our nation's
apprenticeship system by expanding apprenticeships in growing
fields like information technology, advanced manufacturing,
and health care.
The bill would also expand apprenticeships in part by
relying on intermediaries, or apprenticeship hubs, which
would bring together employers, education providers, unions,
and other organizations in each state that will work in
concert to expand apprenticeships. This is an approach Third
Way has long advocated for, and we're thrilled that it's a
key part of this legislation.
Through the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, this
country can promote apprenticeships as a key tool in our
economic recovery and ensure everyone has pathways to in-
demand, good-paying careers. We thank you and the House
Education and Labor Committee for your leadership on this
legislation and urge Members to support it.
Sincerely,
Gabriel Horwitz,
Senior Vice President,
Third Way.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the en bloc amendment,
and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding my great affection for the gentlewoman
from Delaware (Ms. Blunt Rochester), I have to highlight at least one
amendment in the en bloc that I am concerned with.
The amendment offered by Representative Escobar would add Job Corps
Centers to the list of education providers that may be considered as
partners for program sponsors as they are developing their program.
I understand Mr. Levin thinks this is a great idea, and it is well-
intentioned, I am sure. But I do not believe we should be adding more
responsibilities to a program that has consistently failed to do that
which Congress has already authorized it to do.
For decades, this federally funded program has struggled to ensure
the safety and security of students. There is ample documentation about
the deficiencies in Job Corps. In fact, over 30 different government
reports and audits have raised concerns over the safety and security of
participants.
Until we have resolved the underlying problems with Job Corps, I do
not believe we should encourage more individuals to participate in the
program by listing this as an available option.
The other amendments are largely minor changes to the bill that do
not redeem the underlying policy or do anything to seriously reform and
improve our apprenticeship system.
While I wish we could have a serious debate about the opportunity for
additional reforms in this space that would be supported by a large
number of Republican Members, it is clear that Democrats are unwilling
to have that conversation today.
Mr. Speaker, I oppose the en bloc amendment and encourage my
colleagues to do the same, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Crow).
Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment.
The registered apprenticeship system is one of America's most
successful Federal workforce programs and has created a pathway for
millions of Americans to achieve the American Dream.
With more than 600,000 apprenticeships nationwide, including more
than 6,000 in Colorado, apprenticeships provide workers with paid, on-
the-job training, and more than 94 percent of apprentices have a job
after completing their program.
The National Apprenticeship Act would bring this successful program
into the 21st century by investing more than $3.5 billion annually and
creating 1 million new apprenticeships over the next 5 years.
Mr. Speaker, my amendment will ensure that we include educators in
this program. Across the country, there is a growing demand for
qualified teachers. Schools, particularly low-income schools, are
struggling to hire and retain qualified teachers.
In Colorado, we have a critical shortage of thousands of teachers.
Simply put, today, we can't even fully staff our classrooms. By
including teachers in the expansion of this program, we will help solve
this problem.
I grew up going to neighborhood public schools. I know the lasting
impact teachers can have on students. Without them, I wouldn't be
standing here today.
Investing in teachers and in our children should always be a top
priority, and I urge my colleagues to support my amendment in the
underlying bill.
Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record this letter of support from the
United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and
Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada.
[[Page H423]]
United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the
Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States
and Canada,
Annapolis, Maryland, February 4, 2021.
Dear Representative: On behalf of the more than 359,000
members of the United Association of Union Plumbers and
Pipefitters (UA), I write in support of H.R. 447, the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. As you know, the
Registered Apprenticeship programs of the UA and North
America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) are the gold
standard in the industry. This bill would protect that status
while also ensuring Registered Apprenticeships are more
accessible for all industries seeking a highly skilled
workforce.
The United Association is extremely proud of our Registered
Apprenticeship and training programs. We invest more than
$275 million of private money each year to ensure our members
are the best trained and most highly skilled workers in the
industry. Simply put, these programs produce the most highly
skilled workforce in the world at no cost to the American
taxpayer while also providing a fair wage, quality
healthcare, and retirement. We can all be proud of the
continued success of our training programs, resulting in
generations of the safest workplaces and highest standards in
the industry. This speaks not only to our high standards, but
also to the dedication of the men and women of our union.
The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 will continue to
protect our high standards and ensure the safety of
apprentices across industries. In addition, it provides
apprentices with a debt-free ladder of opportunity to not
only build the skills needed for a job--but for a career. The
entire United Association is incredibly proud of our
Registered Apprenticeship program and we look forward to
seeing H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021,
signed into law.
Thank you for all you have done to protect the livelihoods
of the men and women in the construction industry. Our
training and apprenticeship programs are second to none, and
this bill will ensure the success and longevity of the
Registered Apprenticeship system. I urge swift consideration
and passage of this bill and look forward to working together
to strengthen protections for our members and the entire
labor community.
Respectfully yours,
Mark McManus,
General President.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes the gentlewoman
from Missouri (Ms. Bush), my new colleague.
Ms. BUSH. Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise today in support of the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 and in support of our amendment.
For more than 80 years since the New Deal, the Registered
Apprenticeship Program has sought to build pathways into dignified and
stable work. But we know that the promise of good jobs with good pay
and benefits has never been fully realized in America.
The pandemic has unevenly devastated communities like Missouri's
First District, including families of color, unhoused communities,
people with disabilities, and heavily incarcerated communities.
Mr. Speaker, as we rebuild our economy, we must target jobs to them.
Our amendment will ensure childcare is not a barrier to successful
reentry home. It centers the more than 5 million young children in this
country who have had a parent incarcerated by adding childcare as an
essential transitional service.
Mr. Speaker, as a single mother, as a nurse, as a former childcare
worker, I know what it is like to miss a day of work because a sitter
fell through or I couldn't afford childcare.
When you are a single mother, not working is rarely an option. Not
working means you can't feed or shelter your family. I have been there.
I have been evicted, and I have lived in a car with my own children.
Over 80 percent of women in jail are mothers to minor children and
are their primary caretakers. When anyone is released from prison, they
need resources to be reunited with and provide for their families. Our
amendment ensures that participation in the workforce can be equally
shared by all, including those who need it most.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Scott and his amazing staff for
collaborating, and I thank Representatives Bowman and Pressley for
their partnership. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer), my esteemed colleague.
{time} 1045
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity. In
following my colleague, Ms. Bush, with an example of how we are fine-
tuning the apprenticeship program, one of the secrets in this country,
best-kept secrets, in terms of a path to middle-class wage,
empowerment, and key to our ability to rebuild and renew America.
President Biden hit the ground running. He has been working on a
number of areas. And none of his promises is more important than
rebuilding and renewing America. We need to have a workforce that
enables us to get this job done.
I have seen these programs work in my State and national training
programs around the country.
Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a statement from James Hoffa,
the general president of the Teamsters, who points out that this is an
investment of over $1.6 billion in private capital annually. The
programs have long been considered the gold standard for workforce
development in the construction trades. They provide a debt-free ladder
of opportunity. Apprentices earn wages from the first day, develop
demand skills, and portable credentials.
International Brotherhood
of Teamsters,
Washington, DC. February 1, 2021.
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Representative: The International Brotherhood of
Teamsters supports H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act
of 2021 which the House is expected to consider this week. We
urge you to support H.R. 447 which reauthorizes the
Registered Apprenticeship Program.
The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) reauthorized by
this bill has been the most successful workforce development
initiative. For decades, the most highly skilled and
productive construction craft workers have been trained
through RAPs. These privately funded training centers and
programs are jointly administered by construction contractors
and building trades educators. With an investment of over
$1.6 billion in private capital annually, these programs have
long been considered the gold standard for workforce
development in the construction trades. Often affiliated with
unions, RAPS Apprentices provide a debt free ladder of
opportunity. Apprentices earn wages from the first day,
develop in demand skills, and portable credentials. The
National Apprenticeship Act protects a vital (and
progressive) wage scale for the next generation for
individual apprentices, and contractors through greater
productivity and safety.
The bill expands RAPs into new occupations and sectors.
And, for the first time, there will be concrete standards
associated with pre-apprenticeship programs which have grown
significantly over the last several years. These standards
will provide protections from unscrupulous contractors to
ensure a clear and defined pathway into RAPs. These programs
are important to opening doors for greater participation and
diversity in both programs.
RAPs are a pathway to the middle class with over 90 percent
of individuals completing a RAP employed upon completion and
earning an average wage of $70,000 annually. Again, the
Teamsters Union urges you to support H.R. 447, the National
Apprenticeship Program of 2021.
Sincerely,
James P. Hoffa,
General President.
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, this is what it is about, being able to
take qualified young people, give them skills, let them earn money
through the apprenticeship programs, not a mountain of debt. And time
after time we have seen examples after just a couple of years they
graduate into wages that enable them to support their family.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to work with my colleagues in strengthening
these programs. I have seen the training centers for the carpenters,
and IBEW, these are the gold standards that ought to provide an
inspiration for everybody in terms of how we provide this path to the
middle class, how we strengthen ability to deliver on our promises to
rebuild and renew America, and have the opportunity for them to earn
money while they are doing it.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this proposal.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
[[Page H424]]
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from North Carolina for continuing
to educate me on the process of the House as I learn.
I am reminded by Representative Bush's amendment of my experience
attending graduations from pre-apprenticeship programs and seeing whole
families turn out, seeing people turn out with their children to
celebrate the graduation from a pre-apprenticeship program that allows
people, returning citizens, people with disabilities, people who have
been excluded from economic opportunity before, to get into an
apprenticeship that can transform their lives, that can rocket them
into a middle-class life with a great wage and great benefits.
Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone to support these en bloc amendments, and
I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, no one on our side disagrees that millions of people in
this country now and in the future need constant education and the
opportunity to gain new skills.
Mr. Speaker, we all support apprenticeships. I want to tell a little
story about how long I have been involved in helping to create
apprenticeships. I have a brother who is 8 years younger than I, and it
took me 7 years to finish college. I had just barely finished and was
working at a new resort in North Carolina, Beech Mountain. He was a
senior in high school, and he came to me and said: I don't want to go
to college, but I don't want you and mom and daddy to be ashamed of me.
We have created a system in this country where we think people have
to have a baccalaureate degree to be successful. That is not true.
I asked my brother what he wanted to do, and he said: I want to be a
carpenter.
I said: That is about the most honorable profession in the world.
Some famous people were carpenters.
So, I went to my boss. I don't know how I knew this, but I said: My
brother would like to be a carpenter. We are desperate for carpenters,
electricians, and plumbers here. Could we set up a carpentry
apprenticeship program?
We did that with the help of a local junior college, community
college, contractors, and AGC. We set up a carpentry apprenticeship
program. Seventeen guys, mostly recent high school graduates, enrolled
in it.
Three-and-a-half years later, my brother and three other guys
graduated with their journeyman license. Now, I consider that a great
success. I have been interested in apprenticeships since 1969. I saw
how successful they were.
Those are the kinds of programs that we need to be fostering in this
country. My brother went on to be an engineer with the telephone
company. He never got a bachelor's degree, but he showed me how to use
my first computer, taught me how to use it, set it up for me.
My brother is a very successful man, a lot smarter than I am, but he
did that by using his skills, his brain. And he continues to educate
himself.
What we need is constant education, the opportunity to learn new
skills, but this bill and these amendments don't advance the cause. We
need to stop looking backward 80 years and look forward to the needs of
a modern economy.
Yes, the President hit the ground running. He sure did. He eliminated
thousands of jobs in his first week, and he continues to eliminate jobs
with wrongheaded policy. This bill and many of the actions of our
colleagues indicate how beholden they are to union bosses.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the en bloc
amendment and ``no'' on the underlying bill. I yield back the balance
of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 85, the
previous question is ordered on the amendments en bloc offered by the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin).
The question is on the amendments en bloc.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the ayes appeared to have it.
Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question
are postponed.
Amendments En Bloc No. 2 Offered by Mr. Levin of Michigan
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to section 3 of House
Resolution 85, I rise to offer amendments en bloc No. 2.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendments en
bloc.
Amendments en bloc No. 2 consisting of amendment Nos. 7, 8, 11, 12,
17, 20, 24, and 26, printed in part B of House Report 117-3, offered by
Mr. Levin of Michigan:
Amendment No. 7 offered by Mr. Feenstra of Iowa
Page 23, line 20, strike ``and''.
Page 23, line 24, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
Page 23, after line 24, insert the following:
``(iii) Attorney General in providing technical assistance
for the development and implementation of related instruction
under the national apprenticeship system that is aligned with
a mentoring program administered by the Attorney General.''.
Amendment No. 8 offered by Mr. Golden of Maine
Page 121, line 19, after ``health care,'' insert
``agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting''.
Amendment No. 11 offered by MR. KILMER OF WASHINGTON
Page 121, line 18, insert ``computer science,'' after
``technology,''.
Amendment No. 12 offered by MR. LAMB OF PENNSYLVANIA
Page 11, line 19, strike ``or''.
Page 11, line 20, insert ``or veterans-service
organizations,'' after ``partners,''.
Page 20, line 21, insert ``veterans-service
organizations,'' after ``facilities,''.
Page 111, line 8, insert ``veteran status,'' after
``age,''.
Amendment No. 17 offered by MR. PAPPAS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Page 42, line 8, strike the period and insert a ``; and''.
Page 42, after line 8, insert the following:
``(5) make recommendations on the development of
demonstrations projects as described in section 132(f).
Page 120, after line 6, insert the following:
``(f) Demonstration Authority.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to initiate
demonstration projects, subject to the recommendation of two-
thirds of the voting members of the Advisory Committee, such
that each demonstration project--
``(A) is limited in size and scope;
``(B) has a duration of no more than 3 years;
``(C) is carried out in nontraditional apprenticeship
industries or occupations, such as advanced manufacturing or
information technology; and
``(D) which may include activities that respond to the
COVID-19 public health emergency.
``(2) Limitation on funding.--In initiating demonstration
projects under subsection (a), the Secretary may not use more
than $2,000,000 annually from the funding authorized under
section 141(a).
Amendment No. 20 offered by MS. SLOTKIN OF MICHIGAN
Page 121, line 18, strike ``green jobs,'' and insert
``green jobs (including environmental protection and
conservation),''.
Page 143, line 7, strike ``or''.
Page 143, line 9, strike the period and insert ``; or''.
Page 143, after line 9, insert the following:
``(iv) appropriate equipment, technology, and instructional
materials aligned with new program needs, including
machinery, testing equipment, tools, implements, hardware and
software, and other new and emerging instructional materials.
Amendment No. 24 offered by MS. TITUS OF NEVADA
Page 121, line 19, insert ``hospitality and tourism,''
after ``health care,''.
Amendment No. 26 offered by MR. TRONE OF MARYLAND
Page 23, after line 24, insert the following:
``(iii) Attorney General and the Director of the Bureau of
Prisons to--
``(I) support the establishment or expansion of pre-
apprenticeships and apprenticeship programs to all Federal
correctional institutions;
``(II) share through the national apprenticeship system
clearinghouse research and best practices for programs under
the national apprenticeship system in correctional settings
and for individuals impacted by the criminal and juvenile
justice system;
``(III) provide technical assistance for State prison
systems and employers seeking to operate or improve
corrections-based pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship
programs; and
``(IV) support the successful transition of individuals in
correctional institutions to pre-apprenticeship or
apprenticeship programs upon exiting from correctional
settings.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 85, the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin) and the gentlewoman from North
Carolina
[[Page H425]]
(Ms. Foxx) each will control 10 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of amendments en bloc No. 2. These
amendments will add the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Prevention in the Department of Justice as an agency the Office of
Apprenticeship shall coordinate with to ensure alignment of
apprenticeship programs and mentorship programs for individuals who are
exiting the juvenile justice system.
They will add agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, computer
science, environmental protection and conservation, and hospitality and
tourism to the list of nontraditional apprenticeship industries and
occupations supported by this bill.
They will add opportunities to partner with veterans service
organizations throughout the bill, increase flexibility and innovation
by allowing demonstration projects in the national apprenticeship
system, and direct the Office of Apprenticeship to cooperate with the
Department of Justice and State departments of corrections to promote
access to apprenticeship programs for individuals in correctional
institutions and to assist returning citizens to transition into
apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships.
Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bloc of amendments, the
majority of which are bipartisan, that will strengthen this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr.
Kilmer).
Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this package of
en bloc amendments, which includes a bipartisan amendment I offered to
expand access to computer science youth apprenticeship programs that
are critical to the 21st century workforce.
We know that education is the door to economic opportunity, and one
of the most American and foundational paths to high-quality, worked-
based learning and education are apprenticeship programs.
In today's changing economy, it is important to continue to find ways
to prepare our kids for the jobs of the future, jobs in advanced
manufacturing, healthcare, technology, green jobs, and computer
science.
According to Code.org, across 24 States, only 35 percent of high
schools in the U.S. teach computer science. That same study found that
Black and Hispanic students, students receiving free and reduced lunch,
and students from rural areas are less likely to attend a school that
provides access to this critical subject.
Not everyone is going to have a tech-related job, but we know that
there is a growing demand that we are struggling to meet for preparing
students for these in-demand jobs and for equipping workers with
advanced computer science skills.
In fact, a lot of employers in the region I represent in northwest
Washington have job openings going unfilled because they can't find
folks with the necessary computer science skills.
To prepare students to be successful and innovative in the workforce,
the Federal Government should help expand computer science education
and pathways to more students.
That is why my amendment would ensure that computer science youth
apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship programs are
prioritized for funding through the historic National Apprenticeship
Act of 2021.
Growing the number of computer science programs, including youth
apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and apprenticeships for students
in high school and beyond, will provide more 21st century job
opportunities for our kids, more high-skilled and qualified employees
for our local employers, and more economic resiliency for our
communities.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his support of this simple yet
important amendment, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on
the package and ``yes'' on the bill.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, this en bloc incorporates eight amendments with
bipartisan support. I want to highlight a few amendments from this en
bloc in particular.
First, the amendment offered by Mr. Feenstra from Iowa will ensure
that the Departments of Labor and Justice collaborate on technical
assistance to support the development of related instruction that is
aligned with the mentoring program administered by the Department of
Justice.
Second, several amendments add industries to the list of
nontraditional apprenticeship industries and occupations.
Modernizing the 80-year-old National Apprenticeship Act ought to
include apprenticeship opportunities within a variety of sectors. Far
too often, society paints apprenticeships as only applying to the
trades, which is unfortunate. While there are certainly valuable
pathways within those fields, we need to expand the horizons of what
apprenticeships are capable of providing for workers.
This is also why I think it is important to call these professions
rather than the trades. A broader policy should not be limited by how
it has traditionally been viewed or how we speak about it.
Third, the amendment offered by Mr. Lamb from Pennsylvania and Mr.
Taylor from Texas includes veterans service organizations in several
key places. Because apprenticeships recognize and build on prior
knowledge and skills, veterans stand to benefit greatly from these
opportunities and should be engaged in the system as much as possible.
Unfortunately, I do need to highlight one amendment that could be
much stronger. Our Democrat colleagues have obviously recognized that
the underlying bill does nothing to promote innovation in
apprenticeships but, instead, simply doubles down on the status quo.
{time} 1100
So several Members have offered an amendment allowing for
``demonstration projects'' to promote innovation. Mr. Speaker, this is
insulting. This Chamber deserves a real debate as to how to promote
innovation within apprenticeships and work-based learning.
Republicans offered amendments to do just that, but they were not
made in order. Representative Allen offered an amendment specifically
to protect existing industry-driven apprenticeships currently operating
out of the Department of Labor. Representative Thompson offered an
amendment to create additional innovation in work-based learning.
Rather than allowing that debate to take place and Members to vote on
these proposals, Democrats blocked consideration of those amendments
and offered this do-nothing fig leaf of an amendment instead. Even the
limited authority for demonstrations must still be approved by an
advisory committee with heavy labor representation, giving union bosses
veto power over any new ideas that might threaten their hold on
apprenticeships. In the absence of real innovation, fake innovation is
better than no innovation, but we could do better.
Despite my frustrations with Democrats' refusal to debate serious
proposals to modernize the apprenticeship program, on balance, this en
bloc amendment offers good ideas worthy of support. I support the en
bloc amendment and encourage my colleagues to do the same.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Pappas).
Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from Michigan for
yielding and for his work on this critical bipartisan piece of
legislation.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the National Apprenticeship Act
and I urge swift passage of this legislation, which will help open the
doors of economic opportunity to more Americans.
We must work to strengthen and expand apprenticeships to align the
skills of our workers with the needs of our employers and economy. Too
often, however, employers and workers are simply unaware of what is out
there.
I am pleased this legislation includes a provision I introduced that
would create a centralized, one-stop shop where interested parties
would be able
[[Page H426]]
to access information on apprenticeship opportunities so we can best
meet the needs of individuals, employers, educators, and trainers.
I am offering another amendment today that promotes real
demonstration projects to explore new models of programs and that can
result in innovation, including how to adjust programs through the
COVID-19 pandemic for safety reasons.
As we come back from this crisis, new ideas and approaches are so
crucial to our success. Apprenticeships offer an important ladder into
good-paying jobs and lifelong careers, and this legislation will make
them more available and accessible.
Americans are ready, willing, and able to get to work to rebuild our
country, revitalize major trades and industries, and light a path for
the future. It is time we made it a little easier for the American
worker to build their American Dream, and we can do that by passing the
National Apprenticeship Act.
Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues will support the amendments in
the underlying bill.
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of
my time.
Madam Speaker, I would just like to point out something that I also
think has not been emphasized enough in this discussion, which is how
cost-effective this bill is--these amendments only make it more so--and
how it will improve the fiscal situation of the United States.
We will have more tax revenue when more workers earn more money and
get more good jobs. We will have less people who need public
assistance. This bill not only provides tremendous opportunities for
American workers to earn and learn and avoid debt while they are
getting their credentials to get great jobs, but also really it is a
very prudent and wise investment on behalf of the American taxpayers.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Madam Speaker, I find it intriguing that my colleagues on the other
side of the aisle say they are passing legislation that is cost-
effective when they are anticipating millions of jobs and generating
lots of revenue, especially when they are denying that they are taking
money from hardworking taxpayers who want to have apprenticeship
programs that are not controlled by the Federal Government, and not
allowing those taxpayers--those employers--to tap into a system that
has grant programs for them where they are creating real jobs not
controlled by the unions. It is just intriguing to me that they could
be doing that.
I don't know if I will be here 5 years from now or if Mr. Levin will
be here 5 years from now, but I sure hope somebody does a check on the
promises that are being made here for all the wonderful things to come
as a result of this bill. And I predict that those ``investments'' that
are the income being taken from hardworking taxpayers are not going to
produce what is being predicted by our colleagues. So it is intriguing
for me to hear that. I do hope somebody will be around to check on it
and give a report on it.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Pingree). Pursuant to House Resolution
85, the previous question is ordered on the amendments en bloc offered
by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin).
The question is on the amendments en bloc.
The en bloc amendments were agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Amendments En Bloc No. 3 Offered by Mr. Levin of Michigan
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, pursuant to section 3 of House
Resolution 85, I rise to offer amendments en bloc No. 3.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendments en
bloc.
Amendments en bloc No. 3 consisting of amendment Nos. 14, 15, 16, 18,
19, 21, 23, and 25, printed in part B of House Report 117-3, offered by
Mr. Levin of Michigan:
Amendment No. 14 Offered by Ms. Meng of New York
Page 23, line 5, insert before the period the following:
``, in user-friendly formats and languages that are easily
accessible, as determined by the Administrator''.
Page 38, line 12, strike ``and''.
Page 38, line 13, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
Page 38, after line 13, insert the following:
``(xi) the Federal Communications Commission.''.
Page 77, line 16, insert before the semicolon the
following: ``, and that are in user-friendly formats and
languages that are easily accessible, as determined by the
Secretaries''.
Amendment No. 15 Offered by Ms. Moore of Wisconsin
Page 21, line 23, insert ``developing the State plan in
section 113(c),'' after ``including''.
Page 21, line 24, insert a comma after ``subtitle B''.
Page 29, after line 22, insert the following:
``(E) Nontraditional apprenticeship populations.--The
Administrator shall regularly evaluate the participation of
the nontraditional apprenticeship populations for each of the
approved apprenticeable occupations, such as women,
minorities, long-term unemployed, individuals with a
disability, individuals with substance abuse issues,
veterans, military spouses, individuals experiencing
homelessness, individuals impacted by the criminal or
juvenile justice system, and foster and former foster youth.
Page 30, line 8, strike ``and'' at the end.
Page 30, line 10, strike the period at the end and insert
``; and''.
Page 30, after line 10, insert the following:
``(D) require regular reports on the performance of state
agencies, including on efforts state agencies make to
increase employer awareness of apprenticeship programs for
employers who have not participated.
Page 31, line 18, insert ``low-income participants in
related federal programs,'' after ``disabilities''.
Page 32, line 14, strike the period at the end and insert
``, to better promote participation in the national
apprenticeship program.''.
Page 107, after line 24, insert the following: `` and''
``(D) List of disapproved programs.--The registration
agency shall maintain a list of programs that were
disapproved which includes the reasons for each such
disapproval and provide such list to the Administrator at
least annually.
Page 118, line 14, strike ``and'' at the end.
Page 118, line 20, insert ``and'' at the end.
Page 118, after line 20, insert the following:
``(E) regularly assess the impact of apprenticeship
programs under the national apprentice system in effectively
increasing the participation of women, minorities,
individuals with disabilities, long term unemployed,
individuals impacted by the criminal and juvenile justice
system, foster and former foster youth, and individuals with
barriers to employment;
Amendment No. 16 Offered by Ms. Ocasio-Cortez of New York
Page 121, line 18, strike ``energy,'' insert ``energy
(including renewable energy),''.
Amendment No. 18 Offered by Mr. Payne of New Jersey
Page 137, line 20, strike ``such as'' and insert
``including''.
Page 138, line 9, insert ``small businesses owned or
controlled by women, minorities, or veterans,'' before ``and
education''.
Amendment No. 19 Offered by Ms. Ross of North Carolina
Page 17, line 14, insert ``dislocated worker,'' after
``pathway,''.
Page 22, line 24, strike ``and''.
Page 23, line 5, strike ``.'' and replace with ``; and''.
Page 23, line 6, insert ``(vi) assist State apprenticeship
agencies in establishing or expanding apprenticeship hubs as
is required in section 113(c)(7).''.
Page 64, line 16 , before the semicolon, add ``, including
the recruitment of nontraditional populations and dislocated
workers''.
Amendment No. 21 Offered by Mr. Smith of Washington
Page 146, after line 11, insert the following:
``(viii) providing stipends to pre-apprentices enrolled in
a pre-apprenticeship program to cover costs such as housing,
transportation, childcare or out of pocket expenses resulting
from the pre-apprenticeship program such as assessments and
fees for industry-recognized credentials or drivers licenses
during the time of enrollment; or''.
Page 146, line 12, strike ``(viii)'' and insert ``(ix)''.
Amendment No. 23 Offered by Ms. Strickland of Washington
Page 21, line 2, insert before the semicolon the following:
``, including the dissemination of best practices to recruit
nontraditional apprenticeship populations, women, minorities,
long-term unemployed, individuals with a disability,
individuals recovering from substance abuse disorders,
veterans, military spouses, individuals experiencing
homelessness, individuals impacted by the criminal or
juvenile justice system, and foster and former foster
youth''.
Amendment No. 25 Offered by Mr. Torres of New York
Page 122, line 12, insert ``English language learners,''
after ``minorities,''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 85, the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin) and
[[Page H427]]
the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) each will control 10
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of amendments en bloc No. 3.
These amendments will ensure the availability of user-friendly
materials, including materials in diverse languages, as part of the
outreach required by this bill.
They will add a representative of the Federal Communications
Commission as an ex officio member of the National Advisory Committee
on Apprenticeships.
They will strengthen States' efforts to ensure that low-income
individuals have equal access to apprenticeships.
They will clarify the inclusion of renewable energy in the list of
nontraditional apprenticeship industries and occupations supported in
this bill.
They will promote access to grants made under this bill for minority-
, veteran-, and women-owned businesses.
They will increase support for apprenticeship hubs and workforce
development organizations that support nontraditional populations and
dislocated workers.
They will increase the ability of pre-apprenticeship programs to
offer stipends to participants.
And they will encourage employers to participate in apprenticeship
programs that target individuals with language barriers.
Again, Madam Speaker, just reading the list of these wonderful
amendments offered by our colleagues shows the spirit of innovation and
outreach that this bill represents. I urge you to support this bloc of
amendments that will strengthen the bill.
Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Washington
(Ms. Strickland).
Ms. STRICKLAND. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my
amendment, which requires the Office of Apprenticeship to use best
practices to recruit and retain nontraditional candidates.
In 2019, only 9 percent of the 280,000 apprentices surveyed by the
Department of Labor were women. Merely 16 percent were non-White. In a
country where nearly half the labor market is made up of women and one-
quarter are people of color, our training programs--often debt-free
pathways into good-paying jobs--must include the full diversity of our
Nation.
My amendment addresses this problem by ensuring that apprenticeship
programs have ample resources to effectively recruit and retain
nontraditional candidates. But we can't sop there. We must continue to
uplift all communities in the South Sound, my home, and across the
Nation by equitably supporting women and people of color pursuing the
American Dream. Everyone deserves access to economic opportunity and
stability.
Madam Speaker, I urge the adoption of this amendment and the
underlying bill.
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I want to highlight a couple of amendments in the en
bloc that I have some reservations about and that I think would benefit
from additional discussion if this bill is taken up in the Senate.
First, Moore amendment No. 15 creates a new reporting requirement on
``State agencies.'' I don't think new reporting requirements will
achieve our goal of increasing employer engagement in the registered
apprenticeship program when the underlying bill doubles down on the
reasons employers choose not to participate in the first place.
But I would at least encourage my Democrat friends to clarify if they
mean for that reporting requirement to apply only to ``State
apprenticeship agencies'' or if they truly want to empower the
Department of Labor to demand reports of any and every State agency it
chooses, regardless of that agency's involvement in apprenticeship
programs.
Second, Payne amendment No. 18 may well make it harder to engage
small- and medium-sized employers by requiring grantees to have
demonstrated expertise in engaging specific types of small- and medium-
sized businesses.
Madam Speaker, to be absolutely clear, I believe we should take
reasonable steps to encourage grantees to partner with small businesses
owned or controlled by women, minorities, or veterans. The underlying
bill does this.
Unfortunately, the Payne amendment actually requires demonstrated
success in this area, which would likely shrink the pool of grantees
significantly, particularly in locations that already offer fewer
apprenticeships programs. This is a well-meaning amendment, but as
well-intentioned as it is, I hope the Senate will take another look at
how to increase the participation of minority-, women-, and veterans-
owned businesses without creating requirements that will reduce
apprenticeship opportunities.
The balance of the amendments are unobjectionable. They are
unobjectionable because they mostly don't do anything noteworthy. In
some cases they repeat provisions already in the bill. In other cases
they add additional items to existing laundry lists. In short, these
amendments are fine. They don't make the bill better in any substantive
way, but they don't make it worse.
But, Madam Speaker, the fact that the majority is spending our time
on mostly meaningless amendments highlights the fundamental flaw in
this bill and process. We are on the floor debating amendments that
don't do much, while amendments that could have made significant
improvements to the bill were blocked by the Democrats from
consideration.
We have talked repeatedly during this debate about how the Democrat
bill eliminates existing work-based learning programs at the Department
of Labor, mostly nursing apprenticeship programs, at a time our
economy, particularly the healthcare sector, needs all the help it can
get.
Representative Allen offered an amendment to remedy this flaw in the
bill, but my Democrat friends were afraid of taking that vote. So we
aren't considering that proposal today.
We have talked repeatedly about how this bill doubles down on the
existing flaws of the current 80-year-old system while offering no
opportunities for employers or workers to pursue meaningful innovation
in the work-based learning space.
Representative Thompson offered an amendment to fix that problem in
the bill, but Democrats didn't want to take that vote either.
We have talked repeatedly about how this bill seeks to protect big
labor at the expense of workers in desperate need of high-quality
apprenticeship programs. Representative Keller offered an amendment and
Mr. Perry spoke of this inequity in his floor amendments. The amendment
from Mr. Keller would have put union and nonunion apprenticeship
programs on equal footing. Democrats won't let the people's House weigh
in on that issue.
Madam Speaker, I am going to support this en bloc amendment, but I
hope at some point we will have an honest debate about how to truly
improve this bill to provide workers the apprenticeship opportunities
they need, or at least to protect the apprenticeship opportunities they
currently have.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1115
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, the tired rhetoric about big
labor, big labor, big labor, the organizations that workers create and
pay for themselves to advocate their interests; yes, there is a lot of
support for this bill from the labor movement.
This bill is also endorsed by our mayors, by the National League of
Cities. It is also endorsed by our community colleges, their national
associations. It is also endorsed by multiple industry associations,
including associations representing areas that don't have a lot of
apprenticeships that hope to have more. And it is endorsed by many
equity organizations such as the National Urban League.
I also want to point out something else. No company or group of
companies has to register their program. They are perfectly free, in
this land of the free, to set up a training program, to pay for it
themselves, to partner with labor organizations or colleges, to
[[Page H428]]
even use the word apprenticeship. Nobody has to register their
apprenticeship. They are free to do whatever they want.
This is about the Federal Government developing and nurturing
training programs that we can proudly say meet high standards to give
real opportunities to preserve these kinds of statistics we are talking
about: People who complete an apprenticeship earning an average of
$70,000 a year; 94 percent of people who complete apprenticeships
getting good jobs.
Also, some of my colleagues keep saying that all registered
apprenticeships are controlled by the Federal Government. That is
simply not true. Half of the States have State apprenticeship agencies,
including the great State of North Carolina.
In this bill, we codify their important and autonomous role and, for
the first time ever, we provide annual funding because States have been
so successful at expanding apprenticeships through Department of Labor
grants.
Again, for the first time, we streamline the registration process and
create an in-the-box apprenticeship program to make it easier for small
and medium-sized businesses to get in this game.
Madam Speaker, this bill is such a wonderful improvement on an
already wonderful job training program. I urge everyone to support
these en bloc amendments, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, our colleagues talk a lot about the fact
that 94 percent of people who complete apprenticeship programs get jobs
immediately, but they never talk about the gold standard they call the
registered programs, which graduate only 43 percent of the people who
enter them, so I think they are very selective in the statistics that
they use.
Madam Speaker, expanding funding and giving funding to State
apprenticeship offices, in my opinion, is just a hook for more Federal
control. And everything about this underlying bill is to have more and
more control at the Federal Government level, which enhances the role
of unions in apprenticeship programs. That is not the way we should be
going.
Our colleagues have not noticed, I think, how quickly the workforce
is having to adapt to, particularly, technological changes that are
occurring in our country. These programs change very, very little over
time because of the hidebound unions and the hidebound system that we
have.
We need the employers on the ground who are dealing with creating new
jobs all the time in new industries to be able to tap into their
taxpayer dollars that are coming into the Federal Government, which are
denied to them unless they are hooked to a union. That is wrong, and we
need fair systems.
As Mr. Keller and Mr. Perry have pointed out, even the standards set
for industry programs that are controlled by unions are different than
they are in the private sector. There are more regulations on the
private sector than on the union programs.
This is not a good way for us to be going in the year 2021. We need
innovation. We need to be forward-looking, not backward-looking.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 85, the
previous question is ordered on the amendments en bloc offered by the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin).
The question is on the amendments en bloc.
The en bloc amendments were agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Amendment No. 10 Offered by Mr. Hill
The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No.
10 printed in House Report 117-3.
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Page 127, line 17, strike ``and'' and insert ``or''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 85, the
gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and a Member opposed each will
control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I want to thank my friend from Michigan and my friend from North
Carolina for their leadership in promoting apprenticeship programs that
benefit the American people.
Madam Speaker, my amendment is simple. It trades one word for
another, but the impact is significant. The National Apprenticeship Act
states, to the extent practicable, that the partnerships for funding
under Title II be part of an industry or sector partnership and partner
with a labor or joint labor-management organization.
My amendment changes ``and'' to an ``or.'' I am afraid that the
unintended consequences of the word will be treated as a requirement
for the Federal Government that entities requesting funding under Title
II must partner with a union.
This bill, as written, allows the government to play favorites with
Title II funding and, instead, we should encourage entities to be
empowered to make choices that are best for the workforce in their
area.
In my view, entities applying for Title II funding under the bill
should be partnering with both non-union and union industry leaders.
But I have no doubt that should this bill become law, bureaucrats at
the Department of Labor will interpret the use of ``and'' in this
section to mean that if you are not partnered with a union organization
you will not receive funding. That is my concern.
My home State of Arkansas doesn't have a large union presence, like
many States around the country, and this legislation would make it more
difficult for entities in my home State to receive Title II funding.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the
amendment.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Michigan is recognized
for 5 minutes.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
This amendment changes the word ``and'' to ``or,'' as my colleague
from Arkansas pointed out, and it may seem like a small change. But,
instead, it inadvertently could take away the employers' seat at the
table for apprenticeship grant partnerships. Let me explain why.
Although my Republican colleague likely introduced this amendment to
ensure that apprenticeship grantees do not have to partner with labor
unions, the unintended consequence of this amendment is that it also
ensures that applicants would not have to partner with an industry or
sector partnership at the expense of only partnering with a union.
Those in support of this amendment may not realize that nothing about
this amendment prevents partnerships with labor organizations as
industry or sector partnerships, as defined in the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act, or WIOA, require three key stakeholders:
Representatives of multiple businesses or employers, including small
and medium-sized employers, labor representatives, and education or
training programs.
Any way you slice it, this amendment does not actually meet the
Republican goal of attacking labor unions but, instead, attacks small
and medium-sized employers that could be part of these grant programs.
At a time when small and medium-sized businesses across this country
are struggling to get back on their feet, thanks to the mismanagement
of this pandemic by the Trump administration, the last thing we need to
do is take away their ability to benefit fully from the apprenticeship
grants that are part of this bill.
I would urge my colleague to withdraw this shortsighted amendment and
ensure that we are doing everything we can to help small and medium-
sized businesses and education partners have a seat at the table for
these apprenticeship grants. And if he does not, I would urge my
colleagues to support small businesses and vote ``no'' on this
amendment.
And finally, let me just say that I think my colleague eloquently
explained the situation where the practicable language was written for.
If
[[Page H429]]
there aren't any unions around you are not going to be able to partner
with unions, and so it is really not a problem.
So this amendment doesn't do what it is intended to do. It is
harmful, and I urge people to oppose it.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman has 3 minutes remaining.
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record letters in support
of my amendment from the National Association of Home Builders and the
Associated General Contractors.
National Association of
Home Builders,
Washington, DC, February 3, 2021.
Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Kevin McCarthy,
Minority Leader, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy: On behalf of the
more than 140,000 members of the National Association of Home
Builders (NAHB), I write to share our views on H.R. 447, the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
NAHB shares Congress's desire to align the national
apprenticeship system with the needs of a 21st century
workforce and ensure it better serves students, employers,
schools, and other stakeholders. For decades, NAHB's
workforce development partner the Home Builders Institute
(HBI) has offered skills development opportunities and career
and technical education to underserved, non-traditional, and
at-risk populations through its Department of Labor (DOL)-
recognized pre-apprenticeship curriculum. We appreciate the
Committee on Education and Labor's engagement with us last
Congress to address concerns we raised during the committee
process. This has, in our view, improved the bill.
However, we remain deeply concerned that the bill includes
ambiguous language requiring eligible entities seeking access
to robust new grant funding to partner with a labor or joint
labor-management organization ``to the extent practicable.''
Consequently, this provision could restrict bona fide,
respected training providers' access to grant opportunities
or force them to partner with organized labor groups with
which they have no purpose for affiliation. NAHB strongly
supports Hill Amendment #29 which clarifies that entities may
partner with an industry sector partnership or with a labor
or joint labor management organization to satisfy the grant
program's eligibility requirements. This will ensure access
to critical funds by a diversity of registered training
programs as employers seek to rebuild their workforces in the
pandemic-ravaged economy.
NAHB recognizes Congress's work to expand youth and adult
access to instruction in the skilled trades and believes the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 is a step in the right
direction. As the bill moves forward in the Senate, we look
forward to working together to modernize the national
apprenticeship system to ensure pre-apprenticeships remain a
viable training tool for residential construction.
Sincerely,
James W. Tobin III
____
February 3, 2021.
Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Kevin McCarthy,
Minority Leader, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
AGC Key Vote: Vote ``YES'' on Hill Amendment to H.R. 447, the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
Dear Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader McCarthy: On behalf
of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), I
write to urge you to support the Rep. French Hill Amendment
to H.R. 447 which would simply clarify that all registered
apprenticeship programs are eligible for grants under the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. Despite the pandemic,
the construction industry continues to experience a skilled
worker shortage and anticipates that persisting in the
future. As such, AGC urges a ``YES'' vote on this amendment
and reserves the right to record your vote as a KEY VOTE for
the education of our more than 27,000 member firms.
Workforce development has historically been a bipartisan
issue. And H.R. 447 is well intentioned in seeking to expand
apprenticeship opportunities and address the skilled worker
shortage. The bill elevates and prioritizes the role
apprenticeships can play, provides incentives for states to
assist employers and offers technical assistance in the
development of programs. Although the bill would provide new
and significant funding increases for apprenticeship
programs, the ability to fully capitalize on opportunities
under Title II of the bill would be put into jeopardy and
many registered apprenticeship programs would be ineligible
to qualify.
The Rep. Hill Amendment addresses the inequities in the
bill by clarifying that all registered apprenticeship
programs would be eligible for grants, not just programs
partnering with unions to receive taxpayer support. AGC is
proud of our contractor members' support of union-affiliated
joint apprenticeship training programs, but we believe all
bona fide and high-quality apprenticeship programs that are
registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and are not
affiliated with a union program are still important
components to addressing the workforce development problem
and should also be eligible for Title II grants under H.R.
447.
Using the power of the federal purse to discriminate
against any U.S. DOL registered apprenticeship program for
the sole reason that they are not partnered with a labor or
joint labor-management organization is contrary to the stated
goals of the legislation. If a program meets DOL's rigorous
standards for registration, then there's no valid reason
Congress should be restricting tools to upskill and train
Americans as the economy and industry emerge from the global
pandemic.
Again, AGC urges a YES vote on Hill Amendment and looks
forward to working with Congress on practicable solutions to
our nation's workforce needs.
Sincerely,
James V. Christianson.
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from
North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), the distinguished ranking member on the
Committee on Education and Labor.
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I thank my distinguished colleague for
yielding.
Currently, the underlying bill favors grant funding for entities that
partner with unions. This would block countless potential participants
from accessing these funds and would further cement the program in the
way it has been since the 1930s.
If we want to reach 1 million apprenticeships in this country, I fail
to see how limiting access by creating earmarks and kickbacks will
achieve that goal.
The amendment offered by Representative Hill would make it optional
for grant applications to partner with unions. If the majority truly
believes that this is not a requirement intended to push more workers
into unions, this should be no more than a technical clarification.
Although it would not redeem the underlying bill, this amendment
would be a step in the right direction toward opening more
apprenticeship opportunities for Americans. I strongly urge my
colleagues to support this amendment.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, let me just explain a little
more for folks at home who may not be obviously reading all of the
details of this, the many pages of this bill, what we are talking
about.
This is about who is eligible to apply for grants, certain grants
under this bill; and it says that to be eligible to apply for a grant
under this title an eligible entity shall demonstrate a partnership
with two or more of the following, and then it lists quite a number of
different groups that they can partner with, State and local workforce
development boards, education training providers, State apprenticeship
agencies, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, industry partnerships,
Governors, labor organizations, community-based organizations, two or
more, two or more.
And then it says these words: To the extent practicable--a qualified
intermediary; and to the extent practicable, it shall be part of an
industry or sector partnership and partner with a labor or joint labor-
management organization.
That is all it says. And the idea of changing that ``and'' to ``or''
would fundamentally change it. It would reduce the level of
collaboration, and it would possibly eliminate the industry or sector
partnership from the grant application or a labor organization.
But since WIOA requires the labor organizations, it is not going to
do what they think it does. It is a bad idea. It is not well crafted. I
urge my colleagues to oppose it, and I yield back the balance of my
time.
{time} 1130
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I thank my friend from Michigan. He, in the last Congress, in putting
the word ``and'' into the act, said he wanted to give a shout-out to
unions. Therefore, I think he has actually identified it very well,
that this does improve flexibility and choice. I am concerned about the
Department of Labor reading the ``and'' as essentially a directive. So
I believe the ``or'' is important, Madam Speaker.
[[Page H430]]
Americans are struggling with the COVID-19 crisis. Restrictions, as
it relates to title II funding of this bill, unintentionally hurt the
American people trying to get new jobs and opportunities. We need every
angle to help our citizens get to a successful career.
I call on my colleagues to support this simple amendment, to change
the underlying legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Arkansas has the only
remaining time.
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
In closing, let me say this. Bottom line, in the construction
industry, important to every one of our States, registered
apprenticeships trained about 28,000 people a year, where the need is
over 440,000 people a year in construction.
We need more flexibility. This amendment is flexible. It supports the
American people.
Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of
my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 85, the
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the gentleman
from Arkansas (Mr. Hill).
The question is on the amendment.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the noes appear to have it.
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question
are postponed.
Amendment No. 22 Offered by Ms. Stefanik
The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No.
22 printed in House Report 117-3.
Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Strike sections 3 and 4, and insert the following:
SEC. 3. RULES AND REGULATIONS.
In accordance with chapter 5 of title 5, United States
Code, the Secretary of Labor may prescribe rules and
regulations to carry out this Act.
SEC. 4. AMENDMENT.
The Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly referred to as the
``National Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663;
29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
``(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the `National
Apprenticeship Act of 2021'.
``(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this
Act is as follows:
``Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
``Sec. 2. Purposes.
``Sec. 3. Definitions.
``Sec. 4. Transition provisions.
``Sec. 5. Disaggregation of data.
``TITLE I--PROMOTING APPRENTICESHIPS
``Subtitle A--The Office of Apprenticeship, State Registration Agency
Approval Process
``Sec. 111. The Office of Apprenticeship.
``Sec. 112. State apprenticeship agencies and State offices of
Apprenticeship.
``Subtitle B--Process and Standards for the National Apprenticeship
System
``Sec. 121. Process and Standards.
``Subtitle C--Evaluations and Research
``Sec. 131. Program evaluations and research.
``Subtitle D--General Provisions
``Sec. 141. Authorization of appropriations.
``TITLE II--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM FOR THE 21ST
CENTURY GRANTS
``Sec. 201. Grant requirements.
``Sec. 202. Grant appropriations.
``SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
``(a) Authority.--The purposes of this Act are to authorize
and direct the Secretary of Labor to--
``(1) formulate and promote the furtherance of labor
standards necessary to safeguard the welfare of apprentices;
``(2) extend the application of such standards by
encouraging the inclusion thereof in contracts of
apprenticeship (in this Act referred to as `apprenticeship
agreements');
``(3) bring together employers and labor for the
formulation of programs of apprenticeship;
``(4) cooperate with State agencies engaged in the
formulation and promotion of standards of apprenticeship; and
``(5) cooperate with the Secretary of Education.
``(b) Additional Programs.--In carrying out the authority
provided in subsection (a), the Secretary--
``(1) shall establish and administer the program under
title I; and
``(2) may establish and administer additional programs of
work-based learning as the Secretary determines appropriate,
which may include activities to respond to the COVID-19
public health emergency.
``SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
``In titles I and II:
``(1) Apprentice.--The term `apprentice' means a program
participant in an apprenticeship program.
``(2) Apprenticeship agreement.--The term `apprenticeship
agreement' means a written agreement under 121 between--
``(A) an apprentice; and
``(B) a sponsor.
``(3) Apprenticeship hub.--The term `apprenticeship hub'
means a regional or sectoral qualified intermediary
recognized by a State apprenticeship agency or a State Office
of Apprenticeship as organizing and providing activities and
services related to the development of programs under the
national apprenticeship system.
``(4) Apprenticeable occupation.--The term `apprenticeable
occupation' means an occupation that the Secretary has
determined meets the requirements of section 121.
``(5) Apprenticeship program.--The term `apprenticeship
program' means a program that meets the standards described
in section 121 and is registered under title I.
``(6) Competency.--The term `competency' means the
attainment of knowledge, skills, and abilities in a subject
area.
``(7) Department.--The term `Department' means the
Department of Labor.
``(8) Education and training provider.--The term `education
and training provider' means--
``(A) an area career and technical education school;
``(B) an early college high school;
``(C) an educational service agency;
``(D) a high school;
``(E) a local educational agency or State educational
agency;
``(F) an Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, or Tribal
educational agency;
``(G) an institution of higher education;
``(H) a minority-serving institution (as described in any
of paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)));
``(I) a provider of adult education and literacy activities
under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 U.S.C.
3271 et seq.);
``(J) a local agency administering plans under title I of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.), other
than section 112 or part C of that title (29 U.S.C. 732,
741);
``(K) a related instruction provider, as approved by a
registration agency; or
``(L) a consortium of entities described in any of
subparagraphs (A) through (K).
``(9) Indian tribe; tribal organization.--The terms `Indian
Tribe' and `Tribal organization' have the meaning given the
terms (without regard to capitalization) in section 4 of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25
U.S.C. 450b).
``(10) Interim credential.--"The term `interim credential'
means a recognized post-secondary credential issued to an
apprentice as certification of attainment of a competency
necessary to receive a certificate of completion of an
apprenticeship.
``(11) Journeyworker.--The term `journeyworker' means a
worker who has attained a level of skill, abilities, and
competencies recognized within an industry as having mastered
the skills and competencies required for the occupation.
``(12) National apprenticeship system.--The term `national
apprenticeship system' means the apprenticeship programs,
youth apprenticeship programs, and pre-apprenticeship
programs that meet the requirements of title I.
``(13) Under-represented apprenticeship population.--The
term `under-represented apprenticeship population' means a
group of individuals (such as a group of individuals from the
same gender or race) the members of which comprise fewer than
25 percent of the individuals participating in a program
under the national apprenticeship system.
``(14) Nontraditional apprenticeship industry or
occupation.--The term `nontraditional apprenticeship industry
or occupation' refers to an industry sector or occupation for
which there are fewer than 10 percent of all apprentices in
all industries or occupations participating.
``(15) Program participant.--The term `program participant'
means an apprentice, a pre-apprentice, or a youth apprentice.
``(16) Qualified intermediary.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified intermediary' means
an entity that demonstrates expertise in building,
connecting, sustaining, and measuring the performance of
partnerships described in subparagraph (B) and serves program
participants and employers by--
``(i) connecting employers to programs under the national
apprenticeship system;
``(ii) assisting in the design and implementation of such
programs, including curriculum development and delivery for
related instruction;
``(iii) supporting entities, sponsors, or program
administrators in meeting the registration and reporting
requirements of this Act;
``(iv) providing professional development activities;
``(v) connecting students or workers to programs under the
national apprenticeship system;
[[Page H431]]
``(vi) developing and providing personalized program
participant supports, including by partnering with
organizations to provide access to or referrals for
supportive services and financial advising;
``(vii) providing services, resources, and supports for
development, delivery, expansion, or improvement of programs
under the national apprenticeship system; or
``(viii) serving as a program sponsor.
``(B) Partnerships.--The partnerships described in
subparagraph (A) means partnerships among entities involved
in programs under the national apprenticeship system,
including--
``(i) industry or sector partnerships;
``(ii) partnerships among employers, joint labor-management
organizations, labor organizations, community-based
organizations, State or local workforce development boards,
education and training providers, social service
organizations, economic development organizations, Indian
Tribes or Tribal organizations, or one-stop operators, or
one-stop partners, in the State workforce development system;
or
``(iii) partnerships among one or more of the entities
described in clauses (i) and (ii).
``(17) Registration agency.--The term `registration agency'
means the Office of Apprenticeship, a State Office of
Apprenticeship or State apprenticeship agency that is
responsible for--
``(A) approving or denying applications from sponsors for
registration of programs under the national apprenticeship
system in the State or area covered by the registration
agency; and
``(B) carrying out the responsibilities of supporting the
youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or apprenticeship
programs registered by the registration agency, in accordance
with section 121.
``(18) Related instruction.--The term `related instruction'
means an organized and systematic form of instruction that
meets the requirements of section 121.
``(19) Related federal programs.--The term `related Federal
programs' means programs or activities under the following:
``(A) The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3102).
``(B) The Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.).
``(C) The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.).
``(D) The Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et
seq.).
``(E) The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20
U.S.C. 1400 et seq.).
``(F) Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
720 et seq.).
``(G) Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C.
3056 et seq.).
``(H) Career and technical education programs at the
postsecondary level under the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
``(I) Chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
U.S.C. 2271 et seq.).
``(J) Chapter 41 of title 38, United States Code.
``(K) Employment and training activities carried out under
the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9901 et
seq.).
``(L) Employment and training activities carried out by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
``(M) State unemployment compensation laws (in accordance
with applicable Federal law).
``(N) Section 231 of the Second Chance Act of 2007 (34
U.S.C. 60541).
``(O) Part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
``(P) Employment and training programs carried out by the
Small Business Administration.
``(Q) Section 6(d)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
(7 U.S.C. 2015(d)(4)).
``(20) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Labor.
``(21) Sponsor.--The term `sponsor' means an employer,
joint labor-management organization, trade association,
professional association, labor organization, education and
training provider, or qualified intermediary that is applying
to administer and operate, a program under the national
apprenticeship system.
``(22) State apprenticeship agency.--The term `State
apprenticeship agency' means a State agency recognized as a
State apprenticeship agency under section 112.
``(23) State apprenticeship council.--The term `State
apprenticeship council' means an entity established under
section 113(b)(3) to assist the State apprenticeship agency.
``(24) State office of apprenticeship.--The term `State
office of apprenticeship' means the office designated by the
Secretary to administer programs under the national
apprenticeship system in such State and meets the
requirements of section 111(b)(4).
``(25) State or local workforce development boards.--The
terms `State workforce development board' and `local
workforce development board' have the meanings given the
terms `State board' and `local board', respectively, in
section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3102).
``(26) State workforce agency.--The terms `State workforce
agency' means the State agency with responsibility for
workforce investment activities under chapters 2 and 3 of
subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3121 et seq., 3131 et seq.).
``(27) CTE terms.--The terms `area career and technical
education school', `articulation agreement', `credit transfer
agreement', `postsecondary educational institution', and
`work-based learning' have the meanings given in section 3 of
the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of
2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
``(28) ESEA terms.--The terms `dual or concurrent
enrollment program', `early college high school', `education
service agency', `high school', `local educational agency',
`paraprofessional', and `State educational agency' have the
meanings given in section 8101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
``(29) WIOA terms.--The terms `career pathway', `in-demand
industry sector or occupation', `individual with a barrier to
employment', `institution of higher education', `industry or
sector partnership', `labor market area', `local area',
`recognized postsecondary credential', `one-stop center',
`one-stop operator', `one-stop partner', `State', `supportive
services' and `workforce development system' have the
meanings given in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
``SEC. 4. TRANSITION PROVISIONS.
``The Secretary shall take such actions as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate to provide for the orderly
transition to the authority of this Act (as amended by the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021) from any authority under
the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly referred to as the
`National Apprenticeship Act'; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29
U.S.C. 50 et seq.), as in effect on the day before the date
of enactment of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. In
accordance with chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, the
Secretary may prescribe rules and regulations to carry out
this Act.
``SEC. 5. DISAGGREGATION OF DATA.
``The disaggregation of data under this Act shall not be
required when the number of program participants in a
category is insufficient to yield statistically reliable
information or when the results would reveal personally
identifiable information about a program participant or would
reveal such information when combined with other released
information.
``TITLE I--PROMOTING APPRENTICESHIPS
``Subtitle A--The Office of Apprenticeship, State Registration Agency
Approval Process
``SEC. 111. THE OFFICE OF APPRENTICESHIP.
``(a) Responsibilities.--The Secretary shall be responsible
for the administration of this Act and such functions
affecting the national apprenticeship system as the Secretary
shall delegate, which shall include the following:
``(1) Apprenticeship development and expansion.--The
Secretary is authorized to carry out promotion and awareness
activities, including the following:
``(A) Supporting the development or scaling of
apprenticeship models nationally, promoting the effectiveness
of youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and
apprenticeship programs, and providing promotional materials
to, among others, State apprenticeship agencies, State and
local workforce development systems, State educational
agencies, employers, trade associations, professional
associations, industry groups, labor organizations, joint
labor-management organizations, education and training
providers, and prospective apprentices in such programs.
``(B) Promoting greater diversity in the national
apprenticeship system in underrepresented apprenticeship
populations, and nontraditional apprenticeship industries and
occupations, including by--
``(i) promoting outreach to underrepresented apprenticeship
populations;
``(ii) engaging minority-serving institutions, and
employers from nontraditional apprenticeship industries or
occupations; and
``(iii) engaging small, medium-size, and minority
businesses, and employers in high-skill, high-wage, and in-
demand industry sectors and occupations that are
nontraditional apprenticeship industries or occupations.
``(2) Technical assistance activities.--The Secretary
shall--
``(A) provide technical assistance and disseminate best
practices as applicable to employers, sponsors, State
apprenticeship agencies, qualified intermediaries, education
and training or related instruction providers, or other
entities; and
``(B) cooperate with the--
``(i) Secretary of Education on establishing and sharing
best practices for the alignment of apprenticeship programs
with the education system, including supporting the
stackability and portability of academic credit and
credentials earned as part of such programs; and
``(ii) State workforce development systems to promote
awareness of opportunities under the national apprenticeship
system.
``(3) State offices of apprenticeship.--
``(A) Establishment of offices.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary, at the request of a State
described in clause (ii), shall establish and operate State
Offices of Apprenticeship to serve as the registration agency
for a State described in clause (ii).
``(ii) Applicable states.--An applicable State is a State--
``(I) in which, as of the day before the date of enactment
of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, the Secretary has
not--
``(aa) established a State Office of Apprenticeship; and
``(bb) is not recognized a State apprenticeship agency
under section 112; and
[[Page H432]]
``(II) submits the request described in clause (i).
``(B) Vacancies.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations, in the case of a State Office of
Apprenticeship with a vacant position, the Secretary shall--
``(i) make publicly available information on such vacancy;
and
``(ii) report to the Committee on Education and Labor of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, on the status
and length of such vacancy if such vacancy is not filled not
later than 90 days after such position has become vacant.
``(C) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this paragraph
shall be construed to prohibit any State described in
subparagraph (A)(ii) from establishing an agency or entity to
promote programs under the national apprenticeship system in
such State, in coordination with the State Office of
Apprenticeship operating in the State, however, such agency
or entity may not serve as the registration agency in such
State unless it obtains recognition pursuant to section 112.
``(4) Quality standards, apprenticeship agreement, and
registration review.--In order for the Secretary to support
the performance standards of programs under the national
apprenticeship system and to extend the application of such
standards in apprenticeship agreements, not later than 1 year
after the effective date of the National Apprenticeship Act
of 2021, and not less than every 5 years thereafter, the
Secretary shall review, and where appropriate, update the
process for meeting the requirements of subtitle B, including
applicable regulations and subregulatory guidance to ensure
that such process is easily accessible and efficient to bring
together employers and labor as sponsors or potential
sponsors of programs under the national apprenticeship
system.
``(5) Apprenticeable occupations.--
``(A) Proactively approved occupations.--Not later than 1
year after the date of enactment of the National
Apprenticeship Act of 2021, the Secretary shall develop
regulations outlining a process for proactively establishing
and approving standards for apprenticeable occupations in
consultation with industry.
``(B) Existing apprenticeable occupations.--In consultation
with employers, the Secretary shall regularly review and
update the requirements for each apprenticeable occupation to
ensure that such requirements are in compliance with
requirements under this Act, meet the needs of employers in
such occupation, and promote the participation of small
businesses.
``(C) New apprenticeable occupation.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall review and make a
determination on whether to approve an occupation as an
apprenticeable occupation not later than 45 days after
receiving an application from a person or current or
prospective program sponsor seeking such approval from the
Secretary.
``(ii) Estimated timeline.--If such determination is not
made within 45 days, the Secretary shall provide the
applicant with a written explanation for the delay and offer
an estimated timeline for a determination.
``(D) Industry recognized occupational standards.--
``(i) In general.--From the funds appropriated under
section 141(a), the Secretary shall convene, on an ongoing
basis, the industry sector leaders and experts described in
clause (ii) for the purposes of establishing or updating
specific frameworks of industry recognized occupational
standards for apprenticeable occupations (including potential
apprenticeable occupations) that--
``(I) meet the requirements of this Act; and
``(II) describe program scope and length, related
instruction, on-the-job training, recognized postsecondary
credentials, and competencies, and relevant timelines for
review of such frameworks.
``(ii) Industry sector leaders and experts.--The sector
leaders and experts are employers, industry associations,
joint labor-management organizations, labor organizations,
education and training providers, credential providers,
program participants, and other stakeholders relevant to the
sector or occupation for which the frameworks are being
established or updated, as determined by the Secretary.
``(iii) Priority industry recognized apprenticeable
occupations.--In establishing frameworks under clause (i) for
the first time after the effective date of the National
Apprenticeship Act of 2021, the Secretary shall prioritize
the establishment of such standards in high-skill, high-wage,
or in-demand industry sectors and occupations.
``(6) Program oversight and evaluation.--The Secretary
shall monitor State apprenticeship agencies and State Offices
of Apprenticeship.
``(7) Promoting diversity in the national apprenticeship
system.--The Secretary shall promote diversity and ensure
equal opportunity to participate in programs for apprentices,
youth apprentices, and pre-apprentices, including--
``(A) taking steps necessary to promote diversity in
apprenticeable occupations under the national apprenticeship
system, especially in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand
industry sectors and occupations in areas with high
percentages of low-income individuals; and
``(B) ensuring programs under the national apprenticeship
system adopt and implement policies to provide for equal
opportunity to participate in programs under the national
apprenticeship system and do not engage in discrimination as
prohibited by section 30.3(a) of title 29, Code of Federal
Regulations (as in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021), or
engage in intimidation or retaliation as prohibited by
section 30.17 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (as in
effect on the day before the date of enactment of the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021).
``(8) Grants awards.--The Secretary shall award grants
under title II.
``(9) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate and
align programs under the national apprenticeship system with
related Federal programs.
``(b) Information Collection and Dissemination.--The
Secretary shall provide for data collection and dissemination
of information regarding programs under the national
apprenticeship system, including--
``(1) establishing and supporting a single information
technology infrastructure to support data collection and
reporting from State apprenticeship agencies, State Offices
of Apprenticeship, grantees under title II, program sponsors,
and program administrators under the national apprenticeship
system by providing for a data infrastructure that--
``(A) is developed and maintained by the Secretary, with
input from national data and privacy experts, and is informed
by best practices related to credential transparency; and
``(B) best meets the needs of the national apprenticeship
system stakeholders reporting data to the Secretary or State
apprenticeship agencies; and
``(2) making nonpersonally identifiable apprenticeship data
publicly available, searchable, and comparable so that
interested parties can become aware of apprenticeship
opportunities and of program outcomes that best meets the
needs of youth apprentices, pre-apprentices, and apprentices,
employers, education and training providers, program
sponsors, and relevant stakeholders, including--
``(A) information on program offerings under the national
apprenticeship system based on geographical location and
apprenticeable occupation;
``(B) information on education and training providers
providing opportunities under such system, including whether
programs under such system offer dual or concurrent
enrollment programs and articulation agreements;
``(C) information about the educational and occupational
credentials and related competencies of programs under such
system; and
``(D) using the most recent data available to the Office
that is consistent with national standards and practices.
``SEC. 112. STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCIES AND STATE OFFICES
OF APPRENTICESHIP.
``(a) Recognition of State Apprenticeship Agencies.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall recognize a State
agency as a State apprenticeship agency in accordance with
this section and cooperate with such State apprenticeship
agency regarding the formulation and promotion of standards
of apprenticeship under subtitle B.
``(2) Application.--For a State desiring to have a State
agency recognized as a State apprenticeship agency under this
section, the Governor shall submit the State plan described
in subsection (c)--
``(A) to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as
the Secretary may require; or
``(B) to the State workforce board for inclusion in the the
State plan under section 102 or 103 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (20 U.S.C. 3112, 3113).
``(3) Review and recognition.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date on
which a State submits the State plan under paragraph (2), the
Secretary shall notify the State regarding whether the agency
of the State is recognized as a State apprenticeship agency
under this section.
``(B) Duration of recognition.--
``(i) Duration.--The recognition of a State apprenticeship
agency shall be for a 4-year period beginning on the date the
State apprenticeship agency is notified under subparagraph
(A).
``(ii) Notification.--
``(I) In general.--The Secretary shall notify a State
apprenticeship agency not later than 180 days before the last
day of the 4-year period regarding whether the State
apprenticeship agency is in compliance with this section.
``(II) Compliance.--In the case of a State apprenticeship
agency that is in compliance with this section, the agency's
recognition under this section shall be renewed for an
additional 4-year period and the notification under subclause
(I) shall include notification of such renewal.
``(III) Noncompliance.--In the case of a State
apprenticeship agency that is not in compliance with this
section, the notification shall--
``(aa) specify the areas of noncompliance;
``(bb) require corrective action; and
``(cc) offer technical assistance.
``(iii) Renewal after correction.--If the Secretary
determines that a State apprenticeship agency has corrected
the identified areas of noncompliance under this subparagraph
not later than 180 days of notification of noncompliance, the
State apprenticeship
[[Page H433]]
agency's recognition under this section shall be renewed for
an additional 4-year period.
``(C) Transition period for state agencies.--
``(i) Transition.--A State agency that, as of the day
before the date of enactment of the National Apprenticeship
Act of 2021, was recognized by the Secretary for purposes of
registering apprenticeship programs in accordance with the
Act of August 16, 1937 (50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C.
50 et seq.), shall continue to be recognized for 1 year after
the effective date of the National Apprenticeship Act of
2021.
``(ii) Application for recognition.--Not later than 1 year
after the effective date of the National Apprenticeship Act
of 2021, a State agency that, as of the day before the date
of enactment of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, was
recognized by the Secretary for purposes of registering
apprenticeship programs in accordance with the Act of August
16, 1937 (50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.),
shall submit an application under paragraph (2).
``(iii) Recognition period.--A State agency described in
clause (ii) shall be recognized as a State apprenticeship
agency under this section for a 4-year period beginning on
the date on which the Secretary approves the application
submitted by the State agency under paragraph (2).
``(b) Authority of a State Apprenticeship Agency.--
``(1) In general.--For the period during which a State
apprenticeship agency is recognized under subsection (a) and
to maintain such recognition, the State apprenticeship agency
shall carry out the requirements of this Act.
``(2) Program recognition.--With respect to a State with a
State apprenticeship agency, the State apprenticeship agency
shall have sole authority to recognize a pre-apprenticeship,
youth apprenticeship, or apprenticeship program in such
State, which shall include--
``(A) determining whether such program is in compliance
with the standards for such program under section 121;
``(B) in the case of such a program that is in compliance
with such standards, recognizing the program and providing a
certificate of recognition for such program;
``(C) providing technical assistance to current or
potential sponsors; and
``(D) in the case of such a program that fails to meet the
requirements of this Act, providing for the withdrawal of
recognition of the program in accordance with section 131(b).
``(3) State apprenticeship council.--
``(A) In general.--A State apprenticeship agency may
establish and use or continue the use of a State
apprenticeship council if the State apprenticeship council
operates, or will operate, under the direction of the State
apprenticeship agency, and in compliance with the
requirements of this Act. The State apprenticeship council
shall not have authority to register programs or otherwise
control or direct the operations of the State apprenticeship
agency.
``(B) Composition.--A State apprenticeship council may be
regulatory or advisory in nature, and shall--
``(i) be composed of persons familiar with apprenticeable
occupations; and
``(ii) be fairly balanced, with an equal number of--
``(I) representatives of employer organizations (including
from nontraditional apprenticeship industries or
occupations);
``(II) representatives of labor organizations or joint
labor-management organizations (including from nontraditional
apprenticeship industries or occupations); and
``(III) public members.
``(C) Special rule.--A State apprenticeship council shall
not be eligible for recognition as a State apprenticeship
agency.
``(c) State Plan.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) In general.--For a state apprenticeship agency to be
eligible to receive allotments under subsection (f), the
State shall submit to the Secretary a State plan in
accordance with subsection (a)(2).
``(B) Subsequent plans.--
``(i) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
paragraph, a State plan shall be submitted to the Secretary
not later than 120 days prior to the end of the 4-year period
covered by the preceding State plan.
``(ii) Approval.--A State plan shall be subject to the
approval of the Secretary and shall be considered to be
approved at the end of the 90-day period beginning on the
date that the plan is submitted under this paragraph, unless
the Secretary, during the 90-day period, provides the State
apprenticeship agency, in writing--
``(I) an explanation for why the State plan is inconsistent
with the requirements of this Act; and
``(II) an opportunity for an appeal of such determination.
``(C) Modifications.--
``(i) In general.--At the end of the first 2-year period of
any 4-year State plan, the State may submit modifications to
the State plan to reflect changes in labor market and
economic conditions or other factors affecting the
implementation of the State plan.
``(ii) Approval.--A modified State plan submitted for
review under clause (i) shall be subject to the approval
requirements described in subparagraph (B)(ii).
``(2) State laws.--The State plan shall include--
``(A) a description of any laws (including regulations),
policies, and operational procedures relating to the process
of recognizing programs under the national apprenticeship
system that are inconsistent with, or impose requirements in
addition to, the requirements of this Act; and
``(B) an assurance that the State will notify the Secretary
if there are any changes to the State laws (including
regulations), policies, or procedures described in
subparagraph (A) that occur after the date of submission of
such plan.
``(3) Technical assistance.--A description of how the State
apprenticeship agency will provide technical assistance for--
``(A) potential sponsors, employers, qualified
intermediaries, apprentices, or any potential program
participant in the national apprenticeship system in the
State for the purposes of recruitment, retention, and program
development or expansion; and
``(B) sponsors of programs registered in the State that are
not meeting performance goals under subtitle C for purposes
of assisting such sponsors in meeting such goals.
``(4) Reciprocity.--An assurance that the State
apprenticeship agency, in the case of a program recognized by
a registration agency in another State and seeking
registration in the State of such agency under this
paragraph, shall recognize such program in the State of such
agency for purposes of this Act by not later than 30 days
after receipt of an application for such recognition.
``(5) Promoting diversity in the national apprenticeship
system.--A description of how the State apprenticeship agency
will promote diversity and equal employment opportunity in
programs under the national apprenticeship system in the
State that--
``(A) promotes diversity in apprenticeable occupations
offered throughout the State, and a description of how such
agency will promote the addition of apprenticeable
occupations in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry
sectors and occupations, and in nontraditional apprenticeship
occupations and sectors; and
``(B) provides technical assistance on the implementation
of the requirements of section 111(b)(7)(B).
``(6) Complaints.--A description of the system for the
State apprenticeship agency to receive and resolve complaints
concerning violations of the apprenticeship agreement,
submitted by program participants, sponsors, or employers.
``(7) State apprenticeship hubs.--A description of how the
State apprenticeship agency will consider the creation and
implementation of apprenticeship hubs throughout the State,
in a manner that takes into consideration geographic
diversity, that shall work with industry and sector
partnerships to expand programs under the national
apprenticeship system, and apprenticeable occupations, in the
State.
``(8) State apprenticeship performance outcomes.--A
description of how the State apprenticeship agency shall--
``(A) in coordination with the Secretary, establish annual
performance goals for the programs registered by the State
apprenticeship agency for the indicators described in section
131(b)(1)(A);
``(B) describe how the State apprenticeship agency will
collect performance data from programs registered by the
agency; and
``(C) annually report on the outcomes of each such program
in relation to the State established goals under subparagraph
(A).
``(10) Alignment of workforce activities.--Each State plan
shall describe how programs under the national apprenticeship
system in the State are aligned with State workforce and
education activities.
``(11) State apprenticeship council.--A description of the
composition, roles, and responsibility of the State
apprenticeship council, if such council exists, and how the
Council will comply with the requirements of subsection
(b)(3).
``(d) State Apprenticeship Agency Funding.--A State
apprenticeship agency shall use funds received under
subsection (f)(1)(A)(ii) according to the following
requirements:
``(1) Program administration.--The State apprenticeship
agency shall use such funds to support the administration of
programs under the national apprenticeship system across the
State, including for--
``(A) staff and resources;
``(B) oversight and evaluation as required under this Act;
``(C) technical assistance to program sponsors, program
participants, employers, education and training providers,
and qualified intermediaries;
``(D) pre-apprenticeship, youth, and apprenticeship program
recruitment and development, including for--
``(i) engaging potential providers of such programs such as
employers, qualified intermediaries, related instruction
providers, and potential program participants;
``(ii) publicizing apprenticeship opportunities and
benefits; and
``(iii) engaging State workforce and education systems for
collaboration and alignment across systems; and
``(E) supporting the enrollment and apprenticeship
certification requirements to allow veterans and other
individuals eligible for the educational assistance programs
under chapters 30 through 36 of title 38, United States Code,
and any related educational assistance programs under laws
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to use
such assistance for the apprenticeship program, including the
requirement of designating a certifying official.
``(2) Leadership activities.--
[[Page H434]]
``(A) In general.--A State apprenticeship agency may
reserve not more than 25 percent of the funds received under
subsection (f) in support of State apprenticeship initiatives
described in this paragraph.
``(B) Diversity.--Not less than 5 percent of the amount
reserved under subparagraph (A) shall be used by the State
apprenticeship agency for supporting and expanding diversity
in apprenticeable occupations under the national
apprenticeship system in the State, and program participant
populations in the State.
``(C) Incentives for employers.--A State apprenticeship
agency may use the funds reserved under subparagraph (A) to
incentivize employers to participate in programs under the
national apprenticeship system.
``(D) State-specific initiatives.--A State apprenticeship
agency may use the funds reserved under subparagraph (A) for
State-specific initiatives, such as the development or
expansion of youth apprenticeship programs, pre-
apprenticeship programs, or apprenticeship programs in high-
skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors and
occupations.
``(E) Workforce alignment.--A State apprenticeship agency
may use the funds reserved under subparagraph (A) to engage
with the State's workforce development system in support of
alignment with the State's workforce activities and strategic
vision.
``(F) Education alignment.--A State apprenticeship agency
may use the funds reserved under subparagraph (A) to engage
with the State education system in support of alignment of
related instruction provided under the national
apprenticeship system in the State with academic credit
granting postsecondary programs.
``(3) State match for federal investment.--Except in the
case of exceptional circumstances, as determined by the
Secretary, in order to receive a full allotment under
subsection (f), a State apprenticeship agency shall use
matching funds from non-Federal resources to carry out the
activities of the agency under this Act in an amount not less
than 15 percent of such allotment.
``(e) Derecognition of State Apprenticeship Agencies.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may withdraw recognition
of a State apprenticeship agency before the end of the
agency's 4-year recognition period under subsection (a)(2)(B)
if the Secretary determines, after notice and an opportunity
for a hearing, that the State apprenticeship agency has
failed for one of the reasons described in paragraph (2), and
has not been in compliance with the performance improvement
plan under paragraph (3) to remedy such failure.
``(2) Derecognition criteria.--The recognition of a State
apprenticeship agency under this section may be withdrawn
under paragraph (1) in a case in which the State
apprenticeship agency fails to--
``(A) adopt or properly enforce a State plan;
``(B) properly carry out its role as the sole registration
agency in the State;
``(C) submit a report under section 131(a)(1)(B) for any
program year;
``(D) meet the State levels of performance as described in
subsection (b)(2)(A)(iii) for 3 program years, or demonstrate
improvements in performance during such period; or
``(E) otherwise fulfill or operate in compliance with the
requirements of this Act.
``(3) Derecognition process.--
``(A) In general.--If a State apprenticeship agency fails
for any of the reasons described in paragraph (2), the
Secretary shall provide technical assistance to such agency
for corrective action to remedy such failure, including
assistance in the development of a performance improvement
plan.
``(B) Reduction of funds.--Except in the case of
exceptional circumstances as determined by the Secretary, in
a case in which such a State apprenticeship agency continues
such failure after the provision of the technical assistance
under subparagraph (A)--
``(i) the percentage of the funds to be allotted to the
State apprenticeship agency under subsection (f) for each
fiscal year following the fiscal year in which such failure
has been identified shall be reduced by 5 percentage points;
and
``(ii) the Secretary shall provide notice to the State
apprenticeship agency that the agency's recognition under
this section may be withdrawn if the agency fails to remedy
the failure.
``(C) Termination of proceedings.--If the Secretary
determines that the State apprenticeship agency's corrective
action under subparagraph (A) has addressed the agency's
failure identified under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall--
``(i) restore the agency's full funding allocation under
this title for the next full fiscal year and for each
succeeding year; and
``(ii) notify the State apprenticeship agency that the
agency's recognition will not be withdrawn under this section
for the reason for which the agency's funding under this
title was most recently reduced.
``(D) Opportunity for hearing.--
``(i) In general.--In a case in which a State
apprenticeship agency fails to remedy a failure identified
under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall--
``(I) notify, in writing, the State apprenticeship agency
of the failure of the State apprenticeship agency, including
a description of such failure and an explanation the agency's
recognition under this section may be withdrawn as a result
of such failure; and
``(II) offer the State apprenticeship agency an opportunity
to request a hearing not later than 30 days after the date of
such notice.
``(ii) Referral to office of administrative law judges.--In
a case in which the State apprenticeship agency requests a
hearing under clause (i)(II), the Secretary shall refer the
matter to the Department's Office of Administrative Law
Judges, which shall adjudicate the matter pursuant to its
regulations, with an opportunity to appeal the Administrative
Law Judge's decision to the Department's Administrative
Review Board.
``(4) Requirements after withdrawal of recognition.--
``(A) Office of apprenticeship.--
``(i) Prior to order.--Prior to the withdrawal of the
recognition of a State apprenticeship agency under this
section, the Secretary shall--
``(I) establish a State Office of Apprenticeship using the
process described in section 111(b)(3); and
``(II) provide to the State apprenticeship agency an order
withdrawing recognition of such agency under this section.
``(ii) After order.--Not later than 30 days after the date
of such order, notify the sponsors of the programs under the
national apprenticeship system in such State that were
registered with the State apprenticeship agency to enable
each such sponsor to be registered with the Secretary (acting
through the State Office of Apprenticeship established under
clause (i)(II)).
``(B) State apprenticeship agency requirements.--A State
agency whose recognition as a State apprenticeship agency
under this section has been withdrawn under paragraph (3)
shall--
``(i) provide to the Secretary program standards,
apprenticeship agreements, completion records, cancellation
and suspension records, performance metrics, and any other
documents relating to the State's programs under the national
apprenticeship system in the State;
``(ii) cooperate fully during the transition period
beginning on the date of the order withdrawing such
recognition and ending on the date on which the Secretary
establishes a State Office of Apprenticeship in the State;
and
``(iii) return any unused funds received under this Act.
``(5) Reinstatement of recognition.--A State apprenticeship
agency that has had its recognition withdrawn under this
section may have such recognition reinstated upon
presentation of adequate evidence that the State
apprenticeship agency has--
``(A) has submitted an application under subsection (a)(2),
and
``(B) has demonstrated the ability to operate in compliance
with the requirements of this Act.
``(f) Reservation and State Allotments.--
``(1) State allotments.--
``(A) In general.--Of the amount appropriated under
subsection (g) for a fiscal year--
``(i) 1/3 shall be equally distributed among each State
Office of Apprenticeship, outlying area, and eligible State;
and
``(ii) 2/3 shall be allotted to eligible States on the
basis described in subparagraph (B).
``(B) Formula.--
``(i) In general.--Of the amount available under
subparagraph (A)(ii)--
``(I) 50 percent shall be allotted on the basis of the
relative share of apprentices in each eligible State, as
determined on the basis of the most recent satisfactory data
available from the Secretary, compared to the total number of
apprentices in all eligible States; and
``(II) 50 percent shall be allotted on the basis described
in clause (ii).
``(ii) Allotments.--Of the amount available under clause
(i)(II)--
``(I) 33\1/3\ percent shall be allotted on the basis of the
relative share of jobs that are available in each eligible
State on the last business day of the month, as determined on
the basis of the most recent satisfactory data available from
the Secretary, compared to the total number of jobs available
in all eligible States, as so determined; and
``(II) 33\1/3\ percent shall be allotted the basis of the
relative number of unemployed individuals in areas of
substantial unemployment in each State, compared to the total
number of unemployed individuals in areas of substantial
unemployment in all eligible States; and
``(III) 33\1/3\ percent shall be allotted on the basis of
the relative share of individuals in the civilian labor force
in each eligible State, compared to the total number of
individuals in the civilian labor force in all eligible
States.
``(2) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Area of substantial unemployment.--The term `area of
substantial unemployment' has the meaning given the term in
section 132(b)(1)(B)(v) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3172(b)(1)(B)(v)).
``(B) Eligible state.--The term `eligible State' means a
State that has a State apprenticeship agency.
``(C) Outlying area.--The term `outlying area' means
American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section--
``(1) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(2) $76,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
``(3) $77,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
``(4) $78,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and
[[Page H435]]
``(5) $79,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
``Subtitle B--Process and Standards for the National Apprenticeship
System
``SEC. 121. PROCESS AND STANDARDS.
``(a) Apprenticeship.--
``(1) Approval.--For an occupation to be an apprenticeable
occupation under this Act, an entity seeking approval for
such occupation to be an apprenticeable occupation shall
submit an application to the Secretary that demonstrates that
apprenticeships under such apprenticeable occupation will
prepare individuals for the full range of skills and
competencies needed for such occupation through a time-based,
competency-based, or a hybrid model as described in section
121(b)(1)(D).
``(2) Additional apprenticeable occupations.--The
Secretary, in consultation with employers and other
stakeholders in related industries, may establish standards
for additional apprenticeable occupations as necessary.
``(b) Apprenticeship Program Standards.--In addition to the
standards described in subsection (e), an apprenticeship
program shall meet the following standards:
``(1) The program has an organized and clearly written
plan, developed by the sponsor, that includes, at a minimum,
the following information:
``(A) The employment and training to be received by each
apprentice participating in the program, including--
``(i) an outline of the work processes or the plan in which
the apprentice will receive supervised work experience and
on-the-job learning;
``(ii) the allocation of the approximate amount of time to
be spent in each major work process; and
``(iii) a description or timeline explaining the periodic
reviews and evaluations of the apprentice's performance on
the job and in related instruction.
``(B) A description of the organized, related instruction
the apprentice will receive in technical subjects related to
the occupation, which--
``(i) for time-based or hybrid apprenticeship programs as
described in subparagraph (D), shall include not less than
144 hours for each year of apprenticeship, unless an
alternative requirement is put forth by the employer and
sponsor that reflects industry standards and is accepted by
the registration agency;
``(ii) may be accomplished through classroom instruction,
occupational or industry courses, instruction provided
through electronic media, or other instruction approved by
the registration agency; and
``(iii) shall be provided by one or more qualified
instructors that--
``(I) meet the requirements for a vocational-technical
instructor in the State of registration; or
``(II) are subject matter experts, defined for purposes of
this subparagraph as individuals recognized within an
industry as having expertise in a specific occupation.
``(C) A progressively increasing, clearly defined schedule
of wages to be paid to the apprentice that is--
``(i) consistent with skill gains or attainment of a
recognized postsecondary credential; and
``(ii) ensures the entry wage is not less than the greater
of--
``(I) the minimum wage required under section 6(a) of the
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)); or
``(II) the applicable wage required by other applicable
Federal or State laws (including regulations) or collective
bargaining agreements.
``(D) The term of the apprenticeship program, which may be
measured using--
``(i) a time-based model, which requires the completion of
the industry standard for on-the-job learning hours (which in
no case shall be less than 2,000 hours, unless an alternative
requirement is put forth by the employer and sponsor that
reflects industry standards and is accepted by the
registration agency);
``(ii) a competency-based model, which requires the
attainment of competency in the occupation; or
``(iii) a hybrid model, which blends the time-based and
competency-based approaches.
``(E) The methods used to measure an apprentice's skills
and competencies, which shall include--
``(i) in the case of a competency-based model, the
individual apprentice's successful demonstration of acquired
skills and knowledge through appropriate means of testing and
evaluation for such competencies, and by requiring
apprentices to complete a paid on-the-job learning component
of the apprenticeship;
``(ii) in the case of a time-based apprenticeship described
in subparagraph (D)(i), the individual apprentice's
completion of the required hours of on-the-job learning as
described in a work process schedule; or
``(iii) in the case of a hybrid apprenticeship described in
subparagraph (D)(iii), a combination of specified minimum
number of hours of on-the-job learning and the successful
demonstration of competency, as described in a work process
schedule.
``(2) The program equally grants advanced standing or
credit to all individuals applying for the apprenticeship
with demonstrated competency or acquired experience or
skills, and provides commensurate wages for any progression
in standing or credit so granted, including for veterans'
service-acquired skills and experiences.
``(3) The program has minimum qualifications for
individuals desiring to enter the apprenticeship program,
with an eligible starting age for an apprentice of not less
than 16 years.
``(4) In the case of a program that chooses to issue an
interim credential, the program--
``(A) clearly identifies each interim credential;
``(B) only issues an interim credential for recognized
components of an apprenticeable occupation and demonstrates
how each interim credential specifically links to the
knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with such
components; and
``(C) establishes the process for assessing an individual
apprentice's demonstration of competency and measurable skill
gains associated with the particular interim credential.
``(c) Pre-apprenticeship Program Standards.--In addition to
the standards described in subsection (e), a pre-
apprenticeship program shall meet the following standards:
``(1) The program is designed to assist individuals who do
not meet minimum qualifications for an apprenticeship program
as described in subsection (b), and prepare them to enter and
succeed in apprenticeship programs, including by providing
the skills and competency attainment needed to enter the
apprenticeship program.
``(2) The program includes a written plan developed by the
sponsor that--
``(A) provides for work-based learning in which an industry
or sector partnership and a related instruction provider
collaborate to provide training that will introduce
participants to the skills, competencies, and materials used
in one or more apprenticeable occupations;
``(B) is based on and aligned with national, State,
regional, or local industry standards for high-skill, high-
wage, or in-demand industry sectors and occupations;
``(C) to the extent appropriate and practicable, meets the
related instruction requirements as described in clauses (ii)
through (iv) of subsection (b)(1)(C); and
``(D) includes mentoring, career exposure, career planning,
and career awareness activities.
``(d) Youth Apprenticeship Program Standards.--In addition
to the standards described in subsection (e), a youth
apprenticeship program shall meet the following standards:
``(1) The program is designed for youth apprentices who at
the start of the program are enrolled in high school.
``(2) The program includes each of the following core
elements:
``(A) The employment and training to be received by each
youth apprentice participating in the program, including--
``(i) an outline of the work processes or the plan in which
the youth apprentice will receive supervised work experience;
``(ii) the allocation of the approximate amount of time to
be spent in each major work process; and
``(iii) a description or timeline explaining the periodic
reviews and evaluations of the youth apprentice's performance
on the job and in related instruction.
``(B) Related classroom-based instruction, which may be
fulfilled through dual or concurrent enrollment.
``(C) The term of the youth apprenticeship program, as
described in subsection (b)(1)(E).
``(D) For a competency-based or hybrid youth apprenticeship
program, the methods used to measure skill acquisition for a
youth apprentice, including ongoing assessment against
established skill and competency standards as described in
subsection (a)(1)(F).
``(E) Prepares the youth apprentice for placement in
further education, employment, or an apprenticeship program.
``(3) In the case of a youth apprenticeship program that
chooses to issue an interim credential, the program meets the
requirements of subsection (b)(4).
``(e) General Requirements.--Each program under the
national apprenticeship system shall meet the following
standards:
``(1) The program has safe equipment, environments, and
facilities for on-the-job learning and supervision.
``(2) The program records and maintains all records
concerning the program as may be required by the Secretary,
the registration agency of the program, or any other
applicable law, including records required under title 38,
United States Code, in order for veterans and other
individuals eligible for educational assistance under such
title to use such assistance for enrollment in the program.
``(3) The program provides all individuals with an equal
opportunity to participate in the program as described in
section 111(b)(7)(B).
``(4) The program awards a certificate of completion in
recognition of successful completion of the program,
evidenced by an appropriate certificate issued by the
registration agency.
``(5) The program provides that an individual who is to
become a program participant under the program enters into a
written apprenticeship agreement described in subsection (g)
with the sponsor of the program.
``(f) Waiver or Modification Authority.--The Secretary
shall have authority to--
``(1) waive any requirements of subsections (b) through (e)
for small businesses or first-time sponsors who demonstrate a
need for such waiver; and
[[Page H436]]
``(2) modify the requirements of subsections (b) through
(e), as applicable, upon request from employers or other
industry stakeholders.
``(g) Apprenticeship Agreements.--To ensure the standards
described in subsections (a) through (e) are applied to
programs under the national apprenticeship system, the
registration agency shall require a sponsor to develop an
apprenticeship agreement that shall--
``(1) be the same for each program participant;
``(2) contain the names and signatures of the program
participant and the sponsor;
``(3) meet the requirements of subsection (h), and any
other requirements determined solely by the sponsor; and
``(4) be submitted to the registration agency in accordance
with section 121(i).
``(h) Apprenticeship Agreement Standards.--Each agreement
under subsection (g) shall contain, explicitly or by
reference--
``(1) in the case of an apprenticeship program--
``(A) that is time-based, a statement of the number of
hours to be spent by the program participant in on-the-job
learning and work components in order to complete the
program;
``(B) that is competency-based, a description of the skill
sets to be attained by completion of the program, including
the on-the-job learning and work components; or
``(C) that is hybrid-based, the minimum number of hours to
be spent by the program participant in on-the-job learning
and work components and in related instruction, and a
description of the skill sets and competencies to be attained
by completion of the program;
``(2) the number of hours and form of related instruction;
``(3) a schedule of the work processes in the occupation or
industry divisions in which the program participant is to be
educated and the approximate time to be spent at each
process;
``(4) for apprenticeships, the graduated wage scale to be
paid to the apprentices in the apprentices' locality,
benefits offered to the apprentices in the apprentices'
locality, and how the wages and benefits compare to State,
local, or regional wages in the related occupation;
``(5) assurance of compliance with section 111(b)(7)(B)
stating that the program participant will be accorded equal
opportunity; and
``(6) the ratio of program participants to mentors,
journeyworkers, or on-the-job training instructors, as
applicable, for the apprenticeable occupation, that are based
on evidence-based and evidence-informed best practices for
safety throughout the work processes of the program, job
site, department, or plant.
``(i) Apprenticeship Registration Application.--The
Secretary shall provide for the registration of programs in
which a sponsor applying to register a program under the
national apprenticeship system shall request registration of
such program from a registration agency by submitting the
information required by the registration agency, including--
``(1) information demonstrating that each of the
requirements of subsections (a) through (f) will be met for
the program;
``(2) a copy of the apprenticeship agreement described in
subsection (g) used by the sponsor;
``(3) a written assurance that, if the program is
registered under this title, the sponsor will administer the
program in accordance with the requirements of this title and
comply with the requirements of the apprenticeship agreement
for each apprentice; and
``(4) methods for reporting annually data describing the
outcomes associated with the program as required by the
registration agency.
``(j) Recognition and Registration Process.--
``(1) Review and approval process.--
``(A) Provisional approval review.--An application
submitted under subsection (i) that the registration agency
determines meets the requirements described in such
subsection shall be registered for a provisional 1-year
period beginning not later than 30 days after such
application is submitted. During such period, the
registration agency shall accept and record the
apprenticeship agreement as evidence of the program's
compliance and registration to operate such program.
``(B) Full approval or extended provisional approval.--By
the end of a provisional registration period for a program,
the registration agency providing provisional approval under
subparagraph (A) shall review the program for quality and for
compliance with the applicable standards under this subtitle
and all other applicable program requirements under this Act,
and--
``(i) if a registration agency conducting a provisional
review determines that the program complies with the
standards and requirements under this Act, the registration
agency shall fully approve the registration of the program;
or
``(ii) if a registration agency conducting a provisional
review determines that the program is not conforming to the
requirements or standards under this Act, the registration
agency may continue the provisional registration of the
program through the first full training cycle for program
participants, and conduct an additional provisional review at
the conclusion of the training cycle.
``(C) Failure to meet requirements.--If a registration
agency conducting a provisional review under subparagraph (A)
determines that the program is not in operation or does not
conform to the requirements under this Act, the registration
agency shall recommend technical assistance and corrective
action for the program, or deregistration, in accordance with
procedures established under section 131(b).
``(2) Certificate of registration.--
``(A) In general.--A registration agency that registers a
program under paragraph (1) shall--
``(i) provide the sponsor of the program with a certificate
of registration or other written evidence of registration;
``(ii) provide a copy of the certificate of registration;
and
``(iii) provide a copy of the certificate of registration
to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or the applicable State
veterans agency for the purpose of aligning the registration
process with the process for approving such program for
eligible veterans' use of supplemental educational assistance
benefits.
``(B) Registration name.--A program shall be registered in
the name of the sponsor, or if a sponsor enters into a
partnership with an employer who registers the program, in
the name of the employer.
``(3) Program participant registration.--A sponsor
providing a program that is registered in accordance with
paragraph (2) shall provide to an individual seeking to be a
program participant the opportunity to apply through the
sponsor, and shall--
``(A) enter into a written individual apprenticeship
agreement described in subsection (g) with each such
individual before the commencement of the program; and
``(B) individually register each program participant with
the registration agency by filing a copy of the individual
apprenticeship agreement with the registration agency or as
otherwise required by the registration agency, and sharing a
copy with the Secretary as appropriate, as described under
subsection (i).
``(4) Transition process for previously approved
programs.--With respect to the sponsor of a program that is
approved for apprenticeship purposes as of the day before the
date of enactment of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021,
a registration agency shall do the following:
``(A) If such program meets the requirements of this Act,
take such steps as necessary to ensure such program maintains
status as a program under this Act.
``(B) If such program does not comply with the requirements
of this Act, provide technical assistance to ensure such
sponsor is in compliance with this Act not later than 3 years
after the date of the date of enactment of this Act.
``(k) Modifications or Changes to Youth Apprenticeship,
Pre-apprenticeship, or Apprenticeship Programs.--
``(1) Sponsor proposal.--Any sponsor that wishes to modify
a program shall submit the proposal for such modification to
the registration agency for the program.
``(2) Registration agency requirements.--
``(A) In general.--The registration agency shall determine
whether to approve the proposal and notify the sponsor of the
determination by not later than 60 days after receipt of the
proposal.
``(B) Approval of proposal.--If the proposal is approved,
the registration agency shall amend the record of the program
to reflect the modification , and provide the sponsor or
program administrator with an acknowledgment of the modified
program, by not later than 30 days after the date of
approval.
``(C) Disapproval of proposal.--If the proposal is not
approved, the registration agency shall--
``(i) notify the sponsor of the reasons for the disapproval
and provide the sponsor with technical assistance to maintain
the program as originally registered;
``(ii) provide the sponsor with the opportunity to submit a
revised modification proposal, including providing
appropriate technical assistance to modify the proposal in
order to meet the requirements of this Act; and
``(iii) in a case in which the sponsor submits a revised
modification proposal, not later than 60 days after receipt
of such proposal--
``(I) approve the proposal; or
``(II) disapprove the program and provide the sponsor with
technical assistance to maintain the program as originally
registered.
``Subtitle C--Evaluations and Research
``SEC. 131. PROGRAM EVALUATIONS AND RESEARCH.
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to establish
performance accountability measures related to program
completion and key indicators of performance under the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et
seq.).
``(b) Reviews by Registration Agencies.--
``(1) Performance reviews.--
``(A) In general.--A registration agency shall annually
collect performance data for each program registered under
section 121 by such agency, to determine--
``(i) the performance of the program with respect to the
indicators of performance under section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) of
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3141(b)(2)(A)(i) or in the case of a youth apprenticeship
program, section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii)) of such Act (29 U.S.C.
3141(b)(2)(A)(ii)), to the
[[Page H437]]
extent practicable and as applicable to programs under the
national apprenticeship system; and
``(ii) the completion rates of the program.
``(B) Reports.--The registration agency for a State shall
annually prepare and submit to the Secretary a State
performance report that includes, with respect to each
program registered under section 121 by such agency--
``(i) information specifying the levels of performance
described in subparagraph (A);
``(ii) the percentage of program participants in under-
represented apprenticeship populations;
``(iv) the average time to completion for the program as
compared to the description in the agreement under section
123(b)(1);
``(v) the average cost per participant during the most
recent program year and the 3 preceding program years;
``(vii) information on the State's uses of funds;
``(viii) how resources, whether financial, time, or other
were spent on the delivery, improvement, and expansion of
program services, activities and evaluations; and
``(ix) the disaggregation of the performance data described
in clauses (i) through (v) by--
``(I) the program type (apprenticeship, youth
apprenticeship, or pre-apprenticeship program) involved; and
``(II) race, ethnicity, sex, age, and membership in a
population specified in section 3(24) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(24)).
``(2) Reports.--Not later than 60 days after receiving a
report under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall make such
report publicly available.
``(3) Comprehensive program reviews.--
``(A) In general.--A registration agency shall periodically
review each program registered under section 121 by such
agency for quality assurance and compliance with the
requirements of title I.
``(B) Timing of reviews.--A review described in
subparagraph (A) shall occur not less frequently than once
every 5 years.
``(C) Review.--The review shall be a comprehensive review
regarding all aspects of the program performance determining
whether the sponsor of the program is complying with the
requirements of title I.
``(D) Reports.--
``(i) In general.--On completion of a review under this
paragraph, the registration agency shall prepare and submit
to the Secretary a report containing the results of the
review.
``(ii) Public availability.--The Secretary shall develop
and make publicly available a statewide summary of reports
submitted by each registration agency.
``(4) Registration agency discretion.--The registration
agency may modify the requirements of this subsection for
small businesses or first-time sponsors who demonstrate a
need for such modification.
``(c) Subsequent Action.--
``(1) Technical assistance.--The registration agency shall
provide technical assistance to the sponsor and identify
areas that require technical assistance, including assistance
in the development of a performance improvement plan if the
registration agency determines, pursuant to any review under
subsection (a), that the youth apprenticeship, pre-
apprenticeship, or apprenticeship program--
``(A) is not in operation;
``(B) is not in compliance with the requirements of title
I; or
``(C) is achieving levels of performance on the indicators
described in subsection (b)(1)(A) that are lower than the
State goals.
``(2) Corrective action and deregistration of an
apprenticeship program.--The registration agency may take
corrective action, and if warranted, deregister a youth
apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or apprenticeship
program, after making a determination that the program
demonstrates persistent and significant failure to perform
successfully, which occurs when--
``(A) the sponsor of the program consistently fails to
register at least 1 program participant;
``(B) the program shows a pattern of poor results as
determined solely by the registration agency on the
indicators described in subsection (a)(1)(A) over a period of
3 years, given the characteristics of program participants
and economic conditions in the area served, or are lower than
the national or State average;
``(C) the program shows no indication of improvement in the
areas identified by the registration agency and in the
performance improvement plan under paragraph (1); or
``(D) the sponsor has not administered the program in
accordance with the program's registration, as applicable, or
with the requirements of this Act.
``(3) Notification and hearing.--If the registration agency
makes a determination described in paragraph (2), the
registration agency shall notify the Secretary and the
sponsor of the determination in writing, and permit the
sponsor to request a hearing by the Office of Administrative
Law Judges. The registration agency shall transmit to the
Secretary a report containing all pertinent facts and
circumstances concerning the determination, including
findings and a recommendation for deregistration, and copies
of all relevant documents and records. If the sponsor
requests a hearing it shall be conducted in accordance with
the Office of Administrative Law Judges regulations. A party
to the proceeding may petition for review of the final
decision of the Administrative Law Judge. If the sponsor does
not request the hearing, the registration agency shall
deregister the program after the period for requesting such a
hearing has expired.
``(4) Notification and treatment of apprentices.--Not later
than 15 days after the registration agency deregisters a
program, or not later than 15 days after the period for
requesting such a hearing has expired, the sponsor or program
administrator shall notify each program participant--
``(A) of such deregistration and the effective date;
``(B) that such deregistration automatically deprives the
program participant of individual registration as part of
such program, including the ability to receive a certificate
of completion from the registration agency;
``(C) that the deregistration of the program removes the
program participant from eligibility for any Federal
financial or other assistance, or right, privilege, or
exemption under Federal law, that--
``(i) relates to an apprentice; and
``(ii) requires the registration agency's approval; and
``(D) that all youth apprentices, pre-apprentices, or
apprentices are referred to the registration agency for
information about potential transfers to other programs under
the national apprenticeship system.
``(d) Evaluation and Research.--For the purpose of
improving the management and effectiveness of the programs
and activities carried out under this Act, the Secretary
shall conduct, through an independent entity, evaluation and
research on the programs and activities carried out under
this title.
``(e) Techniques.--The research conducted under this
section shall utilize appropriate methodology and research
designs.
``(f) Contents.--Such research shall address--
``(1) the general effectiveness of such programs and
activities in relation to their cost, including the extent to
which the programs and activities--
``(A) improve the skill and employment competencies of
participants in comparison to comparably-situated individuals
who did not participate in such programs and activities;
``(B) to the extent feasible, increase the levels of total
employment, of attainment of recognized postsecondary
credentials, and of measurable skills, above the levels that
would have existed in the absence of such programs and
activities;
``(C) respond to the needs reflected in labor market data
in the local area and align with high-skill, high-wage, or
in-demand industries or occupations; and
``(D) demonstrate a return on investment of Federal, State,
local, sponsor, employer, and other funding for programs
under the national apprenticeship system, capturing the full
level of investment in, and impact of, such programs under
the national apprenticeship system;
``(2) best practices in increasing underrepresented
apprenticeship populations' participation in programs under
the national apprenticeship system; and
``(3) opportunities to scale up effective models under the
national apprenticeship system.
``(g) Reports.--
``(1) Independent entity.--The independent entity carrying
out the research under subsection (d) shall prepare and
submit to the Secretary a final report containing the results
of the research.
``(2) Reports to congress.--Not later than 60 days after
the receipt of the final report described in paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall submit the final report to the Committee
on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate.
``(h) Public Access.--The Secretary shall make the final
report publicly available no later than 60 days after the
receipt of the final report.
``Subtitle D--General Provisions
``SEC. 141. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out
sections 111 and 112--
``(1) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(2) $41,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
``(3) $42,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
``(4) $43,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and
``(5) $44,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
``TITLE II--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM FOR THE 21ST
CENTURY GRANTS
``SEC. 201. GRANT REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to expand
access to, and participation in, new industry-led earn-and-
learn programs leading to career opportunities in all
occupations, particularly high-wage, high-skill, and high-
demand occupations, including in response to the COVID-19
public health emergency.
``(b) Authorization of Apprenticeship Grant Program.--
``(1) In general.--From the amounts authorized under
section 202, the Secretary shall award grants, on a
competitive basis, to eligible partnerships for the purpose
described in subsection (a).
``(2) Duration.--The Secretary shall award grants under
this section for a period of--
[[Page H438]]
``(A) not less than 1 year; and
``(B) not more than 4 years.
``(3) Limitations.--
``(A) Amount.--A grant awarded under this section may not
be in an amount greater than $1,500,000.
``(B) Number of awards.--An eligible partnership or member
of such partnership may not be awarded more than one grant
under this section.
``(C) Administration costs.--An eligible partnership
awarded a grant under this section may not use more than 5
percent of the grant funds to pay administrative costs
associated with activities funded by the grant.
``(c) Matching Funds.--To receive a grant under this
section, an eligible partnership shall, through cash or in-
kind contributions, provide matching funds from non-Federal
sources in an amount equal to or greater than 50 percent of
the amount of such grant.
``(d) Applications.--
``(1) In general.--To receive a grant under this section,
an eligible partnership shall submit to the Secretary at such
a time as the Secretary may require, an application that--
``(A) identifies and designates the entity within the
eligible partnership responsible for the administration and
supervision of the earn-and-learn program for which such
grant funds would be used;
``(B) identifies the businesses and institutions of higher
education that comprise the eligible partnership;
``(C) identifies the source and amount of the matching
funds required under subsection (c);
``(D) identifies the number of program participants who
will participate and complete the relevant earn-and-learn
program within 1 year of the expiration of the grant;
``(E) identifies the amount of time, not to exceed 2 years,
required for program participants to complete the program;
``(F) identifies the anticipated earnings of program
participants--
``(i) 1 year after program completion; and
``(ii) 3 years after program completion;
``(G) describes the specific project for which the
application is submitted, including a summary of the relevant
classroom and paid structured on-the-job learning students
will receive;
``(H) describes how the eligible partnership will finance
the program after the end of the grant period;
``(I) describes how the eligible partnership will support
the collection of information and data for purposes of the
program evaluation required under subsection (i); and
``(J) describes the alignment of the program with State
identified in-demand industry sectors and occupations.
``(2) Application review process.--
``(A) Review panel.--Applications submitted under paragraph
(1) shall be read by a panel of readers composed of
individuals selected by the Secretary. The Secretary shall
assure that an individual assigned under this paragraph does
not have a conflict of interest with respect to the
applications reviewed by such individual.
``(B) Composition of review panel.--The panel of reviewers
selected by the Secretary under subparagraph (A) shall be
comprised as follows:
``(i) A majority of the panel shall be individuals who are
representative of businesses, which may include owners,
executives with optimum hiring authority, or individuals
representing business organizations or business trade
associations.
``(ii) The remainder of the panel shall be equally divided
between individuals who are--
``(I) representatives of institutions of higher education
that offer programs of two years or less; and
``(II) representatives of State workforce development
boards established under section 101 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111).
``(C) Review of applications.--The Secretary shall instruct
the review panel selected by the Secretary under subparagraph
(A) to evaluate applications using only the criteria
specified in paragraph (1) and make recommendations with
respect to--
``(i) the quality of the applications;
``(ii) whether a grant should be awarded for a project
under this title; and
``(iii) the amount and duration of such grant.
``(D) Priority and distribution.--
``(i) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the
Secretary shall give priority to an eligible partnership--
``(I) proposing to serve a high number or high percentage
of participants who are from underrepresented apprenticeship
populations; or
``(II) providing opportunities in high-wage, high-skill, or
in-demand sectors and occupations.
``(ii) Geographic distribution.--In awarding grants under
this section, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable,
ensure a geographically diverse distribution of grants,
including a geographically diverse distribution among regions
of the country and among urban, suburban, and rural areas.
``(E) Notification.--Not later than June 30 of each year,
the Secretary shall notify each eligible partnership
submitting an application under this section of--
``(i) the scores given the applicant by the panel pursuant
to this section;
``(ii) the recommendations of the panel with respect to
such application;
``(iii) the reasons for the decision of the Secretary in
awarding or refusing to award a grant under this section; and
``(iv) modifications, if any, in the recommendations of the
panel made to the Secretary.
``(e) Award Basis.--The Secretary shall award grants under
this section on the following basis--
``(1) the number of participants to be served by the grant;
``(2) the anticipated income of program participants in
relation to the regional median income;
``(3) the alignment of the program with State-identified
in-demand industry sectors; and
``(4) the recommendations of the readers under subsection
(d)(2)(C).
``(f) Purposes of Awards.--The Secretary may award grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible entities on
a competitive basis for any of the following purposes:
``(1) The creation of new earn-and-learn programs,
including apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and youth
apprenticeship programs, or expansion of existing programs.
``(2) Encouraging employer participation in programs under
the national apprenticeship system--
``(A) that target individuals with barriers to employment
in youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or
apprenticeship programs, prioritizing underrepresented
apprenticeship populations, such as women, minorities, long-
term unemployed individuals with a disability, individuals
with substance abuse issues, and veterans;
``(B) that are in high-need social service-related
industries, sectors, or occupations, such as direct care
workers and early childhood educators;
``(C) that target individuals currently or formerly
incarcerated; or
``(D) among small- and medium-sized employers.
``(3) If the eligible entity is a qualified intermediary--
``(A) supporting national industry and equity
intermediaries in establishing or expanding sector-based
partnerships to support the delivery or expansion of programs
under the national apprenticeship system to significant scale
in the United States--
``(i) in key sectors, including manufacturing, information
technology, cyber security, health care, insurance and
finance, energy, hospitality, retail, construction, and other
sectors identified by the Secretary; and
``(ii) for underrepresented apprenticeship populations,
women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and
individuals impacted by the criminal justice system; or
``(B) serving programs under the national apprenticeship
system in a local or regional setting.
``(4) Strengthen alignment between programs under the
national apprenticeship system and education and training
providers with secondary and postsecondary education systems,
including degree and credential requirements.
``(g) Use of Funds.--Grant funds provided under this
section may be used for--
``(1) supports including marketing, national e-tools, and
other expanded capacity and technical assistance supports;
``(2) the purchase of appropriate equipment, technology, or
instructional material, aligned with business and industry
needs, including machinery, testing equipment, hardware and
software;
``(3) student books, supplies, and equipment required for
enrollment;
``(4) the reimbursement of up to 50 percent of the wages of
a student participating in an earn-and-learn program
receiving a grant under this section;
``(5) the development of industry-specific programming;
``(6) supporting the transition of industry-based
professionals from an industry setting to an academic
setting;
``(7) industry-recognized certification exams or other
assessments leading to a recognized postsecondary credential
associated with the earn-and-learn program;
``(8) any fees associated with the certifications or
assessments described in paragraph (7);
``(9) establishing or expanding partnerships with
organizations that provide program participants access to
financial planning mentoring, and supportive services that
are necessary to enable an individual to participate in and
complete a program under the national apprenticeship system;
``(10) conducting outreach and recruitment activities,
including assessments of potential participants for, and
enrollment of participants in a program under the national
apprenticeship system;
``(11) conducting outreach, engagement, and recruitment
with employers, industry associations, labor and labor-
management organizations, qualified intermediaries, education
and training providers, State or local workforce agencies,
potential sponsors, communities with high numbers or
percentages of underrepresented apprenticeship populations,
small- and medium-sized businesses, or rural communities to
establish or expand industry or sector partnerships and
opportunities under the national apprenticeship system; and
``(12) conducting any activities as described in the
application that would advance the purposes of the grant.
``(h) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may provide
technical assistance to eligible partnerships awarded under a
grant
[[Page H439]]
under this section throughout the grant period for purposes
of grant management.
``(i) Evaluation.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may reserve up to $500,000
from the amounts made available under section 202 in order to
provide for the independent evaluation, which may be
conducted by a third-party entity, of the grant program
established under this section that includes the following:
``(A) An assessment of the effectiveness of the grant
program in expanding earn-and-learn program opportunities
offered by employers in conjunction with institutions of
higher education.
``(B) The number of students who participated in programs
assisted under this section.
``(C) The percentage of students participating in programs
assisted under this section who successfully completed the
program in the time described in subsection (d)(1)(E).
``(D) The median earnings of program participants--
``(i) 1 year after exiting the program; and
``(ii) 3 years after exiting the program.
``(E) The percentage of program participants assisted under
this section who successfully receive a recognized
postsecondary credential.
``(F) The number of program participants served by programs
receiving funding under this section--
``(i) 2 years after the end of the grant period; and
``(ii) 4 years after the end of the grant period.
``(2) Publication.--The evaluation required by this
subsection shall be made publicly available on the website of
the Department within 90 days after such evaluation is
completed.
``(j) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Earn-and-learn program.--The term `earn-and-learn
program' means an education program, including an
apprenticeship program, that provides students with
structured, sustained, and paid on-the-job training and
accompanying, for credit, classroom instruction that--
``(A) is for a period of between 3 months and 2 years; and
``(B) leads to, on completion of the program, a recognized
postsecondary credential.
``(2) Eligible partnership.--The term `eligible
partnership' shall mean a consortium that includes--
``(A) 1 or more businesses; and
``(B) 1 or more institutions of higher education.
``SEC. 202. GRANT APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out only registered
apprenticeship activities under this title--
``(1) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(2) $210,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
``(3) $220,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
``(4) $230,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and
``(5) $240,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
``(b) Special Rule.--Of the funds made available for this
title, no less than $200,000,000 shall be provided from the
H-1B Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account.''.
SEC. 5. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act
of 1998.--Section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and
Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2916a) is
repealed.
(b) Immigration and Nationality Act.--Section 286(s)(2) of
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(s)(2)) is
amended--
(1) in the heading, by striking ``for job training'' and
inserting ``for programs under the national apprenticeship
system''; and
(2) by striking ``for demonstration programs and projects
described in section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness
and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998'' and inserting ``to
carry out title II of the National Apprenticeship Act of
2021''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 85, the
gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Stefanik) and a Member opposed each will
control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York.
Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, for more than a year, America's workers
have faced unprecedented challenges and unimaginable uncertainty.
Today, nearly 9 million fewer Americans are working than before the
COVID pandemic struck, robbing mothers, fathers, friends, and neighbors
of the dignity, purpose, and security of work.
As we help our Nation recover from the economic toll of COVID-19 and
strive to restore the livelihoods of millions of America's workers, we
have a responsibility to put forth solutions that strengthen the
pathways to meaningful family-sustaining careers.
The apprenticeship model of providing paid work experience, coupled
with classroom instruction and on-the-job mentorship, is a proven
approach to equipping workers with the skills they need for lifelong
success.
Individuals who complete high-quality apprenticeship programs enter
into well-paying jobs and do so without the debt that so often saddles
our younger generation of workers.
Yet, less than 3 percent of the workforce participates in the
registered apprenticeship system, and the vast majority of the programs
are concentrated in only a handful of industries. This leaves our
strongest workforce development strategies vastly underutilized and
emphasizes a blunt truth: Doubling down on this decades-old system
won't change the trajectory during this historic time of need.
We must develop an apprenticeship system that is responsive to the
demands of the 21st century workplace and accessible to job creators in
emerging industry sectors.
Unfortunately, the Democrats' bill doubles down on a one-size-fits-
all approach that closes pathways into the workforce and stifles the
employer-led innovation. For all the rhetoric about expanding
apprenticeships, the most immediate impact of the underlying bill would
be just the opposite, pulling the rug out from under new programs that
are equipping healthcare workers to combat the pandemic.
My substitute amendment makes improvements to modernize and
reinvigorate the national apprenticeship system, changes that will
increase opportunities for workers and help bolster the Nation's
economic recovery.
First, expanding apprenticeships to small businesses and new
industries will require flexibilities for employers to design a program
that fits their unique needs. Our amendment provides this flexibility
by allowing small businesses to seek waivers to Federal requirements
that don't match the nature of their business and would prevent them
from ever developing an apprenticeship program.
Second, engaging more Americans in apprenticeship opportunities will
require a robust pipeline of workers with the base skills and workplace
competencies to succeed. Our amendment will help grow youth and pre-
apprenticeship programs, equipping them to prepare the next generation
for a full range of workforce development opportunities and careers,
not siloing them from the start.
Third, in order to empower American innovation, we must allow new
models of work-based learning to thrive and let workforce leaders
across the country inject dynamism into the age-old system. Our
amendment preserves the ability for innovation beyond the traditional
registered system to ensure that apprenticeship offerings can develop
and adapt as quickly as our job market demands.
There is no clearer example of the promise of innovative models than
the array of industry-recognized programs recently developed to educate
nurses and healthcare professionals in the midst of the public health
crisis we face.
I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to modernize the
apprenticeship system and generate opportunities for American workers
without the red tape and the roadblocks that remain in the underlying
bill.
I thank Ranking Member Foxx, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the
amendment.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Michigan is recognized
for 5 minutes.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, first, I include in the Record
a letter from the Manufacturing Institute in support of the bill.
Manufacturing Institute,
February 2, 2021.
Hon. Bobby Scott,
Chairman of Ed & Labor Committee,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon Brian Fitzpatrick,
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Scott and Representative Fitzpatrick: On
behalf of The Manufacturing Institute (MI), the workforce
development and education partner of the National Association
of Manufacturers, I am writing to express our support of H.R.
477, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
Manufacturers' top challenge continues to be the ability to
attract and retain a qualified workforce, as noted in the
NAM's Quarterly Manufacturers Outlook Survey. At the end of
2020, there were nearly 500,000 open jobs in manufacturing.
The current health crisis in our country has left millions
without jobs and exacerbated the need for individuals to
receive training for the careers that are available now and
in the future.
Registered Apprenticeship programs are one tool that can be
utilized to support the
[[Page H440]]
business community in closing the skills gap and helping
individuals enter a rewarding career. The National
Apprenticeship Act of 2021, in addition to Congresswoman
Slotkin's (D-Ml-8) amendment, addresses many of the
challenges that manufacturers have long experienced in the
Registered Apprenticeship system by streamlining the
registration and approval process and providing a more direct
means of support for the companies and education partners
that wish to create or expand Registered Apprenticeship
programs.
The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 improves an
established model of training and work-based learning that
can help to close the skills gap that manufacturers face. We
appreciate the bi-partisan agreement that has been reached on
this bill and we support its passage.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Lee,
Executive Director.
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, this amendment undermines the
core premises behind the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, which
would create 1 million more registered apprenticeship, pre-
apprenticeship, and youth apprenticeship opportunities over the next 5
years.
Registered apprenticeships represent a proven earn-and-learn program.
Ninety-four percent of those who complete their apprenticeships are
employed upon completion, and they have an average starting salary of
$70,000.
This substitute amendment is nothing less than an attack on the
successful registered apprenticeship system. It makes deep cuts to
funding in H.R. 447, which will result in sparse growth in new
registered apprenticeships, while diverting scarce funds to untested
and unproven programs run by third parties.
Instead, it gives the Secretary of Labor and State apprenticeship
agencies open-ended authority to waive the quality and accountability
standards in this act. Authorizing funding for a program without
guardrails is not an approach Congress should be taking when working
with the executive branch of either party.
Allow me to address the specifics of the substitute amendment.
First, it allows the Secretary of Labor to divert funds for unproven
and untested programs, like the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship
Programs, or IRAPs, created under the Trump administration. Unlike
registered apprenticeships, there has been no evaluation of
unregistered programs like IRAPs--none. When DOL proposed the creation
of IRAPs, it received over 300,000 comments in opposition.
Congress should not be opening the spigots of taxpayer money for
programs that lack broad public support, especially when there is no
evidence that programs that do not meet registered apprenticeship
standards are effective at all. This is an irresponsible use of
taxpayer money.
Democrats are, in fact, leading on innovation. For example, an
amendment offered by the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Pappas),
which was included in the en bloc amendments, allows the Secretary of
Labor to fund innovation in apprenticeships by allowing demonstration
projects in nontraditional sectors, subject to the recommendation of
the National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships appointed by the
Secretary. These projects could even help with the COVID-19 response.
Second, the substitute amendment slashes funding for apprenticeship
grants from $3.5 billion to $1.1 billion over the next 5 years. It cuts
State apprenticeship formula grants from $475 million to $385 million
over 5 years. States have asked us for funding certainty so they can
scale up their apprenticeship efforts and have been documented to be an
engine of success for the growth of apprenticeships.
This cut is a 77 percent reduction in total funding, resulting in
only 219,000 new apprenticeship opportunities. This is an easy choice:
219,000 apprenticeship opportunities versus nearly 1 million
apprenticeship opportunities that the National Apprenticeship Act of
2021 provides.
We all agree that apprenticeships are a pathway to the middle class,
so why would we want to eliminate the rungs of opportunity for hundreds
of thousands of apprentices?
Third, this amendment eliminates the interagency agreement with the
Department of Education to create stronger alignment between the
education system and the national apprenticeship system. My colleagues
on the other side of the aisle often talk about wanting to create
pathways for students to pursue alternatives to a 4-year degree, but
this amendment eliminates provisions of the National Apprenticeship Act
that do that in a way that is sought by our institutions of higher
education.
As I mentioned earlier, our community colleges strongly support the
act as it is. Some say we are creating a one-size-fits-all approach
with this bill, but that isn't true either. We include new
apprenticeship models, such as competency-based and hybrid options, and
expand youth apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, something
employers have consistently requested.
This amendment is a step in the wrong direction. At a time when at
least 7 million people have permanently lost their jobs due to the
mishandling of the pandemic, and when the economy is facing a deep
recession, the underlying bill is focused on getting people back to
work with the best skills possible.
I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I yield 45 seconds to the gentlewoman
from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the amendment offered
by Representative Stefanik, a distinguished member of the Education and
Labor Committee.
Modernizing the apprenticeship system in this country is more
important now than ever, as millions are in need of reskilling.
This amendment would drastically improve the Registered
Apprenticeship Program while also permitting DOL to pursue models of
work-based learning outside the registered system, such as Industry-
Recognized Apprenticeship Programs.
The exclusion of this amendment would stop this innovative progress
and scrap the 131 IRAPs that have already been recognized, the vast
majority of which are for nursing credentials.
Unlike the Democrats' narrow-minded bill, Representative Stefanik's
amendment recognizes the needs of students, workers, and job creators.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense
alternative.
Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, how much time is remaining?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from New York has 15 seconds
remaining.
Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of this amendment.
This is about getting millions of Americans back to work. This
amendment supports small businesses. This amendment supports pre-
apprenticeship programs. And most importantly, this amendment supports
innovation.
Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of this amendment, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 85, the
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the
gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Stefanik).
The question is on the amendment.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the noes appear to have it.
Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question
are postponed.
Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, further consideration of H.R.
447 is postponed.
____________________