[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 211 (Tuesday, December 7, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING RICARDO PERRY AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2021

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in recognizing Laborers Local 177 Journeyman 
Ricardo Perry as Iowan of the Week. I am especially proud to recognize 
Ricardo, a recent graduate of the Iowa Laborers' Education and Training 
Fund Registered Apprenticeship Program, during the 2021 National 
Apprenticeship Week.
  This annual observance offers Americans an opportunity to reflect on 
how Registered Apprenticeship Programs are critical for creating jobs, 
bolstering the economy, addressing workforce challenges, supporting 
communities, and providing equitable opportunities for men and women to 
succeed. Folks from different backgrounds and at different stages in 
their careers can engage in these programs to gain skills, make a 
career change, or get a competitive edge in their industry. Registered 
Apprenticeship Programs, in Iowa play a key role not only in filling 
our states talent pipeline, but also in helping keep families here as 
they establish roots in the areas where apprentices are working and 
learning their trade.
  Ricardo Perry is a wonderful example of how a Registered 
Apprenticeship Program can benefit an individual, their industry, and 
the community where they settle. Ricardo recently graduated from the 
Iowa Laborers' Education and Training Fund Registered Apprenticeship 
Program to become a Journeyman. He went through a three-year journey of 
on-the-job work, training hours, and mentorship to become a 
Construction Craft Laborer.
  The pathway for an apprentice can be grueling; no two days are the 
same, you're constantly presented with challenges, and standards and 
technology are ever-evolving. While the journey was difficult, Ricardo 
quickly earned a reputation as an extremely hard worker, skilled 
laborer, and uniquely positive presence. His colleagues knew him to 
excel in training and could always rely on him to look at the bright 
side of any challenge. Their respect and admiration for Ricardo is 
immediately apparent, and his work ethic, skill set, and strong Iowa 
values will no doubt benefit the greater Des Moines area for years to 
come.
  There are many reasons I was proud to vote for the historic 
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) earlier this month, one 
among them being the huge opportunity the bill provides for states like 
Iowa to train the workforces required to undertake initiatives like 
building out broadband infrastructure, repairing our roads and bridges, 
and much more. We're going to need more skilled workers than ever 
before, and robust Registered Apprenticeship Programs to adequately 
prepare them for the work at hand.
  That's why I was grateful for the opportunity to host United States 
Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh in Iowa earlier this year. During his 
visit we met with brothers and sisters in labor, many of whom graduated 
from Registered Apprenticeship Programs, to hear about filling the jobs 
pipeline in our state. I was proud to show him the massive, new 
training facility for the Missouri Valley Line Constructors 
Apprenticeship and Training Program in Indianola: a shining example of 
a multi-year, in-depth training program turning out quality lineman 
across the nation. These conversations helped elevate the amazing work 
organizations in Iowa are doing to train skilled workers through 
apprenticeship programs and help those individuals establish prosperous 
lives in our communities.
  Madam Speaker, it is programs like the Iowa Laborers' Education & 
Training Fund Registered Apprenticeship Program and the efforts of 
Journeymen like Ricardo Perry that are going to help carry our state 
into the future. These trained professionals who have the knowledge and 
skills to safely, effectively improve upon and further build out Iowa's 
infrastructure will bring additional opportunities to our communities. 
I am grateful Ricardo has chosen to live and work in my district, and 
for his contributions to keep Iowa growing. It is my pleasure to name 
him, during this National Apprenticeship Week, Iowan of the Week.

                          ____________________