[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[July 27, 1992]
[Pages 1195-1196]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



White House Fact Sheet: The Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship Program

July 27, 1992
    Today the President commended Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson for 
his efforts in developing a statewide youth apprenticeship program. The 
Wisconsin youth apprenticeship program, undertaken in partnership with 
the U.S. Department of Labor, which provided $200,000 in seed money to 
the State, will provide an integrated statewide approach to the 
education and job training needs of students throughout the State.

The Problem

    Upwards of one-fifth of American students drop out of high school. 
Most experience difficulty in securing permanent employment. Few have 
the skills that will enable them to succeed in today's work force. The 
rapid pace of technical innovation demands not only higher skills but 
also higher levels of educational achievement.
    Many of those students who drop out view high school as primarily 
preparation

[[Page 1196]]

for college. They do not consider high school relevant to what they 
intend to do in the future. Apprenticeship programs, which in many 
countries serve as a bridge between school and work, are not generally 
available as an option to U.S. high school students.

The President's Proposal

    The President's proposed ``Youth Apprenticeship Act of 1992,'' 
submitted to Congress on May 13, 1992, would facilitate developing youth 
apprenticeship programs. The Federal role includes program certification 
and seed money. A description of this proposed legislation is outlined 
in an April 14, 1992, White House fact sheet.
    In response to the President's directive to Secretary of Labor Lynn 
Martin to work with States to encourage apprenticeship initiatives, 
youth apprenticeship research and demonstration projects have been 
initiated in six States including Wisconsin.

                    Note: The fact sheet issued by the Office of the 
                        Press Secretary also contained a detailed 
                        description of the Wisconsin program.