U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and John Thune led a group of four Republican Senators that introduced new legislation that would require the Department of Labor to restart apprenticeship programs for high-demand industries. The Training America’s Workforce Act would make apprenticeship programs more responsive to industry workforce needs.
“Workforce development programs benefit us all,” said Sen. Tuberville. “I’m proud that Alabama leads the way with many outstanding industry-education partnerships that create accessible pathways to good jobs. This legislation is one way I’m working to promote apprenticeships so our students can reach their God-given potential.”
“Workforce shortages are one of the top issues I continue to hear about from businesses across South Dakota,” said Sen. Thune. “I’m proud to lead this legislation that would help address these ongoing workforce challenges by providing employers with another way to adequately train prospective employees and help expand the pool of skilled workers.”
John Thune is the Senate Republican Whip.
The legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Tim Scott and Mike Braun.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their version of the American Dream. Oftentimes, that doesn’t include attending a 4-year college or university,” said Sen. Scott. “In fact, quality apprenticeship programs can put young Americans on the path to a lifelong, good-paying job. Rather than imposing a heavy-handed, government-run program, our legislation seeks to expand industry-led workforce development initiatives to get qualified workers into well-paying jobs.”
“Coming from the business world, I have long been a supporter of expanding access to workforce development and skills training programs,” said Sen. Braun. “When I travel across Indiana each year on my annual 92 county tour, I visit a number of workforce development programs that provide job training to prepare the next generation of talent. This legislation will allow us to expand programs like these in order to address the nationwide skills shortage and fill American jobs.”
The Training America’s Workforce Act would require the U.S. Department of Labor to restart industry-recognized apprenticeship programs (IRAPs) that were previously formalized during the Trump administration and ended by President Joe Biden. These programs would expand apprenticeship opportunities by making it easier for students to receive required training and certifications to ensure skills learned during training align with in-demand job skills.
Alicia Huey is the Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
“The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) commends Senators Thune, Scott, Braun, and Tuberville for introducing the Training America’s Workforce Act to help address the persistent labor shortage that is facing the construction industry,” said Chairman Huey. “The legislation will help ease the housing affordability crisis by allowing the home building industry to expand its workforce training reach through IRAPs. With the addition of IRAPs to existing training options, this bill would provide the training and education needed to promote and advance a variety of careers in residential construction.”
Kristen Swearingen is the Vice President of legislative and political affairs at Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).
“The Training America’s Workforce Act will support the industry-recognized, market-driven apprenticeship programs that many Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) chapters and members use to provide their workers with the skills they need for a successful career,” said Vice President Swearingen. “While President [Joe] Biden and his allies in Congress attempt to narrow pathways to a profession in the skilled trades through the unnecessary requirement of union-only apprenticeships for critical construction projects, we know that the flexible and modern approach of industry-recognized programs provides new opportunities for all of America’s workers. ABC appreciates Senator Thune, Scott, Braun, and Tuberville’s efforts to better serve construction professionals throughout the country.”
Tuberville was an educator and coach for more than 40 years. He says that that experience has made him passionate about ensuring students can access educational options that create pathways to good-paying jobs.
Tuberville is a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, serving on the Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety. He also serves on the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and HELP Committees. He was elected to his first term in the Senate in 2020.
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