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DeLauro: Continue Federal Apprenticeship Program

July 21, 2017

New Haven, CT(July 21, 2017)Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) visited the Greater New Haven Building Trades to discuss the importance of the US Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Program and the impact of the House Republican plan to eliminate the program.

"At a time when the economic security of working Americans is so vital, we cannot eliminate one of the most important tools we have to give people the skills they need to thrive in the workforce," said DeLauro. "We need to enact policy that ensures that everyone can benefit from the economic recovery, and that everyone has the training they need to get good jobs with fair wages.

"It is also critical for our competitiveness—and for our leadership in global innovation—to have a pipeline of skilled workers. We must adapt and develop a strong, public workforce development system that adapts to businesses' changing needs. The federal government has long played a key role in helping Americans workers learn and grow through workforce development and connecting businesses with talent.

"The biggest economic challenge facing our country is that too many people are in jobs that do not pay them enough to live on. Too often, they lack the skills and experience to access better jobs and earn family-sustaining wages. Apprenticeships enable companies to build a pipeline of skilled workers with customized skills, while apprentices learn a lucrative trade."