DeLauro, Kilmer, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Apprenticeship Bill

WASHINGTON, DC (October 16, 2017) — Today, U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) introduced the American Apprenticeship Act. This bipartisan bill would provide funding to states for the creation or expansion of tuition assistance programs that benefit participants in pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs. These programs help American workers gain skills that are in-demand from a wide variety of employers and industries. Apprenticeship programs also allow businesses to hire workers with the skills necessary to thrive in their company. Companion legislation has also been introduced in the Senate by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Susan Collins (R-ME).

"The greatest economic challenge of our time is that people are working in jobs that do not pay them enough to live on," said DeLauro. "One way to raise wages is by investing in our workforce so that workers gain the critical skills necessary to fill good-paying jobs. Apprenticeships do just that, allowing workers to earn a paycheck while learning skills that businesses are looking for. These programs also allow businesses to create a pipeline of skilled workers—so workers win, businesses win, and our economy grows. "

"One of the best ways to earn more money and navigate economic change is by building new skills," said Kilmer. "The federal government can be a partner in encouraging that—investing in innovative apprenticeship programs and supporting the men and women who are participating in them. That's what this bipartisan bill is about."

"Apprenticeship programs grow our economy by fostering training programs that will prepare workers for in-demand careers," said Fitzpatrick. "By closing the skills gap, this bipartisan legislation will encourage more good-paying jobs for working families, while addressing our nation's current shortage of trained workers. I am proud to work with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation to enhance America's workforce and bring robust job growth to Bucks and Montgomery counties."