DeLauro Statement on DOL’s Proposed Apprenticeship Rule Changes

WASHINGTON, DC (June 25, 2019) – Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, today released the following statement regarding the Department of Labor's (DOL) proposed rule on Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAP).

"After nearly two years of waiting on the Administration to provide clarity about its industry-recognized apprenticeship program, the wait is still not over. The DOL's proposed changes are vague and lack sufficient details, especially with regard to how they will produce high-quality apprenticeship programs. Moreover, it is concerning that DOL would pour $284 million of federal resources into this untested initiative while its budget for the upcoming fiscal year proposes drastic cuts to many programs that support workforce development. Instead of wasting federal dollars on untested, unproven, and duplicative apprenticeship programs, we should be investing in programs that work."

"We know that the registered apprenticeship model works and has been rapidly expanding over the past several years into diverse careers, not just the trades. DOL's data shows that more than 3,000 new apprenticeship programs were established in fiscal year 2018 alone, and 47,000 veterans nationwide are currently participating in an apprenticeship program. That's why the House-passed funding bill for DOL provides $250 million for registered apprenticeships—an increase of $90 million. If the Trump Administration wants to support workforce development, it should invest in programs that work—programs like registered apprenticeships."