WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.),Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) this week reintroduced the Training America’s Workforce Act, legislation that would make apprenticeship programs more responsive to industry workforce needs. The bill would help individuals obtain industry-specific skills through on-the-job learning and classroom instruction, as well as an industry-recognized credential during participation in or upon completion of an industry-recognized apprenticeship program (IRAP).
“Workforce shortages are one of the top issues I continue to hear about from businesses across South Dakota,” said 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.”
“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 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 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.”
“Workforce development programs benefit us all,” said Tuberville. “I’m proud that Alabama leads the way with many outstanding industry-education partnerships that create accessible pathways to good jobs. Today’s legislation is one way I’m working to promote apprenticeships so our students can reach their God-given potential.”
“America’s technical colleges are poised to partner with businesses and industries to provide high-quality training pathways for skilled professionals,” said Tiffany Sanderson, president of Lake Area Technical College. “IRAPs create innovative workforce training options so businesses can address their needs and employees can be paid while advancing their skills. This additional path to in-demand, well-paying careers is necessary and we commend Senator Thune for introducing the legislation.”
“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 Alicia Huey, chairman of the NAHB. “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.”
“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 Kristen Swearingen, vice president of legislative and political affairs at ABC. “While President 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.”
The Training America’s Workforce Act would direct the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to implement policies that were included in the IRAP rule that was published by the Trump administration in 2020 and has since been rescinded by the Biden administration. Consistent with the Trump-era rule, this bill would allow third-party, DOL-recognized entities, like qualifying trade associations or institutions of higher education, to recognize and perform oversight of IRAPs that were developed by the private sector and other organizations.