Cantwell, Collins Introduce Legislation to Promote Job Training through Apprenticeships

Press Release

U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced legislation that would help American workers get training for good-paying, high-demand jobs and ensure that U.S. companies have a steady supply of highly-skilled workers to stay competitive in a 21st century global economy.

The bipartisan Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act of 2014 would create a $5,000 tax incentive for employers that use apprenticeship programs to train workers in high-demand fields such as health care, manufacturing and technology. It also would allow veterans in apprenticeships to get credit for previous military training and experience.

In a 2011 survey by the National Association of Manufacturers, 67 percent of industrial companies reported a moderate to severe shortage of qualified workers. More than 65 percent of companies surveyed in a 2009 Urban Institute study thought apprenticeship programs helped raise productivity, strengthen morale and improve worker safety.

"This bill will help close the skills gap and give more American workers the training they need to power economic growth," Cantwell said. "Building the skills of America's workers is a strong investment in our nation's future. Apprenticeships have proven to be a win-win: They help companies find skilled workers and they allow workers to earn a paycheck while learning skills on the job."

"Few issues are as important to the American people as the availability of good jobs in our communities," Collins said. "I have met with many business owners in Maine who have jobs available but cannot find qualified and trained workers to fill these vacant positions. This bill would help better align the needs of our nation's employers with potential employees to promote hiring and the creation of new jobs."

Apprenticeship programs benefit both the company and employee, and also often lead to higher-paying jobs that help sustain the economy. Those who complete apprenticeships earn an average of $240,000 more in lifetime wages than job seekers with similar backgrounds who don't, according to a study by the Department of Labor.

"In order to get our economy revving again, we need a strong, dynamic workforce. That is why we are so pleased to see Senator Maria Cantwell's and Senator Susan Collins' commitment to increasing on-the-job training through apprenticeships," said Gabe Horwitz, Director of the Economic Program at Third Way. "While we must continue to significantly expand the number of middle-class jobs, we must also be relentless in improving the skills of those who seek these jobs. By doing so, we can create the climate where a middle-class job can once again support a middle-class life."

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