Valor Act Opens Up Doors for Apprenticeship Programs for Veterans

Press Release

Today, a bipartisan bill was introduced in the House of Representatives to provide military veterans greater access to apprenticeship training programs following their service. The Veteran Apprenticeship and Labor Opportunity Reform (VALOR) Act, led by Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), and Beto O'Rourke (D-TX) would amend the law in an effort to streamline how non-federal apprenticeship programs based in more than one state are certified.

Currently, private employers who offer apprenticeship programs in more than one state have to register with each state approval agency individually. This trail of paperwork and burdensome review process often discourages employers from opening up these apprenticeship programs to veterans. The VALOR Act would streamline the registration process for employers, still allow approval agencies to certify programs, and give veterans more opportunities to gain employment through apprenticeship programs.

"Apprenticeship programs allow veterans to gain skills needed for 21st century jobs. Something as simple as paperwork should not stop employers from hiring veterans," said Rep. Ro Khanna, a member of House Armed Services Committee. "The VALOR Act would remove administrative hurdles and offer more apprenticeship to veterans."

"Given the tremendous sacrifice our veterans have made for our country, we should do everything we can to ensure they have access to good jobs," said Rep. Jodey Arrington. "The VALOR Act eliminates needless burden and bureaucracy in the transition of our veterans from deployment to employment."

"Making apprenticeships more accessible is always a win-win for our veterans and our businesses," said Rep. Beto O'Rourke. "Doing so through the VALOR Act is a golden opportunity to support those transitioning from active duty to civilian life in El Paso, throughout Texas, and across the country as they look to build on their skillset for our 21st century workforce."

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