Congressman Vela Announces Passage of H.R. 447, The National Apprenticeship Act

Press Release

Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (TX-34) voted in support of H.R. 447, The National Apprenticeship Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation invests more than $3.5 billion over five years in expanding opportunities and access to Registered Apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships. The proposal would create nearly one million new apprenticeship opportunities on top of the current expected growth of the apprenticeship system. It would also yield $10.6 billion in net benefits to U.S. taxpayers in the form of increased worker productivity and decreased spending on public-assistance programs and unemployment insurance. The program stands to significantly benefit the Latino community, which traditionally has not had equitable access to these programs.

"Millions of our nation's workforce have found themselves unemployed and struggling to get back on their feet as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Congressman Filemon Vela. "This bill serves as an investment in our workers and a much-needed opportunity to increase access to high-quality, stable-paying jobs. This legislation uniquely benefits both displaced workers by providing them with opportunities to reskill, and provides innovative openings for a new generation of workers by ensuring that they are equipped with the skills necessary for success in today's workforce. This legislation also helps close the skills gap and opens a path to in-demand jobs by investing in students and workers, and expanding their opportunities to learn essential skills."

Source