Rep. Ron Kind Votes to Increase Access to Apprenticeships, Invest in Wisconsin Workers

Press Release

Today, Rep. Ron Kind voted for the bipartisan National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. This legislation expands opportunities and access to Registered Apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships. The investments would create nearly one million additional apprenticeship opportunities and yield $10.6 billion in net benefits to taxpayers.

Registered Apprenticeships -- which provide apprentices with paid, on-the-job training -- are the country's most successful federal workforce training program. According to the Department of Labor, 94% of people who complete Registered Apprenticeships are employed upon completion and earn an average starting wage of over $70,000 annually. As our nation faces record unemployment, apprenticeship opportunities are key to connecting Wisconsin workers with stable, good-paying jobs.

"With the COVID-19 pandemic causing serious economic challenges for our nation, we need to continue to invest in our greatest resource -- our workers," said Rep. Ron Kind. "Expanding apprenticeship opportunities is critical to ensuring all Wisconsinites can access the tools and expertise they need to find a good-paying and stable job. I'm proud to vote for bipartisan legislation that benefits Wisconsin workers, employers, and taxpayers as we work to build back stronger than ever."

The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 would expand apprenticeship opportunities by codifying and streamlining standards for Registered Apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and pre-apprenticeship programs to make it easier for apprentices and employers to participate in high-quality apprenticeships; codifying the Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship; and establishing a grant program to support the expansion of apprenticeship opportunities, including pre-apprenticeships and youth apprenticeships.

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