This week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), along with a group of bipartisan colleagues, introduced a resolution supporting the designation of the week of November 13, 2023 as National Apprenticeship Week.

The resolution celebrates National Apprenticeship Week by highlighting the benefits of registered apprenticeship programs and raising awareness of the need to expand access to apprenticeships.

Registered apprenticeships are an “earn and learn” model where employers can train the future workforce while workers receive classroom instruction, a portable nationally-recognized credential, and a pathway to a good-paying, long-term career. After completion, registered apprenticeship participants have a 93% placement rate, an average starting salary of $77,000, and earn $300,000 more over their lifetime compared to their peers not in apprenticeship programs. 

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has introduced bipartisan legislation to help small businesses hire trade school graduates and to improve awareness of career and technical education programs.

“For anyone who’s looked at getting into the trades or buying their own tool set – it’s expensive and it takes resources. Apprenticeship programs equip young people with the training and support they need to build a fulfilling, good-paying career in the trades,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Before coming to Congress, I ran an auto repair and machine shop and we were able to bring on an apprentice who has been with us ever since. I’m excited to stand alongside my bipartisan colleagues to support these opportunities and commit to empowering the next generation of tradespeople.”

The resolution text can be found here.

This bipartisan resolution is co-led by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Bill Johnson (OH-6), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Alex Mooney (WV-2), and Bobby Scott (VA-3).

“As our country faces workforce shortages and a gap in skills, it is crucial that we encourage more young Americans to pursue apprenticeship programs,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I’m proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues on this resolution to recognize the impacts that apprenticeships have on our students, our businesses, and our economy by preparing highly skilled technical employees who are ready for the workforce.”

“Providing specialized skills for the American tradesmen and women in manufacturing, construction, the oil and gas sector, and many other areas is critical,” said Rep. Johnson. “There is high demand in Eastern Ohio and across the state for many of these trades, and I have seen firsthand the benefit these programs have for those looking to gain skills specific to their craft. By investing in these programs and expanding access, we can work together to ensure that all Americans have access to well-paying jobs and the skills they need to succeed. The skills and trades learned through these apprenticeship programs are going to be in demand for a long time to come.”

“Building the workforce of tomorrow begins with our investments today,” said Rep. McGarvey. “Registered apprenticeship programs are critical to ensuring our country provides the high-quality, high-paying jobs that hard working people deserve, with the training and support they merit. I’m so grateful to join my bipartisan colleagues to support the people who power and build our country.”

“College is not the only route to a successful career. In West Virginia and across America apprenticeships prepare workers for high-paying jobs so they can support their families,” said Rep. Mooney. “I’m proud to join with this bipartisan group of colleagues to support National Apprenticeship Week and highlight the importance of apprenticeships to building the American workforce.”

“Every year, Registered Apprenticeships connect workers across the country with in-demand skills and good-paying jobs and allow employers to tap into a pipeline of talented workers. In short, Registered Apprenticeship programs are critical to strengthening our workforce, businesses, and economy. That is why I remain committed to passing the National Apprenticeship Act, which invests in expanding and modernizing the apprenticeship programs for the next generation of workers,” said Ranking Member Scott. “I am proud to co-lead this resolution to officially designate National Apprenticeship Week and raise awareness about the need to reinvest in our apprenticeship system where workers can earn while they learn. We must continue fighting to ensure that workers and employers across America can access the proven benefits of our nation’s most successful federal workforce development initiative.”