A group of lawmakers recently reintroduced legislation addressing nationwide workforce shortages through apprenticeship programs.
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-SD), Tim Scott (R-SC), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) recently detailed the Training America’s Workforce Act – maintaining the measure would aid individuals in acquiring industry-specific skills through on-the-job learning and classroom instruction.
“Workforce shortages are one of the top issues I continue to hear about from businesses across South Dakota,” Thune said. “I’m proud to lead this legislation that would help address these ongoing workforce challenges by providing employers with another way to adequately train prospective employees and help expand the pool of skilled workers.”
The bill also encourages the acquisition of industry-recognized credentials during participation in or upon completion of an industry-recognized apprenticeship program (IRAP).
“Every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their version of the American Dream. Oftentimes, that doesn’t include attending a four-year college or university,” Scott said. “In fact, quality apprenticeship programs can put young Americans on the path to a lifelong, good-paying job. Rather than imposing a heavy-handed, government-run program, our legislation seeks to expand industry-led workforce development initiatives to get qualified workers into well-paying jobs.”
Under the legislation, the U.S. Department of Labor would be required to implement policies included in the IRAP rule published by the Trump administration in 2020 and since rescinded by the Biden administration.
“The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) commends Sens. Thune, Scott, Braun, and Tuberville for introducing the Training America’s Workforce Act to help address the persistent labor shortage that is facing the construction industry,” NAHB Chair Alicia Huey said. “The legislation will help ease the housing affordability crisis by allowing the home building industry to expand its workforce training reach through IRAPs.”