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Legislative bills

Bipartisan Bill Passes to Expand Apprenticeship Opportunities Nationally

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The House of Representatives recently passed a bipartisan bill to invest $3.5 billion in expanding apprenticeship opportunities across the country. This legislation, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, includes an amendment from Representative Jared Golden (ME-02) to make Maine's heritage industries eligible to receive federal funding through the U.S. Department of Labor programs outlined in the bill. The amendment aims to provide opportunities for young Mainers in industries such as logging, lobstering, and farming to learn a trade and secure good-paying jobs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 aims to create one million new apprenticeships nationwide over the next five years, with an estimated $3.5 billion in funding.
  • The bill includes an amendment from Congressman Jared Golden to make Maine's heritage industries eligible for federal funding, including logging, lobstering, and farming.
  • The Office of Apprenticeship, housed at the Department of Labor, would oversee the program and ensure its implementation.
  • Organizations such as the Maine Lobstering Union Local 207 have expressed support for the bill and the inclusion of Maine's lobster apprentice program.
  • Representative Jared Golden has been a long-time advocate for young Mainers in heritage industries, having introduced a bill to help young fishermen and repeatedly supported efforts to help young Mainers work on family logging operations.

Statistics:

  • $3.5 billion: Amount of funding authorized by the National Apprenticeship Act to promote apprenticeship programs across the country.
  • 1 million: Estimated number of new apprenticeships to be created nationwide over the next five years.
  • 5 years: Timeframe for the creation of one million new apprenticeships nationwide.
  • 2021: Year in which the National Apprenticeship Act was passed by the House of Representatives.

Sources:

  • "House of Representatives In Session: Washington, Feb. 9" press release by Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine.
  • https://amendments-rules.house.gov/amendments/GOLDEN_002_xml%5B78%5D012921095806586.pdf

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