ARTICLE
Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have introduced bipartisan legislation to expand apprenticeship programs, with the goal of creating nearly 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities on top of expected growth. The bill includes increased resources for small and medium-sized businesses, incentives to develop new apprenticeship programs in emerging industries, and makes the apprenticeship application process easier, among other amendments. Why It Matters: With near constant talk of a ‘labor shortage’ and the average age of tradespeople on the rise, apprenticeship is seen as the best way to combat workforce turnover. The inclusion of small and medium-sized businesses also addresses the importance of companies that often miss out on legislation like this. Developments in rural communities is also paramount to the overall health of the economy, and such developments are addressed in the proposed legislation. Click here to check out the fact sheet here. -- TAUC