Cárdenas, Fudge Introduce Expanding Opportunity through Pre-Apprenticeships Act
WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Marcia Fudge (OH-11) and Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) introduced the Expanding Opportunity through Pre-Apprenticeships Act. The bill authorizes grants to eligible entities and directs the Department of Labor to create a plan to expand participation in pre-apprenticeship programs for underrepresented populations and individuals with barriers to employment.
“Pre-Apprenticeships provide workers with the skills and experience needed to be successful in Registered Apprenticeship Programs, opening pathways to good-paying jobs and the middle class,” said Rep. Fudge. “Despite their promising potential, these programs remain less accessible to people of color, women and other individuals with barriers to employment. The Expanding Opportunity through Pre-Apprenticeships Act would help increase economic opportunity for Americans looking to return to work and ensure companies can recruit and develop diverse talent.”
“Our economic strength depends upon our commitment to developing a competitive 21st-century workforce,” said Rep. Cárdenas. “I’m honored to join Congresswoman Fudge in introducing this bill to expand pre-apprenticeship opportunities and to encourage the next generation of workers to seek career opportunities in all industries and in every sector.”
The Expanding Opportunity through Pre-Apprenticeships Act is endorsed by the AFL-CIO and the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council (CBCTC).
"High-quality pre-apprenticeship programs are a proven way to expand economic opportunity for under-served communities," said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. "This legislation will open up a path to the middle class for workers across our nation, and we are proud to support it.”
“Pre-Apprenticeship programs ensure the building trades have workers ready to meet the needs of Northeast Ohio,” said CBCTC Executive Secretary/Business Manager David Wondolowski. “I am proud to support Congresswoman Fudge’s bill to expand these programs that offer a pipeline of diverse talent to our more than 29-member local unions working in our region's construction industry.”
For the text of the Expanding Opportunity through Pre-Apprenticeships Act, click here.
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