Rep. Bresnahan legislation would increase enrollment in registered apprenticeships

WILKES-BARRE — U.S. Representatives Rob Bresnahan said this week that legislation he co-introduced — the Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act — will help ensure they are better prepared to meet the growing demand for trained workers in critical industries like construction and manufacturing.

Bresnahan, R-Dallas Township, and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minnesota, introduced the bill that they say aims to close the skilled trades gap by boosting enrollment in registered apprenticeship programs through greater investment in outreach to students looking to learn a trade and get to work.

“I have seen first-hand how earn-as-you-learn registered apprenticeship programs help train the next generation of builders, welder, and machinists,” said Bresnahan. “This bipartisan bill will strengthen our workforce by investing in these institutions, getting more of our students involved. I want to thank Rep. Craig for working with me on this commonsense legislation to better reach our students ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.”

The Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act would provide grant funding through the Department of Labor to expand outreach to potential students and employers in need.

The bill will also help more individuals succeed in hands-on, career-focused education through strengthening academic advising, tackling common barriers, such as access to childcare, that prevent students from completing their program, and targeted support for first-generation students.

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