Tuberville, Thune, Colleagues Push Bill to Promote Apprenticeships

New legislation would require the Department of Labor to restart apprenticeship programs for high-demand industries

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-SD) and other Republican colleagues to introduce the Training America’s Workforce Act to make apprenticeship programs more responsive to industry workforce needs.

“Workforce development programs benefit us all,” said Senator Tuberville. “I’m proud that Alabama leads the way with many outstanding industry-education partnerships that create accessible pathways to good jobs. This legislation is one way I’m working to promote apprenticeships so our students can reach their God-given potential.”

The Training America’s Workforce Act would require the U.S. Department of Labor to restart industry-recognized apprenticeship programs (IRAPs) that were previously formalized during the Trump administration and ended by President Joe Biden. These programs would expand apprenticeship opportunities by making it easier for students to receive required training and certifications to ensure skills learned during training align with in-demand job skills.

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Mike Braun (R-IN).

BACKGROUND

As a former educator and coach for more than 40 years, Senator Tuberville is passionate about ensuring students have access to educational options that create pathways to good-paying jobs. He is a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, where he serves on the Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety.

LEARN MORE:

Tuberville Receives Gavel for HELP Subcommittee on Children and Families

Tuberville Joins The Elephant in The Room

Tuberville, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Encourage Americans to Pursue Skills Training and Credentialing Programs  

Tuberville Op-Ed in Southeast Sun: Alabama’s Community Colleges Are Driving Economic Success

Tuberville: “We Need to Train Kids for the Future Workforce”

Tuberville: Workforce Development Important for Pandemic Recovery

Tuberville Praises Apprenticeship Programs: “It Gives Them an Opportunity”

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.

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