Washington, DC — Today, Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06) voted to pass the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, H.R. 447. The legislation invests in American workers to support their recovery during the ongoing pandemic as our nation builds back with a better, stronger economy, ensuring Americans across the country are well-prepared for the work of the twenty-first century and businesses are equipped with skilled and successful workforce at a time when our nation needs it most. The bill passed with bipartisan support on a vote of 247-173.

“For many Americans, these are dark economic times. In the midst of our country’s worst economic crisis in decades, when millions have been left without a job, we are faced with the realization that we need to prepare our country for the jobs of the future. We must invest in our workforce and invest in the American dream to better serve our neighbors and our communities,” said McBath. “By supporting registered apprenticeships, we can uplift those taking part in the program and ensure a better future for their families.”

H.R. 447 is a bipartisan proposal that reauthorizes support of nearly a million registered apprenticeships over the next five years to better prepare future workers through hands-on training. The Registered Apprenticeship (RAs) system is the most successful federally authorized workforce development program in America. According to the Department of Labor, 94 percent of people who complete RAs are employed upon completion, earning an average starting wage of above $70,000 annually. Yet, according to the most recent data, only 0.3 percent of the overall workforce in America have completed an apprenticeship.