On Feb. 5, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. This bill would invest nearly $3.5 billion over five years to scale-up apprenticeship opportunities, streamline access to apprenticeships for workers and employers, and expand apprenticeships into new, in-demand industry sectors and occupations. The bill would also codify standards for registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeship programs and youth apprenticeships so that they meet common high benchmarks.
Congress had not reauthorized the National Apprenticeship Act since it was first passed in 1937.