Congressman Steven Horsford Releases Statement on House Passage of National Apprenticeship Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Steven Horsford voted to pass the bipartisan National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. The legislation would create nearly one million apprenticeship opportunities and includes an amendment from Congressman Horsford to support the recruitment and retention of nontraditional apprenticeship students, including women and people of color.

Congressman Horsford spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives earlier today to advocate for the passage of the legislation. The Congressman's remarks can be viewed here and downloaded here. Congressman Horsford also released the following statement:

"Each year, workers across Nevada's Fourth District prepare for new careers in skilled trades through apprenticeship programs. As Nevada begins our path to economic recovery, expanding these opportunities — especially for workers from nontraditional backgrounds — has never been more important." said Congressman Steven Horsford. "I'm proud to have sponsored the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 and see it pass on the House floor today with bipartisan support. The legislation includes my amendment to increase access to apprenticeship programs for women and people of color, who have been historically underrepresented. The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 will create nearly one million apprenticeship opportunities, and countless new jobs in high-demand fields."

The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 would invest more than $3.5 billion over the next five years to create over one million new apprenticeship opportunities. The legislation would also add over $10.6 billion in net benefits to our economy, restoring financial security to working families and small businesses. The legislation includes:

• $400 million in a grant program to support the expansion of apprenticeship opportunities, including pre-apprenticeships and youth apprenticeships
• Codifying the standards for apprenticeship programs making the apprenticeships more accessible
• Working with the Department of Labor, industry leaders, and labor organizations to reach out to more diverse communities and non traditional apprenticeship populations

For a fact sheet on the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, click here.

For the bill text of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, click here.

Congressman Horsford started his career leading the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, the largest job-training program in the state of Nevada. Since coming to the House of Representatives, Congressman Horsford has consistently advocated for the expansion of job training and apprenticeship programs.

Yesterday, Congressman Horsford announced that his office has secured nearly $7 million to create the Westside Education & Training Center in the Historic Westside of Las Vegas, where thousands of Nevadans will train for new careers in high-demand fields. Learn more about Westside Education & Training Center investment here.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Geneva Kropper | geneva.kropper@mail.house.gov | 202-849-0251