Teach Relevant Apprenticeships to Drive Economic Success Act or the TRADES Act This bill provides statutory authority for federal regulations titled Apprenticeship Programs, Labor Standards for Registration, Amendment of Regulations, originally published by the Department of Labor on March 11, 2020, and later rescinded on November 25, 2022. The rules permit the Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship to recognize qualified third-party entities, known as Standards Recognition Entities (SREs), which then evaluate and recognize Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs).
Impact
If passed, HB193 would have the legal effect of reinstating specific labor standards concerning apprenticeships that were previously rescinded. This legislation emphasizes the importance of skilled labor through apprenticeships and seeks to streamline the regulatory framework surrounding them, potentially increasing the number of certified apprenticeship programs available. This move could directly impact businesses seeking to hire skilled labor and boost the economy by enhancing training opportunities for prospective workers.
Summary
House Bill 193, known as the 'Teach Relevant Apprenticeships to Drive Economic Success Act' or the 'TRADES Act', seeks to provide certain federal regulations with the same standing as enacted law. Specifically, the bill intends to ensure that the provisions concerning industry-recognized apprenticeship programs, as established in regulations published by the Department of Labor in March 2020, are upheld and retained. These provisions enable the Department to recognize third-party entities that evaluate and certify these apprenticeship programs, aimed at fostering economic growth through enhanced workforce development.
Contention
While supporters of the bill argue it is essential for revitalizing vocational training and addressing skill shortages in the labor market, opponents may raise concerns regarding the autonomy of states and the efficacy of these federal regulations. Some critics suggest that the emphasis on programs recognized at the federal level may limit local and state initiatives that have proven effective in addressing specific workforce needs, advocating for a more flexible approach to apprenticeship programs tailored to regional economies.
American Apprenticeship Act This bill authorizes the Department of Labor to make grants to assist states in carrying out projects that defray the cost of pre-apprenticeship or related instruction for qualified apprenticeship programs. Labor shall (1) establish performance measures and an evaluation system for such grant program; and (2) identify in-demand occupations that lack the use of apprenticeships, analyze the use of the qualified apprenticeship program model in those occupations, and report on such analysis to states and Congress.
To direct the Secretary of Labor to award grants to develop, administer, and evaluate early childhood education apprenticeships, and for other purposes.