(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – Western New York Congressman Brian Higgins (New York-26th District) has announced the passage of H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 – which reauthorizes the Registered Apprenticeships Program and would authorize $3.5 billion five years to add new registered Apprenticeships, youth Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeships for Workers.

“At a time when our economy is suffering under the COVID-19 Pandemic, reauthorizing the National Apprenticeship Act with additional funding will help create jobs and put people back to work in a learning environment,” Congressman Higgins said.

Apprenticeship training produces skilled Workers through a combination of structured on-the-job training with a skilled Trainer and Trade-specific classroom instruction.  Programs are conducted by employers, groups of employers and jointly by employers and Labor Unions.  Apprentices are full-time paid Employees who produce high-quality work while they learn skills that enhance their employment prospects.

The Registered Apprenticeship (RAs) System is America’s most successful Federally-authorized Workforce Development Program.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 94% of people who complete RAs are employed upon completion, earning an average starting wage of above $70,000 annually.

The newly-provided Federal funding would assist in these Apprenticeships by allowing for additional opportunities for those seeking employment.

The New York State Department of Labor, a Federally-recognized State Apprenticeship Agency, operates the Registered Apprenticeship Program with programs in Erie and Niagara Counties.

In addition to funding for State Apprenticeship Agencies, local organizations would be eligible for grants to create new Apprenticeship opportunities, encourage employer participation in the National Apprenticeship System and support small- and –medium-sized employers.

The National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 is supported by many organizations including: The National AFL-CIO; The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); The Healthcare Career Advancement Program (H-CAP); Jobs for the Future (JFF); The Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA); The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA); The National Skills Coalition (NSC); The National Taskforce on Tradeswomen’s Issues (TWTF); The North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU); The National Urban League (NUL); and Third Way.

Residents seeking additional information on Apprenticeship opportunities here in Western New York can visit: www.uwbec.org/aaiwny-apprenticeship