The American Apprenticeship Act aims to expand apprenticeship opportunities by providing grants to states for pre-apprenticeship programs, identifying in-demand occupations, and promoting apprenticeships in non-traditional industries, with $15 million authorized annually from 2026-2031.
Rosa DeLauro
Representative
CT-3
The American Apprenticeship Act aims to expand apprenticeship opportunities by providing grants to states for pre-apprenticeship programs and related instruction. It requires states to develop strategic plans that promote collaboration between industry, education, and labor, with a focus on expanding opportunities in non-traditional sectors and for underrepresented groups. The Act also directs the Secretary of Labor to identify in-demand occupations suitable for apprenticeship programs and report findings to Congress. Finally, it authorizes $15 million in appropriations annually from 2026 to 2031 to support these initiatives.
American Apprenticeship Act Aims to Boost Job Training: States Get Grant Opportunities Starting 2026
The "American Apprenticeship Act" is all about giving job training a serious upgrade. It focuses on setting up and expanding apprenticeships – those programs where you learn on the job and get paid. The core idea is to connect people with in-demand careers through hands-on experience and related classroom instruction. The act authorizes the Secretary of Labor to award competitive grants to states. (SEC. 2)
Apprenticeships Get a Makeover
This bill isn't just throwing money at the problem; it's trying to build a better system. It defines what a "qualified apprenticeship" actually is (SEC. 2) – think structured training in specific industries, registered with the feds. It also talks about "pre-apprenticeships," which are programs designed to get folks ready for the real deal, especially those who might not have had access to these opportunities before. Think of it like a boot camp before you join the main squad. This could be a game-changer for people looking to break into new fields, whether it's tech, healthcare, or the skilled trades. The bill specifically mentions connecting with community colleges and other educational institutions (SEC. 2), so you might see more of these programs popping up locally.
States in the Driver's Seat (With a Plan)
States can apply for grants to help fund these pre-apprenticeship programs and cover some of the costs of related instruction, like tuition, fees, and even textbooks (SEC. 2). But here's the catch: states need to come up with a solid strategic plan. This includes how they'll work with businesses, schools, and labor unions, and how they'll make sure these programs actually lead to good jobs. It also means tracking how well the programs are working. (SEC. 2) It is all about making sure the money is used to create real opportunities, not just paperwork. The federal government will cover between 20% and 50% of the costs, and states have to chip in the rest. (SEC. 2).
Finding the Skills Gaps
Another part of the bill tackles a big question: where are the jobs that need apprenticeships but aren't using them? The Secretary of Labor has to identify those in-demand fields, figure out how the apprenticeship model could fit, and then report back to Congress and the states (SEC. 3). This could mean new training opportunities popping up in unexpected places. Imagine becoming a certified drone pilot or a cybersecurity specialist through an apprenticeship – that's the kind of thing this bill is aiming for.
Funding the Future
To make all this happen, the bill authorizes $15 million per year from 2026 through 2031 (SEC. 4). That's a significant chunk of change dedicated to building up the workforce. By September 30, 2030, the Secretary of Labor has to report back to Congress on how well the whole thing is working. (SEC. 2). The bill also emphasizes that these funds should add to existing workforce development programs, not replace them (SEC. 2) – so it's about expanding opportunities, not just shuffling money around.