The American Apprenticeship Act aims to expand apprenticeship opportunities by providing grants to states for pre-apprenticeship programs and related instruction, identifying in-demand occupations, and promoting apprenticeships in non-traditional industries.
Amy Klobuchar
Senator
MN
The American Apprenticeship Act aims to expand apprenticeship opportunities by providing grants to states for pre-apprenticeship programs and related instruction in qualified apprenticeship programs, particularly in high-demand industries. It requires states to develop strategic plans for utilizing grant funds, emphasizes collaboration between various stakeholders, and promotes apprenticeships in non-traditional sectors while increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups. The Act also directs the Secretary of Labor to identify in-demand occupations that could benefit from apprenticeship programs and report findings to Congress. It authorizes $15 million in appropriations annually from 2026 through 2031 to support these initiatives.
American Apprenticeship Act: $15M/Year Boost for Job Training Programs, Starting 2026
The "American Apprenticeship Act" is basically setting up a pipeline for more, and better, apprenticeship programs across the country. It's throwing $15 million a year, from 2026 to 2031, at states to help them build out "pre-apprenticeship" programs and beef up the classroom/online learning side of qualified apprenticeships (SEC. 2). It's all about getting people ready for, and into, good-paying skilled jobs.
Bridging the Skills Gap
This bill is laser-focused on making sure apprenticeships actually line up with what employers need now. It defines "qualified apprenticeships" as those in specific industries or occupations that make up less than 10% of all apprenticeable jobs nationwide. It also defines "pre-apprenticeship" programs, which are designed to be a stepping stone, giving folks the basic skills and training they need to succeed in a full-blown apprenticeship. Think of it like a boot camp before you join the official ranks. The bill emphasizes partnerships – making sure schools, businesses, and unions are all working together (SEC. 2).
For example, a local community college could partner with a construction firm to offer a pre-apprenticeship program. This program would teach the basics of carpentry, safety procedures, and blueprint reading. Once completed, participants would have a direct pathway into the firm's registered apprenticeship program, maybe even earning college credit along the way.
Cash for Training, Not Just Overhead
States that snag these grants can use the money for things like tuition, books, equipment, and even developing the curriculum itself (SEC. 2). It's not just about throwing money at the problem; it's about making sure the training is top-notch. Up to 10% of the grant can go to administrative costs, but the rest is meant for direct training expenses. The feds are also setting up performance measures, so states will have to prove they're actually getting results (SEC. 2). A joint team from the Departments of Labor and Education will be reviewing applications, ensuring the money goes where it's most needed. The federal government will cover between 20% and 50% of the costs, with states picking up the rest, either with cash or "in-kind" contributions (like providing facilities or staff time) (SEC. 2).
Looking Ahead
The bill also tasks the Secretary of Labor with figuring out which high-demand jobs aren't using apprenticeships much and why (SEC. 3). This is a smart move – it's about identifying gaps and making sure training programs are actually meeting the needs of the modern economy. The whole thing is designed to add to existing workforce funding, not replace it (SEC. 2). By September 30, 2030, the Secretary of Labor has to report back to Congress on how well the program is working and how effectively states are using the money (SEC. 2). This is about accountability and making sure taxpayer dollars are actually making a difference.