Chairman Scott, Secretary Walsh Visited Local Community College, Apprentice School to Discuss Workforce Development Programs
WASHINGTON – Today, Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott and U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh visited Thomas Nelson Community College and The Apprentice School and hosted a roundtable with students, higher education professionals, and local business leaders to discuss the importance of workforce development programs.
Workforce development programs—like Registered Apprenticeships—are essential to ensuring workers can access better-paying jobs and businesses have enough qualified applicants to fill job openings. These programs are particularly important to Virginia’s shipbuilding industry and the many skilled-trade jobs that support the local economy.
“As we recover from the pandemic, we must equip students with the skills they need to reenter the workforce and access better paying jobs. The job training programs Secretary Walsh and I toured at Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC) and The Apprentice School are not only delivering on that goal, but are a national example of how to prepare workers for high-demand jobs,” said Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03). “For more than a century, The Apprentice School has prepared students to work at Newport News Shipyard. As a result, thousands of workers have the tools they need to access a rewarding career. I was proud to showcase the Thomas Nelson Community College and The Apprentice School to Secretary Walsh and highlight their commitment to investing in workforce development programs to support workers, businesses, and our economy.”
“Registered apprenticeship is a proven model to connect workers to good jobs—a key priority for the Biden-Harris administration and for Rep. Scott,” said Secretary Walsh. “Thomas Nelson Community College and The Apprentice School have been a role model for expanding and diversifying apprenticeships, and are a shining example of the workforce development investments needed to grow our nation’s middle class.”
Earlier this year, Chairman Scott helped lead House passage of the America COMPETES Act, which would create an additional 1 million apprenticeship opportunities and help more Americans get the skills they need to access a rewarding career.
Moreover, last month, the Committee advanced the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022. This legislation remedies decades of underfunding in workforce development programs and provides training and career services that help working people across the country get the skills they need and help employers secure a qualified workforce.
To view Chairman Scott’s opening remarks at the roundtable, click here.
To view photos from today’s event, click here.
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