06.24.19

Chairman Scott: Statement on Trump Apprenticeship Plan

WASHINGTON – Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s release of its Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP) proposal. 

“Registered Apprenticeship programs are proven to prepare workers for good-paying, middle-class jobs. The administration’s proposal to establish a new unregistered apprenticeship program – which lacks sufficient accountability for meeting quality standards or ensuring the success of apprentices – diverts valuable funding away from programs that have a long record of success. Registered Apprenticeships provide apprentices’ skills and wages in lockstep with increased competency and a portable credential that will be recognized across the country.

“The proposed Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP) does not include any of these protections for apprentices and taxpayers. Instead, the proposal allows private companies to create and police their own apprenticeships, exposing apprentices to low-quality programs and undermining the integrity of the entire apprenticeship system.

“Unlike IRAPs, Registered Apprenticeships have strong bipartisan support and are proven to be effective in offering workers a clear path to the middle class. Instead of wasting money on unproven IRAPs, the Department should support innovation and expansion already taking place with Registered Apprenticeships in new occupations in a way that does not compromise quality and accountability.”

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