Reps. Adams, Jones Introduce Apprenticeship Access for All Act of 2021
The Apprenticeship Access for All Act of 2021 directs the Department of Labor to advance programs that promote the recruitment, employment, and retention of people of color, individuals with disabilities, and individuals facing barriers to employment, especially in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations
Washington, D.C. - This week, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) and Rep. Mondaire Jones (NY-17) introduced legislation to ensure that all Americans have equal access to apprenticeship programs that align with today's workforce needs.
A copy of the proposed legislation is available here.
"The Apprenticeship Access for All Act of 2021 directs the Department of Labor to advance programs that promote the recruitment, employment, and retention of people of color, individuals with disabilities, and individuals facing barriers to employment, especially in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations," said Congresswoman Adams. "The pandemic has exacerbated longstanding workforce inequities facing our nation's most vulnerable and marginalized. This bill strengthens the National Apprenticeship Act and ensures that everyone has access to equal opportunity as we seek to build back better."
"People of color and individuals with disabilities have been hit hardest economically by the COVID-19 pandemic," said Rep. Jones. "Congress must address these inequities, and this legislation is an important step in that direction. It will help ensure that people who have historically faced barriers to employment can participate in the national apprenticeship system as a pathway to good-paying jobs."
Congresswoman Alma Adams represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte and Mecklenburg County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee.
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