Congressman Brett Guthrie | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Brett Guthrie | Official U.S. House headshot
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congress members Brett Guthrie, Suzanne Bonamici, and Drew Ferguson have reintroduced the PARTNERS Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding apprenticeship programs and supporting workforce training. The bill establishes a grant program to assist small and medium-sized businesses in developing work-based learning programs, while also providing mentoring and support services for workers.
Congressman Guthrie emphasizes the importance of apprenticeships in addressing workforce shortages and helping individuals gain new skills. He states, "Apprenticeships are a great way for people to learn new applicable skills, while earning a paycheck, making apprenticeships a critical path into the workforce for many individuals." He expresses pride in co-leading the PARTNERS Act, which aims to create work-based opportunities for those who need them the most.
Congresswoman Bonamici highlights the benefits of investing in workers and workforce training, stating that it improves lives, strengthens the economy, and offers individuals a path to the middle class. She emphasizes the importance of partnerships among businesses, colleges, and other organizations in building a diverse pool of skilled workers. Bonamici expresses gratitude for the opportunity to work with her colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to create more job opportunities.
Congressman Ferguson emphasizes the need for local communities to have the flexibility and resources to create work-based learning opportunities that align with their specific job markets. He cites the success of innovative apprenticeship programs in Georgia and expresses pride in reintroducing the PARTNERS Act, which aims to provide every American with the opportunity to achieve the American dream.
The PARTNERS Act, reintroduced today, establishes a grant program to support small and medium-sized businesses in developing work-based learning programs. These grants will also provide mentoring and support services for workers. The bill aims to address workforce training in in-demand industries and economic sectors.
The PARTNERS Act authorizes the use of 50 percent of fees generated by certain Department of Labor accounts for these workforce training grants, ensuring no additional cost to taxpayers. States will provide grants of up to $500,000 for three years to eligible community partners. These funds will support the establishment or expansion of work-based learning programs and provide support services for workers.
The support services include adult basic education classes, mentorship and retention support services, pre-work-based training programs, and access to tools, work attire, transportation, child care services, and other items required for employment.
The reintroduction of the PARTNERS Act aims to expand apprenticeship programs and provide essential support for workers. It highlights the bipartisan effort to address workforce shortages and create more opportunities for individuals to access good-paying, in-demand jobs.
Click here for bill text.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=388106
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