Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) voted in support of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, which passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 246-140. The proposal invests more than $3.5 billion over five years in expanding opportunities and access to Registered Apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships and would create nearly 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities on top of the current expected growth of the apprenticeship system.

“In order to mitigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and respond to the needs of the many Americans who are currently out of work and searching for new opportunities, the House passed a forward-looking bill that would create nearly one million new Registered Apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and pre-apprenticeship positions over the next five years,” said Rep. Castor.

“By reauthorizing the National Apprenticeship Act, we are investing in the livelihoods of our neighbors by prioritizing skills training and increasing access to trade schools. It will connect our Tampa neighbors to better jobs and better wages, as apprenticeship opportunities are direct pathways to high-paying, stable jobs that you can raise a family on. Apprenticeships provide important opportunities for young people who are looking for long-term rewarding careers that do not require a traditional four-year college degree. And we already have a great local partners like Hillsborough Community College and local building trades training we can build on.”

“Florida’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs have been underfunded for years, and the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 could provide an infusion of funds for trade schools and skills training that will allow Floridians to choose well-paying careers that don’t require a college degree,” said Business Manager Randall King Local 915, IBEW, Tampa. “We are grateful for Rep. Castor’s longstanding commitment to our apprenticeship programs that fill the needs of Florida’s ever-growing economy and provides a path into high-paying jobs around the state.”

“We have seen the positive impact of federal investments in apprenticeship programs, and know that there is no better time to boost this funding and get Floridians back to work with a clear path towards a great career,” continued King.