The 117th session of Congress began on January 3, 2021, and was marked with a flurry of newly introduced legislation. The past five months have seen the introduction of several bills in the areas of apprenticeship and workforce development.
Below is a roundup of the apprenticeship bills introduced by the Senate and the House of Representatives, including titles, sponsoring congressperson, introduction date and a progress status of the most recently taken actions. International Foundation members can use the U.S. Legislative Tracker to keep a close eye on the introduction of new bills as well as the updated progress of those already introduced.
Title: H.R.2691—To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit 529 plans to be used for certain non-degree technical training certificate programs and apprenticeship programs.
- Sponsor: Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-MN 1)
- Introduced: 04/20/21
- Latest Action: 04/20/21—Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Title: S 1026—American Apprenticeship Act—A bill to assist states in, and pay for the federal share of the cost of, defraying the cost of pre-apprenticeships or related instruction associated with qualified apprenticeship programs, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor: Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
- Introduced: 03/25/21
- Latest Action: 03/25/21—Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Title: S 396—Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act of 2021—A bill to promote registered apprenticeships, including registered apprenticeships within in-demand industry sectors, through the support of workforce intermediaries, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor: Sen. Christopher Coons (D-DE)
- Introduced: 02/23/21
- Latest Action: 02/23/21—Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Title: H.R.1150—To codify the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs of the Department of Labor.
- Sponsor: Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO 3)
- Introduced: 02/18/21
- Latest Action: 02/18/21—Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Title: H.R.731—Pre-Apprenticeship Wrap-Around Support Services Fund Act of 2021—To direct the Secretary of Labor to make grants to eligible applicants to provide stipends to individuals enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship program, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor: Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA 9)
- Introduced: 02/02/21
- Latest Action: 02/02/21—Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Title: H.R.720—CHANCE in TECH Act—To direct the Secretary of Labor to enter into contracts with industry intermediaries for purposes of promoting the development of and access to apprenticeships in the technology sector, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor: Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA 6)
- Introduced: 02/02/21
- Latest Action: 02/02/21—Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Title: H.R.703—Apprenticeship Futures for All Act—To ensure access to apprenticeships for underrepresented groups, eliminate barriers and ensure completion of apprenticeships, and invest in successful apprenticeship intermediaries.
- Sponsor: Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA 7)
- Introduced: 02/02/21
- Latest Action: 02/02/21—Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Title: H.R.691—Expanding Opportunity Through Pre-Apprenticeships Act—To expand opportunities for pre-apprenticeship programs.
- Sponsor: Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA 29)
- Introduced: 02/02/21
- Latest Action: 02/02/21—Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Title: H.R.683—Apprenticeship Access for All Act of 2021—To promote diversity in the national apprenticeship system.
- Sponsor: Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC 12)
- Introduced: 02/02/21
- Latest Action: 02/02/21—Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Title: H.R.636—PARTNERS Act—To promote registered apprenticeships and other work-based learning programs for small and medium-sized businesses within in-demand industry sectors, through the establishment and support of industry or sector partnerships.
- Sponsor: Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR 1)
- Introduced: 02/01/21
- Latest Action: 03/22/21—Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
Title: H.R.580—PATH Act—To direct the Secretary of Labor to support the development of pre-apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades that serve underrepresented populations, including individuals from low income and rural census tracts.
- Sponsor: Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ 1)
- Introduced: 01/28/21
- Latest Action: 01/28/21—Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Title: H.R.578—Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act of 2021—To promote registered apprenticeships, including registered apprenticeships within in-demand industry sectors, through the support of workforce intermediaries, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor: Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ 1)
- Introduced: 01/28/21
- Latest Action: 01/28/21—Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Title: H.R.447—National Apprenticeship Act of 2021—To amend the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly referred to as the “National Apprenticeship Act”) and expand the national apprenticeship system to include apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships registered under such Act, to promote the furtherance of labor standards necessary to safeguard the welfare of apprentices, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor: Rep. Robert Scott (D-VA 3)
- Introduced: 01/25/21
- Latest Action: 03/05/21—Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
For updates on all apprenticeship bills and employee benefits legislation, International Foundation members can keep an eye on the U.S. Legislative Tracker. Members can also find answers to their specific apprenticeship program questions with the Apprenticeship Program Answer Guide.
Looking for more information on apprenticeship programs? Visit our Apprenticeship Resources page.
[Related Reading: “What Is an Apprenticeship Agreement?” and Other Questions for Your Plan]
Justin Held, CEBS
Senior Research Analyst at the International Foundation
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