Congressmen Kim, Norcross Introduce Bill to Advance Next-Generation Apprenticeship Programs

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) introduced H.R. 8762, the Fast Track Advanced Apprenticeships Now Act, a bill that would cut bureaucratic red tape to allow apprenticeship programs for emerging occupations to be approved faster.

“I’ve seen first-hand from labor unions across my district that Registered Apprenticeship programs are a clear path to a good-paying job and a strong middle class,” said Congressman Kim. “This bill would help create apprenticeship programs for the emerging jobs of the future, today. In the middle of an economic crisis, we can’t leave any tools in the box. I look forward to seeing this bill taken up, and call on my colleagues to join me in supporting our working families and fast tracking proven advanced apprenticeship programs”

“A Registered Apprenticeship program shaped my life – laying the foundation for me to go from construction work to Congress,” said Congressman Norcross. “As the country continues to face an economic crisis and changing workforce, we must continue to innovate and ensure students and workers have the skills they need – and this bill will do just that. It will help develop apprenticeship programs to train workers with the skills they need to attain local, good-paying, emerging jobs. I urge my colleagues to join Rep. Kim and I in aiding our economic recovery by supporting American workers and their futures.”

The Fast Track Advanced Apprenticeships Now Act, H.R. 8762, would help fast track apprenticeships for emerging, 21st Century jobs by reducing red tape for occupations to be considered for apprenticeship programs. This would allow small and medium sized employers to more easily start a new apprenticeship program.

Congressman Kim has been a vocal leader in working with local unions to create economic opportunities for working families. Earlier this year, Congressman Kim introduced and passed through the House the Put Our Neighbors to Work Act, which would create more opportunities for local hiring from military construction projects. Congressman Kim also helped introduce the Bringing Registered Apprenticeships to Veterans Education (BRAVE) Act – a bill that aims to educate veterans about registered apprenticeship programs and help their overall transition back into civilian life. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.

Norcross, a graduate of an IBEW Registered Apprenticeship and member of the House Education and Labor Committee, recently introduced the Labor Caucus, dedicated to prioritizing the needs of working people and the labor movement in Congress. Norcross is a lead sponsor and author of the National Apprenticeship Act, which includes the Fast Track Advanced Apprenticeships Now Act, as well as four additional pieces of Norcross’ sponsored legislation: the Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act, the 21st Century Energy Workforce Act, the Offshore Wind Jobs and Opportunities Act and the PATH Act. Previously, Norcross and Kim introduced the Bringing Registered Apprenticeships to Veterans Education (BRAVE) Act. 

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