Norcross Joins Local Apprentices to Highlight Bill to Create Nearly 1 Million New Apprenticeship Opportunities

PENNSAUKEN, NJ – This morning, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), joined by President and CEO of the American Training Center Kim Rommen, Vice President of the American Training Center Lorenzo McFadden, Camden County Commissioner Jon Young and current healthcare apprentices, held a press conference at the American Training Center in Pennsauken to discuss his bill, the National Apprenticeship Act, which would create nearly one million new Registered Apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship positions over the next five years.

“A registered apprenticeship program laid the foundation for me to go from construction work to Congress,” said Congressman Norcross, the only electrician in Congress. “I applaud the American Training Center for their continued commitment to providing students and workers with innovative programs so they may pursue apprenticeship opportunities right here in South Jersey.”

Norcross added: “My bill, the bipartisan National Apprenticeship Act provides students and workers all over the country the ability to pursue apprenticeship opportunities by strengthening the proven models developed by the Registered Apprenticeship Program – America’s most successful workforce program. Expanding access to apprenticeship opportunities will connect workers with stable, good-paying jobs as we continue to fight the pandemic and an economic crisis.”

The National Apprenticeship Act invests nearly $3.5 billion over five years to scale-up apprenticeship opportunities, streamline access to apprenticeships for workers and employers and expand apprenticeships into new in-demand industry sectors and occupations. The proposal’s historic investments in workforce training would not only benefit workers and their families but would save American taxpayers an estimated $10.6 billion in the form of increased tax revenues from higher worker pay and productivity and decreased spending on public-assistance programs and unemployment insurance.

For a fact sheet on the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, click here.

To watch the full press conference, click here.

“The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 encourages employers, training providers, and other community stakeholders to work collaboratively and address challenges that are not often considered for those currently unemployed or new to the workforce,” said Lorenzo McFadden, Vice President of American Training Center. “It’s a tremendous help for our students and organization because it creates space for us to work with the apprentice and employer to identify ongoing, learning opportunities.”

“I am a proud mother of four children – but raising kids, juggling an intense work schedule and working overtime to make ends meet prevented me from gaining new certifications and employment opportunities. When I enrolled in the Registered Apprenticeship Program, I knew I finally got my chance,” said Justina Rodriguez, American Training Center Certified Nurse Aid Apprentice. “During the apprenticeship program, I was able to train all while earning an income. I’m so thankful for the apprenticeship program funding because it has allowed me to work in a field I’m passionate about and develop my own skills.”

“This program has allowed me to develop my skills, while still earning an income to provide for myself and my three-year-old son,” said Mariam Rodriguez, American Training Center Medical Assisting Apprentice. “The Apprenticeship Program was the perfect fit for me. I got to work hard, learn a lot and earn enough income to begin building a good life for my son. I hope to enroll at Camden County College this fall. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and look at it as a stepping stone to my career as a Registered Nurse!”

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