Council Calls for Passage of National Apprenticeship Act of 2021

Congress today (Feb. 5) was expected to pass the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, a bold bipartisan piece of legislation that would invest $3.5 billion to support the development and expansion of apprenticeships nationwide. The bill would support nearly one million apprentices nationwide who earn an average starting salary of over $70,000 upon completion of their apprenticeship. Apprenticeships have long been a central focus of the Bay Area Council’s Workforce of the Future Committee, both in the trades and in non-traditional industries such as the tech sector.

The Council is appreciative of Congress’ renewed focus on supporting workforce development as a key tenet of an equitable economic recovery, and is actively working with our employer members, training providers, and community colleges to increase the number of apprenticeships available in the region. Apprenticeships will be central to ensuring our recovery builds long-term and better paid pathways for all who call the Bay Area home. To learn more about the Workforce of the Future Committee and to build your own apprenticeship program, please contact Policy Manager Henry Bartholomay.