On April 21, Republican Sens. John Thune, S.D., Tim Scott, S.C., Mike Braun, Ind., and Tommy Tuberville, Ala., reintroduced the Training America’s Workforce Act for the 118th Congress. This bill would expand opportunities for careers in construction, allowing for the federal recognition of industry and market-driven apprenticeship programs developed by the private sector. ABC worked closely with Sen. Thune’s office in drafting this legislation and issued a statement in support of the bill:
“The Training America’s Workforce Act will support the industry-recognized, market-driven apprenticeship programs that many ABC chapters and members use to provide their workers with the skills they need for a successful career,” said Kristen Swearingen, vice president of legislative & political affairs at ABC. “While President Joe Biden and his allies in Congress attempt to narrow pathways to a profession in the skilled trades through the unnecessary requirement of union-only apprenticeships for critical construction projects, we know that the flexible and modern approach of industry-recognized programs provides new opportunities for all of America’s workers. ABC appreciates Sens. Thune, Scott, Braun and Tuberville’s efforts to better serve construction professionals throughout the country.”