Law & Order

Federal Government Proposes Major Expansion of Apprenticeship Programs

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a proposed rule to encourage companies, trade associations, colleges, unions and other entities to establish federally-recognized apprenticeship programs. The apprenticeships would be paid positions that provide trainees with on-the-job training and classroom education.  The initiative is intended to expand the pool of available workers given the fact that the U.S. currently has many more job openings than skilled workers.

In 2017, President Trump issued an Executive Order directing the DOL to institute such a program.  The DOL will attempt to reduce red tape and overly rigid requirements for administering apprenticeship programs.  Millions of dollars in federal funds will also be available to help partner educational institutions with companies.  The proposal is intended to encourage a market-based approach while operating within DOL standards for training, structure, and curricula.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.