Floor Statements

Today, I rise to recognize the inaugural observance of National Apprenticeship Week. Across the United States, hundreds of thousands of apprenticeship programs are helping to prepare workers for today’s high-skilled, in-demand jobs.

For far too long, there has been a discrepancy in what students are learning in the classroom and what employers say they need in the workplace.

Apprenticeships are key to narrowing that skills gap because they offer students a low-cost – and in many cases a no-cost – education that arms them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today’s global economy. Apprentices often earn an average starting salary of $50,000 per year and go on to make $300,000 more than their non-apprentice peers over the course of their career.

Employers who invest in these work-based learning programs are attracting and retaining highly qualified employees. They’re also seeing results in the form of increased productivity and greater innovation.

Apprenticeships can change lives, and I look forward to seeing how these valuable programs continue to strengthen America’s workforce.

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