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119-hr-10560119th CongressWALLET

Skilled JOBS Act

Sponsored By: Representative James, John [R-MI-10]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create a _formal federal pathway to recognize and oversee industry-recognized apprenticeship programs (IRAPs)_ and authorize standards-recognition entities to set program standards. It would also set a mandatory journeyworker-to-apprentice ratio and require a study of safety and costs.

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  • Workers and apprentices would see minimum program protections: paid work, on-the-job learning, mentorship, classroom instruction, a written development plan, safety supervision, and an industry-recognized credential on participation or completion.
  • Industry groups, colleges, employers, nonprofits, and unions could become "standards-recognition entities" through a streamlined, low-burden federal recognition process the Secretary of Labor would be required to establish within one year.
  • Both registered apprenticeships and IRAPs would generally need at least one journeyworker for every three apprentices. The Secretary could lower that ratio after a study on safety and cost to be completed within one year.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New journeyworker ratio and study

If enacted, this would require at least one journeyworker for every three apprentices in registered apprenticeships and industry-recognized apprenticeship programs. For example, four apprentices would require two journeyworkers. The requirement would be effective upon enactment. The Secretary would have to complete a study within 1 year on safety and costs and could then allow a lower ratio after finishing that study.

New process to recognize apprenticeship standards

If enacted, the Secretary of Labor would have to set up, within 1 year, a process to recognize standards-recognition entities through the Office of Apprenticeship. Those entities would be public or private groups the Secretary recognizes and that can oversee industry-recognized apprenticeship programs. The Secretary would have to make the recognition process flexible and low burden. The Secretary would be prohibited from denying recognition to an entity that meets the law's requirements and completes the process.

New rules for industry apprenticeship programs

If enacted, an industry-recognized apprenticeship program would be a high-quality, competency-based program that a recognized standards entity approves. Such programs could be run by trade groups, employers, colleges, unions, nonprofits, or similar groups. Standards would have to require paid work, on-the-job learning, mentorship, classroom instruction, a written development plan and apprenticeship agreement, safety and supervision, and an industry-recognized credential during or after completion. The standards would have to be set not later than 1 year after enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

James, John [R-MI-10]

MI • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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