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119-s-531119th CongressWALLET

American Apprenticeship Act

Sponsored By: Senator Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]

Introduced

Summary

Creates a federal grant program to expand and fund pre-apprenticeship activities and related instruction, aiming to feed more people into registered apprenticeships and boost apprenticeships in industries that use them least. This would also push outreach to youth, minorities, veterans, people with disabilities, and others facing employment barriers.

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  • States would compete for grants to defray costs like tuition, textbooks, equipment, curriculum, and other training needs. The federal share would be 20–50% and administrative costs would be capped at 10%.
  • Individuals in pre-apprenticeships would get classroom and hands-on training that cannot displace paid workers, plus a formal agreement that helps them enter a registered apprenticeship and may secure postsecondary credit for skills earned.
  • The Labor Department would identify in-demand occupations and regions where apprenticeships are underused, and the program would require state coordination with employers, postsecondary institutions, and workforce partners to expand apprenticeships in those fields.

*Would authorize $15.0 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2031, increasing federal spending by that amount during those years.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Rules for pre-apprenticeship programs

This bill would define pre-apprenticeships and set required program rules. Programs would need an industry-aligned curriculum reviewed each year, hands-on and classroom training with safety and supervision, and a rule that training cannot replace paid employees. Programs would need a formal agreement with a qualified apprenticeship sponsor so successful completers can enter the apprenticeship if a seat is available. Agreements should include plans for postsecondary credit where possible.

State grants to fund pre-apprenticeships

This bill would create a competitive grant program for States to help pay pre-apprenticeship and related instruction costs. It would authorize $15 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2031. Grants would cover 20% to 50% of a project’s cost. States must apply with a plan, coordinate with Perkins and WIOA, and use other federal student and veteran aid first. Administrative costs could not exceed 10% of each grant. Programs must have operated at least six months to be eligible. The Secretary would set performance rules and report results to Congress by September 30, 2030.

Which apprenticeships qualify for help

This bill would define a "qualified apprenticeship" as one registered under the National Apprenticeship Act and concentrated in an industry or occupation that makes up less than 10% of apprenticeable occupations or programs. That definition would decide which apprenticeships can get targeted help and grants under the bill.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]

MN • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]

    ME • R

    Sponsored 2/11/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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