This morning, Republican Leader of the House Committee on Education and Labor, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), spoke on the House floor to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week and the important role apprenticeships play in connecting students with the skills they need to build a successful life.
Republican Leader Foxx’s remarks as delivered:
“This week, we celebrate the 5th year of National Apprenticeship Week – a week dedicated to showcasing the impact that apprenticeship programs have on preparing Americans for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
“Our nation has seven million unfilled jobs. A 2018 survey of U.S. employers showed that nearly half of all job creators struggle to hire employees with the right skills for the job.
“Apprenticeships offer one of the strongest solutions to closing the skills gap and strengthening the American workforce.
“That is why Republicans on the Education and Labor Committee are committed to expanding apprenticeship opportunities nationwide.
“According to the Department of Labor, 94 percent of apprentices retain employment after completing an apprenticeship program and the average starting salary after completion is $70,000.
“Apprenticeships help integrate the education system with the workforce development system, which allows all students to be better prepared to compete successfully in the 21st century economy.”
