A group of about 150 Democrats told the Trump administration Monday that it objected to proposed changes to federal apprenticeship programs, a key push by the White House. The lawmakers argued that the proposed changes would divert funds from existing “registered apprenticeship” programs and give too much authority to private sector businesses to influence the programs.
“In sum, this proposed regulation undermines the existing RA system, including the investments States, employers and unions have made across the country, by enabling programs to be created with no Departmental oversight and potentially lower quality standards under the name of ‘apprenticeship,” the lawmakers claimed.
Last month, the White House issued a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding programs under the National Apprenticeship Act. The administration proposed to create “a new program [that] is intended to harness industry expertise and leadership to meet the United States’ skills needs in the twenty-first century.” The proposal calls for the creation of “Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs.” The Democrats argue the proposal would cede too much oversight to the private sector.
The White House is currently gathering public comments on its apprenticeship proposal through the middle of October. A final version of the rule is likely to come sometime next year.
