Apprenticeships Provide a Pathway to Rebuilding America

by Mitch Coopes, Government Relations Senior Specialist, Goodwill Industries International 

For many American workers, participation in an apprenticeship program offers an invaluable pathway to a rewarding career with good wages. Local Goodwill organizations have a long history of partnering with employers and community colleges to facilitate innovative apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. These structured earn-and-learn models combine occupational training, classroom instruction, access to support services, and opportunities for paid work experience with employers that prepare program participants, particularly those facing barriers to employment, for long-term career success.

In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week 2021, President Biden remarked on the important role that apprenticeships play in building a skilled workforce. “During National Apprenticeship Week, we highlight how this quality industry and worker-driven training model provides a critical talent pipeline and a means to strengthen our workforce and address our Nation’s pressing challenges—from rebuilding our country’s infrastructure to protecting against cybersecurity threats,” said Biden.

The President also spent the week touting the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which he signed into law on Monday. The bill provides significant investments in upgrading physical infrastructure, expanding access to broadband to underserved communities, supporting digital equity, and promoting energy efficient improvements to buildings—including nonprofit facilities.

Going forward, the country will need a qualified workforce that can fill jobs in construction, skilled trades, and other infrastructure-related industries, so lawmakers on Capitol Hill continue their negotiations on legislation that would provide further investments in our human infrastructure. Thanks to the efforts of Goodwill advocates, the House reconciliation bill, known as the Build Back Better Act, proposes tens of billions of dollars in funding for workforce development including training at community colleges, promoting sector and industry partnerships, supporting older workers and justice-involved individuals, and expanding high-quality apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.

With the support of public investments in employment, training, and wrap-around services, Goodwill can continue to provide job seekers and career advancers with innovative earn-and-learn programs that will prepare a skilled workforce to rebuild our infrastructure and help ensure a robust and inclusive economic recovery for all Americans.