Bennet, Khanna Unveil Legislation to Expand Student Apprenticeship Programs

Press Release

Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D) and California U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D) unveiled the Student Apprenticeship Act, legislation to expand apprenticeship programs in Colorado and across the country to grow the nation's skilled workforce and prepare more Americans for a successful career.

"Through paid, hands-on work experience, apprenticeship programs offer an affordable way for students to earn a credential in their chosen career field and for employers to help fill the jobs that our 21st century economy needs," said Bennet. "My legislation would expand apprenticeship opportunities for students so they can graduate able to earn a living wage, not just the minimum wage. This will help grow our workforce and ensure more Coloradans can build career pathways to financial stability."

"To prepare our young people for the 21st century economy, we must recognize that work experience and higher education go hand in hand," said Khanna. "Apprenticeship programs are key to ensuring students are well-trained for a variety of high-paying, high-demand jobs," he added. "We must invest in our workforce if we want to maintain America's global economic leadership."

Even with low national unemployment, 11 million job positions remain vacant due to a lack of domestic talent with the skills companies need. The Student Apprenticeship Act would close the gap between higher education, business and labor by modernizing workforce training and accelerating the growth of registered apprenticeships nationwide.

Bennet and Khanna's Student Apprenticeship Act would:

Promote Collaboration Between Higher Education and Employers

The bill creates a grant program that aligns institutions of higher education, employers, and workforce intermediaries to create apprenticeship opportunities for students.
Create Competitive Grants to Drive Apprenticeships Expansion

The bill supports the expansion of registered apprenticeships by providing institutions of higher education, employers, and workforce intermediaries with funds to offset the costs associated with developing and implementing student-apprenticeships.
Update Federal Work Study Programs

The bill allows apprenticeship programs to qualify as work-study programs so eligible students (who demonstrate financial need) earn additional funds to pay their tuition through work that aligns with their coursework and their intended career path.

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