[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2851 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2851
To amend the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly referred to as the
``National Apprenticeship Act''), to expand the national apprenticeship
system to include apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-
apprenticeships registered under such Act and to promote the
furtherance of labor standards necessary to safeguard the welfare of
apprentices, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 25, 2023
Mr. Scott of Virginia (for himself, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Ms. Wilson of
Florida, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Norcross, Mr. Bost, Mr. Pocan, Mr. Carey, Ms.
Leger Fernandez, Mrs. Chavez-DeRemer, Mrs. McBath, Mr. D'Esposito, Mr.
DeSaulnier, Mr. Garbarino, Ms. Stevens, Mr. Johnson of Ohio, Mr.
Sablan, Mr. Joyce of Ohio, Mr. Courtney, Mr. Kean of New Jersey, Mrs.
Hayes, Mr. LaLota, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Lawler, Ms. Adams, Ms.
Malliotakis, Ms. Wild, Mr. Miller of Ohio, Ms. Manning, Mr. Molinaro,
Mr. Takano, Mr. Stauber, Ms. Bonamici, Mrs. Trahan, and Ms. Omar)
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the
Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker,
in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly referred to as the
``National Apprenticeship Act''), to expand the national apprenticeship
system to include apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-
apprenticeships registered under such Act and to promote the
furtherance of labor standards necessary to safeguard the welfare of
apprentices, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Apprenticeship Act of
2023''.
SEC. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take effect
beginning on October 1, 2024.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENT.
The Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly referred to as the ``National
Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.),
is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
``(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the `National
Apprenticeship Act'.
``(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
``Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
``Sec. 2. Definitions.
``Sec. 3. Programs under the national apprenticeship system.
``Sec. 4. Transition provisions.
``Sec. 5. Disaggregation of data.
``Sec. 6. Relation to other laws.
``TITLE I--PROMOTING PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM
``Subtitle A--The Office of Apprenticeship, State Registration Agency
Approval Process, and Interagency Agreement
``Sec. 111. The Office of Apprenticeship.
``Sec. 112. National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships.
``Sec. 113. State apprenticeship agencies and State Offices of
Apprenticeship.
``Sec. 114. Interagency agreement with Department of Education.
``Subtitle B--Process and Standards for the National Apprenticeship
System
``Sec. 121. Occupations suitable for apprenticeship.
``Sec. 122. Quality standards of programs under the national
apprenticeship system.
``Sec. 123. Apprenticeship agreements.
``Sec. 124. Registration of programs under the national apprenticeship
system.
``Subtitle C--Evaluations and Research
``Sec. 131. Program evaluations.
``Sec. 132. National apprenticeship system research.
``Subtitle D--General Provisions
``Sec. 141. Authorization of appropriations.
``TITLE II--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM FOR THE 21ST
CENTURY GRANTS
``Sec. 201. Grant requirements.
``Sec. 202. Uses of funds.
``Sec. 203. Grant evaluations.
``Sec. 204. Authorization of appropriations for grants.
``SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
``In this Act:
``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the
Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship established under
section 111(a).
``(2) Advisory committee.--The term `Advisory Committee'
means the National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships
established under section 112.
``(3) Apprentice.--The term `apprentice' means an
individual who is--
``(A) at least 16 years of age, except where a
higher minimum age standard is otherwise required by
law;
``(B) employed by an employer that sponsors or
participates in an apprenticeship program; and
``(C) a participant of such an apprenticeship
program.
``(4) Apprenticeship agreement.--The term `apprenticeship
agreement' means a written agreement under section 123
between--
``(A) an apprentice, a youth apprentice, or a pre-
apprentice; and
``(B) a sponsor.
``(5) Apprenticeship hub.--The term `apprenticeship hub'
means a regional or sectoral qualified intermediary recognized
by a State apprenticeship agency or a State Office of
Apprenticeship as organizing and providing activities and
services related to the development of programs under the
national apprenticeship system.
``(6) Apprenticeship program.--The term `apprenticeship
program' means a program that meets the standards described in
section 122(b) and is registered under this Act.
``(7) Competency.--The term `competency' means the
attainment of knowledge, skills, and abilities in a subject
area, as specified by an occupational skill standard and
demonstrated by an appropriate written or hands-on proficiency
measurement.
``(8) Department.--The term `Department' means the
Department of Labor.
``(9) Education and training provider.--The term `education
and training provider' means--
``(A) an area career and technical education
school;
``(B) an early college high school;
``(C) an educational service agency;
``(D) a high school;
``(E) a local educational agency or State
educational agency;
``(F) a Tribal educational agency, Tribally
controlled college or university, or Tribally
controlled postsecondary career and technical
institution;
``(G) a postsecondary educational institution;
``(H) a minority-serving institution;
``(I) a provider of adult education and literacy
activities under the Adult Education and Family
Literacy Act (29 U.S.C. 3271 et seq.);
``(J) a local agency administering plans under
title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
720 et seq.), other than section 112 or part C of that
title (29 U.S.C. 732, 741);
``(K) a related instruction provider, including a
qualified intermediary acting as a related instruction
provider as approved by a registration agency;
``(L) a Job Corps center (as defined in section 142
of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3192)); or
``(M) a consortium of entities described in any of
subparagraphs (A) through (L).
``(10) Eligible entity.--
``(A) In general.--The term `eligible entity'
means--
``(i) a program sponsor;
``(ii) a State workforce development board
or State workforce agency, or a local workforce
development board or local workforce
development agency;
``(iii) an education and training provider,
or a consortium thereof;
``(iv) if the applicant is in a State with
a State apprenticeship agency, such State
apprenticeship agency;
``(v) an Indian Tribe or Tribal
organization;
``(vi) an industry or sector partnership, a
group of employers, a trade association, or a
professional association that sponsors or
participates in a program under the national
apprenticeship system;
``(vii) a Governor of a State;
``(viii) a labor organization or joint
labor-management organization; or
``(ix) a qualified intermediary.
``(B) Sponsor requirement.--Not fewer than one
entity under subparagraph (A) shall be the sponsor of a
program under the national apprenticeship system.
``(11) Indian tribe; tribal organization.--The terms
`Indian Tribe' and `Tribal organization' have the meaning given
the terms (without regard to capitalization) in section 4 of
the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25
U.S.C. 5304).
``(12) Interim credential.--The term `interim credential'
means a credential issued by a registration agency, upon
request of the appropriate sponsor, as certification of
competency attainment by a program participant during
participation in a program under the national apprenticeship
system.
``(13) Journeyworker.--The term `journeyworker' means a
worker who has attained a level of skill, abilities, and
competencies recognized within an industry as having mastered
the skills and competencies required for the occupation.
``(14) Minority-serving institution.--The term `minority-
serving institution' means an institution defined in any of
paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).
``(15) National apprenticeship system.--The term `national
apprenticeship system' means the apprenticeship programs, youth
apprenticeship programs, and pre-apprenticeship programs that
are approved by the Office of Apprenticeship and State
apprenticeship agencies.
``(16) National program standards of apprenticeship.--The
term `national program standards of apprenticeship' means a set
of apprenticeship program standards developed and adopted by a
sponsor that--
``(A) are designed for nontraditional
apprenticeship occupations;
``(B) are demonstrably national or multi-State in
their design, suitability, and scope; and
``(C) are registered on a nationwide basis by the
Office of Apprenticeship upon having satisfied the
requirements of this Act.
``(17) Nontraditional apprenticeship population.--The term
`nontraditional apprenticeship population' means a group of
individuals (such as individuals from the same gender, race, or
ethnicity), the members of which--
``(A) comprise fewer than 25 percent of the program
participants in a program under the national
apprenticeship system; or
``(B) comprise a percentage of individuals employed
in an occupation that is lower than the percentage of
the total population comprised by such members, based
on the most recent satisfactory data from the Bureau of
the Census.
``(18) Nontraditional apprenticeship occupation.--
``(A) In general.--The term `nontraditional
apprenticeship occupation' means an occupation in an
industry sector which has an average program
participant rate of fewer than 10 percent for each of
the 5 preceding years.
``(B) Program participant rate.--In this paragraph,
the term `program participant rate', when used with
respect to an occupation in an industry sector, means
the percentage of the total program participants that
participate in a program under the national
apprenticeship system in such occupation.
``(19) Occupation suitable for apprenticeship.--The term
`occupation suitable for apprenticeship' means an occupation
that the Administrator has approved as an occupation suitable
for apprenticeship under section 121.
``(20) Outlying area.--The term `outlying area' means
American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.
``(21) Pre-apprentice.--The term `pre-apprentice' means a
participant in a pre-apprenticeship program.
``(22) Pre-apprenticeship program.--The term `pre-
apprenticeship program' means a training model or program
that--
``(A) prepares individuals for acceptance into an
apprenticeship program;
``(B) meets the standards described in section
122(c); and
``(C) is registered under this Act.
``(23) Program participant.--The term `program participant'
means an apprentice, a pre-apprentice, or a youth apprentice.
``(24) Qualified intermediary.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified
intermediary' means an entity that demonstrates
expertise in building, connecting, sustaining, and
measuring the performance of partnerships described in
subparagraph (B) and serves program participants and
employers by--
``(i) connecting employers to programs
under the national apprenticeship system;
``(ii) assisting in the design and
implementation of such programs, including
curriculum development and delivery for related
instruction;
``(iii) supporting entities, sponsors, or
program administrators in meeting the
registration and reporting requirements of this
Act;
``(iv) providing professional development
activities such as training to mentors;
``(v) supporting the recruitment,
retention, and completion of potential program
participants, including nontraditional
apprenticeship populations and individuals with
barriers to employment;
``(vi) developing and providing
personalized program participant supports,
including by partnering with organizations to
provide access to or referrals for supportive
services and financial advising;
``(vii) providing services, resources, and
supports for development, delivery, expansion,
or improvement of programs under the national
apprenticeship system; or
``(viii) serving as a program sponsor.
``(B) Partnerships.--The term `partnerships
described in subparagraph (B)' means partnerships among
entities involved in, or applying to participate in,
programs under the national apprenticeship system,
including--
``(i) industry or sector partnerships;
``(ii) partnerships among employers, joint
labor-management organizations, labor
organizations, community-based organizations,
industry associations, State or local workforce
development boards, education and training
providers, social service organizations,
economic development organizations, Indian
Tribes or Tribal organizations, one-stop
operators, one-stop partners, or veterans-
service organizations in the State workforce
development system; or
``(iii) partnerships among one or more of
the entities described in clauses (i) and (ii).
``(25) Recognized postsecondary credential.--The term
`recognized postsecondary credential' has the meaning given the
term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3102), except that such term does not include a
certificate of completion of an apprenticeship.
``(26) Registration agency.--The term `registration agency'
means the Office of Apprenticeship or State apprenticeship
agency in a State that is responsible for--
``(A) registering programs under the national
apprenticeship system and program participants in the
State or area covered by such Office or agency; and
``(B) carrying out the responsibilities of
supporting the youth apprenticeship, pre-
apprenticeship, or apprenticeship programs registered
by such Office or agency, including--
``(i) providing technical assistance to
such programs and sponsors of such programs;
and
``(ii) conducting regular quality assurance
assessments and reviews of such programs to
ensure their compliance with the minimum labor
standards and the equal employment opportunity
requirements of Act.
``(27) Related instruction.--The term `related instruction'
means an organized and systematic form of instruction that
meets the requirements of section 122(b)(1)(C).
``(28) Related federal programs.--The term `related Federal
programs' means programs or activities under the following:
``(A) The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), including adult education and
literacy activities under such Act.
``(B) The Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.).
``(C) The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.).
``(D) The Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001 et seq.).
``(E) The Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.).
``(F) Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
U.S.C. 720 et seq.).
``(G) Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965
(42 U.S.C. 3056 et seq.).
``(H) The postsecondary level under the Carl D.
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20
U.S.C. 2302).
``(I) Chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of
1974 (19 U.S.C. 2271 et seq.).
``(J) Chapter 41 of title 38, United States Code.
``(K) Employment and training activities carried
out under the Community Services Block Grant Act (42
U.S.C. 9901 et seq.).
``(L) State unemployment compensation laws (in
accordance with applicable Federal law).
``(M) Section 231 of the Second Chance Act of 2007
(34 U.S.C. 60541).
``(N) Part A of title IV of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
``(O) Employment and training activities carried
out by the Department of Housing and Urban Development,
the Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce,
the Department of Energy, the Department of
Transportation, and the Small Business Administration.
``(P) Section 6(d)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015(d)(4)).
``(Q) Educational assistance programs under
chapters 30 through 36 of title 38, United States Code.
``(29) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Labor.
``(30) Sponsor.--The term `sponsor' means any employer,
joint labor-management organization, trade association,
committee, professional association, labor organization,
education and training provider, or qualified intermediary--
``(A) in whose name a program under the national
apprenticeship system is (or is to be) registered or
approved by a registration agency; and
``(B) that assumes responsibility for the
implementation of such program.
``(31) State.--The term `State'--
``(A) has the meaning given such term in section 3
of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3102); and
``(B) includes each of the outlying areas.
``(32) State apprenticeship agency.--The term `State
apprenticeship agency' means a State agency recognized as a
State apprenticeship agency under section 113.
``(33) State apprenticeship council.--The term `State
apprenticeship council' means an entity established under
section 113(b)(3) to assist the State apprenticeship agency.
``(34) State office of apprenticeship.--The term `State
office of apprenticeship' means the office designated by the
Administrator to administer programs under the national
apprenticeship system in such State and meets the requirements
of section 111(b)(3).
``(35) State or local workforce development boards.--The
terms `State workforce development board' and `local workforce
development board' have the meanings given the terms `State
board' and `local board', respectively, in section 3 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
``(36) State workforce agency.--The term `State workforce
agency' means the State agency with responsibility for
workforce investment activities under chapters 2 and 3 of
subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3121 et seq., 3131 et seq.).
``(37) CTE terms.--The terms `area career and technical
education school', `articulation agreement', `credit transfer
agreement', `postsecondary educational institution', `Tribally
controlled college or university', `Tribally controlled
postsecondary career and technical institution', and `work-
based learning' have the meanings given in section 3 of the
Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20
U.S.C. 2302).
``(38) ESEA terms.--The terms `dual or concurrent
enrollment program', `early college high school', `education
service agency', `high school', `local educational agency',
`paraprofessional', and `State educational agency' have the
meanings given in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
``(39) Tribal educational agency.--The term `Tribal
educational agency' has the meaning given the term in section
6132 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7452).
``(40) WIOA terms.--The terms `career pathway', `dislocated
worker', `in-demand industry sector or occupation', `individual
with a barrier to employment', `industry or sector
partnership', `labor market area', `local area', `one-stop
center', `one-stop operator', `one-stop partner', `supportive
services', and `workforce development system' have the meanings
given in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
``(41) Youth apprentice.--The term `youth apprentice' means
a participant in a youth apprenticeship program.
``(42) Youth apprenticeship program.--The term `youth
apprenticeship program' means a model or program that meets the
standards described in section 122(d) and is registered under
this Act.
``SEC. 3. PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM.
``Any funds appropriated under this Act shall only be used for, or
provided to, programs under the national apprenticeship system,
including any funds awarded for the purposes of grants, contracts,
cooperative agreements, or other agreements, or the development,
implementation, or administration, of programs under the national
apprenticeship system.
``SEC. 4. TRANSITION PROVISIONS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall take such steps as are
necessary to provide for the orderly transition to the authority of
this Act (as amended by the National Apprenticeship Act of 2023) from
any authority under this Act as in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2023.
``(b) Rules and Regulations.--The Secretary of Labor may--
``(1) prescribe, in accordance with chapter 5 of title 5,
United States Code, rules and regulations to carry out this Act
to the extent necessary to administer and ensure compliance
with the requirements of this Act; and
``(2) continue to administer any regulations in effect as
of the date of enactment of the National Apprenticeship Act of
2023 that are not inconsistent with this Act.
``SEC. 5. DISAGGREGATION OF DATA.
``(a) In General.--The disaggregation of data under this Act shall
not be required when the number of program participants in a category
is insufficient to yield statistically reliable information or when the
results would reveal personally identifiable information about a
program participant or would reveal such information when combined with
other released information.
``(b) Exception.--This section shall not apply with respect to the
disaggregation of data for the purposes of research and evaluation
under section 132.
``SEC. 6. RELATION TO OTHER LAWS.
``Nothing in this Act shall invalidate, supersede, or limit the
remedies, rights, and procedures under any Federal, State, or local
law, or the law of any State or political subdivision of any State or
jurisdiction establishing minimum labor standards of apprenticeship or
minimum requirements for equal employment opportunity in connection
with programs under the national apprenticeship system that are more
protective than those established under this Act, including those laws
governing the numeric ratio of apprentices to journeyworkers, the
minimum starting age of an apprentice, the minimum entry wage payable
to a program participant, the minimum number of hours of on-the-job
learning or related instruction required by an apprenticeship program,
and the provision of remedies, rights, and procedures that provides
greater or equal protection for individuals based on race, color,
religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,
age, genetic information, or disability than are afforded by this Act.
``TITLE I--PROMOTING PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM
``Subtitle A--The Office of Apprenticeship, State Registration Agency
Approval Process, and Interagency Agreement
``SEC. 111. THE OFFICE OF APPRENTICESHIP.
``(a) Establishment of the Office of Apprenticeship.--
``(1) In general.--There is established, in the Employment
and Training Administration of the Department of Labor, an
Office of Apprenticeship (referred to in this section as the
`Office'), which shall be directed by an Administrator who has
demonstrated knowledge of the national apprenticeship system
necessary to head the Office to facilitate the administration
of the requirements of this Act and of any regulations issued
under this Act, to coordinate the effective operation of the
national apprenticeship system, and to fulfill and advance the
specific duties and objectives described in this Act.
``(2) Final decision-making authority.--The Office of
Apprenticeship shall retain final decision-making authority on
all matters related to the registration, deregistration, and
operation of programs registered by a registration agency for
Federal purposes.
``(b) Responsibilities.--The Administrator shall be responsible for
the administration of this Act, including:
``(1) Promotion and awareness activities.--The
Administrator shall carry out promotion and awareness
activities, including the following:
``(A) Supporting the development or scaling of
apprenticeship models nationally, promoting the
effectiveness of youth apprenticeship, pre-
apprenticeship, and apprenticeship programs, and
providing promotional materials to State apprenticeship
agencies, State workforce development systems or local
workforce development systems, State educational
agencies or local educational agencies, employers,
trade associations, professional associations, industry
groups, labor organizations, joint labor-management
organizations, education and training providers,
Federal agencies, Federal and State correctional
facilities, veterans-service organizations, and
prospective apprentices in such programs.
``(B) Promoting greater diversity in the national
apprenticeship system including by--
``(i)(I) promoting outreach to
nontraditional apprenticeship populations,
including by engaging schools that participate
in a schoolwide program under section 1114 of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 6314) and minority-serving
institutions;
``(II) disseminating best practices to
recruit nontraditional apprenticeship
populations, women, minorities, long-term
unemployed, individuals with a disability,
individuals recovering from substance abuse
disorders, veterans, military spouses,
individuals experiencing homelessness,
individuals impacted by the criminal or
juvenile justice system, and foster and former
foster youth; and
``(III) engaging small, medium-size, women-
owned, and minority-owned businesses, and
employers in high-skill, high-wage, and in-
demand industry sectors and occupations that
are nontraditional apprenticeship occupations;
and
``(ii) supporting the participation and
retention of apprentices and employers
described in clause (i) in the national
apprenticeship system.
``(2) Technical assistance activities.--The Administrator
shall carry out technical assistance activities, including the
following:
``(A) Providing technical assistance to--
``(i) assist State apprenticeship agencies
and sponsors in complying with the requirements
of this Act, including developing the State
plan in section 113(c), the process and
standards described in subtitle B, and the
evaluation and research requirements described
in subtitle C;
``(ii) receive and resolve comments or
complaints from youth apprentices, pre-
apprentices, or apprentices, sponsors,
employers, State apprenticeship agencies, State
local workforce agencies or local workforce
agencies, State educational agencies or local
educational agencies, qualified intermediaries,
labor organizations, joint labor-management
organizations, or other stakeholders;
``(iii) assist sponsors, employers,
qualified intermediaries, and education and
training or related instruction providers, or
other entities interested in becoming sponsors,
or seeking support for developing programs
under the national apprenticeship system or
effectively carrying out such programs,
including providing assistance for remote or
virtual learning or training, as necessary;
``(iv) assist those applying for or
carrying out grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements under title II, including through
facilitating the sharing of best practices;
``(v) share, through a national
apprenticeship system clearinghouse, high-
quality materials for programs under the
national apprenticeship system, such as related
instruction or training materials, in user-
friendly formats and languages that are easily
accessible, as determined by the Administrator;
and
``(vi) assist State apprenticeship agencies
in establishing or expanding apprenticeship
hubs as is required in section 113(c)(7).
``(B) Cooperating with other Federal agencies for
the promotion and adoption of programs under the
national apprenticeship system, including the--
``(i) Secretary of Education in--
``(I) providing technical
assistance for the development and
implementation of related instruction
under the national apprenticeship
system that is aligned with State
education systems and education and
training providers; and
``(II) supporting the stackability
and portability of academic credit and
credentials earned as part of such
programs, including through
articulation agreements and career
pathways;
``(ii) State workforce development systems
to promote awareness of opportunities under the
national apprenticeship system;
``(iii) Attorney General and the Director
of the Bureau of Prisons in providing technical
assistance for the development and
implementation of related instruction under the
national apprenticeship system that is aligned
with a mentoring program administered by the
Attorney General to--
``(I) support the establishment or
expansion of pre-apprenticeships and
apprenticeship programs to all Federal
correctional institutions;
``(II) share through the national
apprenticeship system clearinghouse
research and best practices for
programs under the national
apprenticeship system in correctional
settings and for individuals impacted
by the criminal and juvenile justice
system;
``(III) provide technical
assistance for State prison systems and
employers seeking to operate or improve
corrections-based pre-apprenticeship or
apprenticeship programs; and
``(IV) support the successful
transition of individuals in
correctional institutions to pre-
apprenticeship or apprenticeship
programs upon exiting from correctional
settings; and
``(iv) Secretary of Health and Human
Services to coordinate with State programs for
temporary assistance to needy families funded
under part A of title VI of the Social Security
Act to promote awareness of opportunities under
the national apprenticeship system for
participants in such State programs.
``(3) State offices of apprenticeship.--
``(A) Establishment of offices.--
``(i) In general.--The Administrator shall
establish and operate a State Office of
Apprenticeship in a State described in clause
(ii) to serve as the registration agency for
such State.
``(ii) Applicable states.--A State
described in this clause is a State--
``(I) in which, as of the day
before the date of enactment of the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2023,
there is no State Office of
Apprenticeship; and
``(II) that has not applied for
recognition as a State apprenticeship
agency under section 113, or for which
such recognition has not provided or
has been withdrawn by the Administrator
under such section.
``(B) State plan requirement.--Each State Office of
Apprenticeship shall be administered by a State
Director who shall prepare and submit a State plan that
meets the requirements of section 113(c).
``(C) Vacancies.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations, in the case of a State Office of
Apprenticeship with a vacant position, the
Administrator shall--
``(i) make information on such vacancy
available on a publicly accessible website; and
``(ii) report to the Committee on Education
and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate,
on the status and length of such vacancy if
such vacancy is not filled not later than 90
days after such position has become vacant.
``(D) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this
paragraph shall be construed to prohibit any State
described in subparagraph (A)(ii) from establishing an
agency or entity to promote programs under the national
apprenticeship system in such State, in coordination
with the State Office of Apprenticeship operating in
the State, so long as such agency or entity does not
act as the registration agency in such State.
``(4) Quality standards, apprenticeship agreement, and
registration review.--In order for the Secretary, acting
through the Administrator, to support the formulation and
furtherance of labor standards necessary to safeguard the
welfare of program participants, and to extend the application
of such standards in apprenticeship agreements, not later than
1 year after the effective date of the National Apprenticeship
Act of 2023, and at least every 3 years thereafter, the
Administrator shall review, and where appropriate, update the
process for meeting the requirements of subtitle B, including
applicable subregulatory guidance and registration processes to
ensure that such process is easily accessible and efficient to
bring together employers and labor as sponsors or potential
sponsors of programs under the national apprenticeship system.
``(5) Occupations suitable for apprenticeship.--
``(A) Existing occupations.--The Administrator
shall regularly review and update the requirements for
each occupation suitable for apprenticeship to ensure
that such requirements are in compliance with
requirements under this Act.
``(B) New occupations.--
``(i) In general.--The Administrator
shall--
``(I) review each application
submitted under section 121(a) seeking
approval for an occupation to be an
occupation suitable for apprenticeship;
and
``(II) not later than 45 days after
receipt of such application, make a
determination in accordance with
section 121 on whether to provide such
approval.
``(ii) Estimated timeline.--If the
Administrator does not make a determination
under clause (i)(II) within 45 days of receipt
of the application under section 121(a), the
Administrator shall provide the applicant
with--
``(I) a written explanation for the
delay; and
``(II) an estimated timeline for a
determination that does not exceed 90
days after the date of such written
explanation.
``(C) National occupational standards.--
``(i) In general.--From the funds
appropriated under section 141(a), the
Administrator shall convene, on an ongoing
basis and taking into consideration
recommendations of the Advisory Committee under
section 112(d)(4), the industry sector leaders
and experts described in clause (ii) for the
purposes of establishing or updating specific
frameworks of national occupational standards
for occupations suitable for apprenticeship
(including potential occupations) that--
``(I) meet the requirements of this
Act; and
``(II) describe program scope and
length, related instruction, on-the-job
training, recognized postsecondary
credentials, and competencies, and
relevant timelines for review of such
frameworks.
``(ii) Industry sector leaders and
experts.--
``(I) In general.--Subject to
subclause (II), the industry sector
leaders and experts described in this
clause are employers, industry
associations, joint labor-management
organizations, labor organizations,
education and training providers,
credential providers, program
participants, national qualified
intermediaries, including those
supporting increased participation of
nontraditional apprenticeship
populations and nontraditional
apprenticeship occupations, and other
stakeholders relevant to the sector or
occupation for which the frameworks are
being established or updated, as
determined by the Administrator.
``(II) Work related to sector 23 of
the north american industry
classification system.--In the case of
an occupation or sector that performs
work in sector 23 of the North American
Industry Classification System, not
fewer than half of the industry sector
leaders and experts involved in
establishing or updating the applicable
frameworks under clause (i) with
respect to such occupation or sector
shall be representatives of labor
organizations who represent employees
primarily in the building trades and
construction industry, or joint labor-
management organizations who have
responsibility for the administration
of an apprenticeship program in the
building trades and construction
industry.
``(iii) Priority national occupations
suitable for apprenticeship.--In establishing
frameworks under clause (i) for the first time
after the effective date of the National
Apprenticeship Act of 2023, the Administrator
shall prioritize the establishment of such
standards in high-skill, high-wage, or in-
demand industry sectors and occupations.
``(D) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of the enactment of the National Apprenticeship
Act of 2023, the Secretary shall issue proposed
regulations for public comment that outline a process
for proactively establishing and approving standards
and requirements for occupations suitable for
apprenticeship in consultation with the industry sector
leaders and experts described in subparagraph (C)(ii).
``(E) Nontraditional apprenticeship populations.--
The Administrator shall regularly evaluate the
participation of the nontraditional apprenticeship
populations for each occupation suitable for
apprenticeship, such as women, minorities, long-term
unemployed, individuals with a disability, individuals
with substance abuse issues, veterans, military
spouses, individuals experiencing homelessness,
individuals impacted by the criminal or juvenile
justice system, and foster and former foster youth.
``(6) Program oversight and evaluation.--The Administrator
shall--
``(A) monitor State apprenticeship agencies, State
Offices of Apprenticeship, grantees, and sponsors of
programs under the national apprenticeship system to
ensure compliance with the requirements of this Act;
``(B) provide technical assistance to assist such
entities with such compliance or program performance;
``(C) conduct research and evaluation in accordance
with subtitle C; and
``(D) require regular reports on the performance of
state agencies, including on efforts state agencies
make to increase employer awareness of apprenticeship
programs for employers who have not participated.
``(7) Promoting diversity in the national apprenticeship
system.--The Administrator shall promote diversity and ensure
equal opportunity to participate in programs for apprentices,
youth apprentices, and pre-apprentices, including--
``(A) taking steps necessary to promote diversity
in occupations suitable for apprenticeship under the
national apprenticeship system, especially in high-
skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors and
occupations in areas with high percentages of low-
income individuals;
``(B) ensuring programs under the national
apprenticeship system--
``(i) adopt and implement the policies and
programs described in part 30 of title 29, Code
of Federal Regulations (as in effect on January
1, 2024); and
``(ii) are subject, for any violation of
clause (i), to enforcement action under this
Act; and
``(C) supporting the recruitment, employment, and
retention of nontraditional apprenticeship populations
in programs under the national apprenticeship system in
high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors
and occupations, including women, people of color,
individuals with disabilities, low-income participants
in related Federal programs, individuals impacted by
the criminal and juvenile justice system, and
individuals with barriers to employment, as applicable.
``(8) Grant awards.--The Administrator shall award grants,
contracts, cooperative agreements, or other agreements under
title II.
``(9) National advisory committee.--The Administrator
shall--
``(A) regularly consult with the National Advisory
Committee on Apprenticeships under section 112; and
``(B) ensure that the required recommendations and
other reports of the Advisory Committee are submitted
to the Secretary and transmitted to the Committee on
Education and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
``(10) Coordination.--The Administrator shall coordinate
and align programs under the national apprenticeship system
with related Federal programs, to better promote participation
in the national apprenticeship program.
``(c) Information Collection and Dissemination.--The Administrator
shall provide for data collection and dissemination of information
regarding programs under the national apprenticeship system,
including--
``(1) not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment
of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2023, establishing and
supporting a single information technology infrastructure to
support data collection and reporting from State apprenticeship
agencies, State Offices of Apprenticeship, grantees under title
II, program sponsors, and program administrators under the
national apprenticeship system by providing for a data
infrastructure that--
``(A) is developed and maintained by the
Administrator, with input from national data and
privacy experts, is informed by best practices on
public provision of credential information, and to the
extent practicable, aligns with the technology
infrastructure for related Federal programs, such as
the technology infrastructure used under the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et
seq.);
``(B) best meets the needs of the national
apprenticeship system stakeholders reporting data to
the Administrator or State apprenticeship agencies,
including through the provision of technical assistance
and financial assistance as necessary to ensure
reporting systems are equipped to report into a single
information technology infrastructure; and
``(C) is aligned with data from the performance
reviews under section 131(b)(1)(A);
``(2) providing for data sharing that includes making
nonpersonally identifiable apprenticeship data available on a
publicly accessible website that is consumer tested and is
searchable and comparable, through the use of common, linked,
open-data description language, such as the credential
transparency description language or a substantially similar
resource, so that interested parties can become aware of
apprenticeship opportunities and of program outcomes that best
meets the needs of youth apprentices, pre-apprentices, and
apprentices, employers, education and training providers,
program sponsors, and relevant stakeholders, including--
``(A) information on program offerings under the
national apprenticeship system based on geographical
location and occupations suitable for apprenticeship;
``(B) information on education and training
providers providing opportunities under such system,
including whether programs under such system offer dual
or concurrent enrollment programs, articulation
agreements, and recognized postsecondary credentials as
part of the program offerings;
``(C) information about the educational and
occupational credentials and related competencies of
programs under such system; and
``(D) information based on the most recent data
available to the Office that is consistent with
national standards and practices.
``SEC. 112. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON APPRENTICESHIPS.
``(a) Establishment.--
``(1) In general.--There is established, in the Department
of Labor, a National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships.
``(2) Composition.--
``(A) Appointments.--The Advisory Committee shall
consist of 27 voting members described in subparagraph
(B) appointed by the Secretary.
``(B) List of individuals.--The individuals
described in this subparagraph are--
``(i) 9 representatives of employers or
industry associations who participate in an
apprenticeship program (at least 1 of which
represents a women, minority, or veteran-owned
business), including representatives of
employers representing nontraditional
apprenticeship occupations, and other high-
skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors
or occupations, as applicable;
``(ii) 9 representatives of labor
organizations or joint labor-management
organizations who have responsibility for the
administration of an apprenticeship program
(including those sponsored by a joint labor-
management organization and from nontraditional
apprenticeship occupations), at least 1 of
which represent employees primarily in the
building trades and construction industry; and
``(iii) 1 representative of each from--
``(I) a State apprenticeship
agency;
``(II) a State or local workforce
development board with significant
expertise in supporting a program under
the national apprenticeship system;
``(III) a community organization
with significant expertise supporting
such a program;
``(IV) an area career and technical
education school or local educational
agency;
``(V) a State apprenticeship
council;
``(VI) a State or local
postsecondary education and training
provider that administers, or has not
less than 1 articulation agreement with
an entity administering, a program
under the national apprenticeship
system;
``(VII) a provider of an industry-
recognized credential;
``(VIII) a national qualified
intermediary, including a national
qualified intermediary that supports
increased participation of
nontraditional apprenticeship
populations and nontraditional
apprenticeship occupations; and
``(IX) a program participant.
``(C) Ex officio nonvoting members.--The Advisory
Committee shall consist of ex officio nonvoting members
from each of the following departments, selected by the
applicable Secretary--
``(i) the Department of Labor;
``(ii) the Department of Commerce;
``(iii) the Department of Education;
``(iv) the Department of Energy;
``(v) the Department of Housing and Urban
Development;
``(vi) the Department of Transportation;
``(vii) the Department of Veterans Affairs;
``(viii) the Department of Health and Human
Services;
``(ix) the Department of Justice;
``(x) the Department of Defense; and
``(xi) the Federal Communications
Commission.
``(D) Recommendations.--The Speaker of the House of
Representatives, the minority leader of the House of
Representatives, the majority leader of the Senate, and
the minority leader of the Senate may each recommend to
the Secretary an individual described in clause (i) or
(ii) of subparagraph (B) for appointment under
subparagraph (A) who shall be subject to the
requirements of paragraph (3).
``(3) Qualifications.--An individual shall be selected
under paragraph (1) on the basis of the experience and
competence of such individual with respect to programs under
the national apprenticeship system.
``(4) Terms.--
``(A) In general.--Each voting member of the
Advisory Committee shall be appointed for a term of 3
years, except as provided in subparagraphs (B) through
(D).
``(B) Terms of initial appointees.--
``(i) In general.--The appointments of the
initial members of the Advisory Committee shall
be made not later than 6 months after the
effective date of the National Apprenticeship
Act of 2023.
``(ii) Staggering of terms.--As designated
by the Secretary at the time of the
appointment, of the members first appointed--
``(I) one-third of such members
shall serve a 1-year term;
``(II) one-third of such members
shall serve a 2-year term; and
``(III) one-third of such members
shall serve a 3-year term.
``(C) Vacancies.--Any member appointed to fill a
vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for
which the member's predecessor was appointed shall be
appointed only for the remainder of that term. A member
may serve after the expiration of that member's term
until a successor has taken office. A vacancy in the
Advisory Committee shall be filled in the manner in
which the original appointment was made, except that
such appointment shall be made not later than 90 days
after the date of the vacancy. A member who fulfilled a
partial term as the result of a vacancy may, at the end
of that term, be appointed to a full term.
``(D) Multiple terms.--A voting member of the
Advisory Committee may serve not more than 2 full terms
on the Advisory Committee.
``(E) Subcommittees.--The Secretary may establish
subcommittees under the Advisory Committee, which shall
be composed in equal number of representatives from
individuals listed in subclauses (I), (II), and (III)
of subparagraph (B)(ii) to carry out specific functions
related to the purposes of the Advisory Committee, and
provide recommendations to the Advisory Committee for
the review and consideration of the Advisory Committee,
and which may meet, as appropriate, when the Advisory
Committee is not meeting in accordance with subsection
(c).
``(b) Chairperson.--The Secretary shall designate one of the voting
members described in subsection (a)(2)(A) of the Advisory Committee to
serve as Chairperson of the Advisory Committee.
``(c) Meetings.--
``(1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall meet at the
call of the Secretary and shall hold not fewer than 4 meetings
during each calendar year. The Secretary shall consult with the
Chairperson in developing the agenda for the meeting.
``(2) Open access.--All meetings of the Advisory Committee
shall be open to the public. A transcript shall be kept of each
meeting and made available for public inspection within 30 days
of the meeting.
``(d) Duties.--The Advisory Committee shall, at a minimum--
``(1) advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the
Secretary on matters relating to the administration of this
Act, including recommendations on regulations and policies
related to the administration of this Act;
``(2) annually prepare a set of recommendations for the
Secretary, to be shared with the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, to
improve the registration process under subtitle B to make the
process easily accessible and efficient for use by sponsors
while maintaining the requirements under subtitle B;
``(3) make recommendations on expanding participation of
nontraditional apprenticeship populations in programs under the
national apprenticeship system;
``(4) review occupations suitable for apprenticeship and,
based on reviews of labor market trends and changes, make
recommendations to the Secretary on whether to--
``(A) update the list of occupations suitable for
apprenticeship under section 111(b)(5)(A); or
``(B) convene sector leaders and experts under
section 111(b)(5)(C) for establishing specific
frameworks of national occupational standards; and
``(5) make recommendations on the development of
demonstrations projects as described in section 132(f).
``(e) Personnel.--
``(1) Compensation of members.--
``(A) In general.--A member of the Advisory
Committee who is not an officer or employee of the
Federal Government shall be compensated at a rate equal
to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay
prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under
section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each
day (including travel time) during which the member is
engaged in the performance of the duties of the
Advisory Committee.
``(B) Officers or employees of the united states.--
Members of the Advisory Committee who are officers or
employees of the United States may not receive
additional pay, allowances, or benefits by reason of
their service on the Advisory Committee.
``(2) Staff.--The Secretary shall supply the Advisory
Committee with an executive Secretary and provide such
secretarial, clerical, and other services as the Secretary
determines to be necessary to enable the Advisory Committee to
carry out the duties described in subsection (d).
``(3) Data requests.--The Advisory Committee through its
Chairperson may request data from the Secretary as determined
necessary by the Advisory Committee to carry out its functions
as described in this section.
``(f) Permanent Committee.--Chapter 10 of title 5, United States
Code (commonly known as the `Federal Advisory Committee Act') (other
than section 1013 of such chapter) shall apply to the Advisory
Committee.
``SEC. 113. STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCIES AND STATE OFFICES OF
APPRENTICESHIP.
``(a) Recognition of State Apprenticeship Agencies.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall recognize a
State agency as a State apprenticeship agency in accordance
with this section and cooperate with such State apprenticeship
agency regarding the formulation and promotion of standards of
apprenticeship under subtitle B.
``(2) Application.--A State desiring to have a State agency
recognized as a State apprenticeship agency under this section
shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Administrator may require,
including--
``(A) the initial State plan described in
subsection (c)(2)(A)(i);
``(B) a description of how the State apprenticeship
agency will meet the State plan requirements of
subsection (c); and
``(C) a description of the linkages and
coordination of the State's proposed standards,
criteria, and requirements with the State's economic
development strategies and workforce development system
and the State's secondary, postsecondary, and adult
education systems.
``(3) Review and recognition.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 6 months after
the date on which a State submits an application under
paragraph (2), the Secretary shall notify the State
regarding whether the agency of the State is recognized
as a State apprenticeship agency under this section.
``(B) Duration of recognition.--
``(i) Duration.--The recognition of a State
apprenticeship agency shall be for a 4-year
period beginning on the date the State
apprenticeship agency is notified under
subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Notification.--
``(I) In general.--The Secretary
shall notify a State apprenticeship
agency not later than 180 days before
the last day of the 4-year period
regarding whether the State
apprenticeship agency is in compliance
with this section.
``(II) Compliance.--In the case of
a State apprenticeship agency that is
in compliance with this section, the
agency's recognition under this section
shall be renewed for an additional 4-
year period and the notification under
subclause (I) shall include
notification of such renewal.
``(III) Noncompliance.--In the case
of a State apprenticeship agency that
is not in compliance with this section,
the notification shall--
``(aa) specify the areas of
noncompliance;
``(bb) require corrective
action; and
``(cc) offer technical
assistance.
``(iii) Renewal after correction.--If the
Administrator determines that a State
apprenticeship agency has corrected the
identified areas of noncompliance under this
subparagraph not later than 180 days of
notification of noncompliance, the State
apprenticeship agency's recognition under this
section shall be renewed for an additional 4-
year period.
``(C) Transition period for state agencies.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than 1 year
after the effective date of the National
Apprenticeship Act of 2023, a State agency
that, as of the day before the date of
enactment of such Act, was recognized by the
Secretary for purposes of registering
apprenticeship programs in accordance with this
Act shall submit an application under paragraph
(2).
``(ii) Transition period.--A State agency
described in clause (i) shall be recognized as
a State apprenticeship agency under this
section for a 4-year period beginning on the
date on which the Secretary approves the
application submitted by the State agency under
paragraph (2).
``(b) Authority of a State Apprenticeship Agency.--
``(1) In general.--For the period during which a State
apprenticeship agency is recognized under subsection (a) and to
maintain such recognition, the State apprenticeship agency
shall carry out the requirements of this Act.
``(2) Program registration.--With respect to a State with a
State apprenticeship agency, the State apprenticeship agency
shall have authority to register a pre-apprenticeship, youth
apprenticeship, or apprenticeship program in such State, which
shall include--
``(A) determining whether such program is in
compliance with the standards for such program under
section 122;
``(B) in the case of such a program that is in
compliance with such standards, registering the program
and providing a certificate of registration for such
program in accordance with section 124;
``(C) providing technical assistance to current or
potential sponsors; and
``(D) in the case of such a program that fails to
meet the requirements of this Act, providing for the
deregistration of the program in accordance with
section 131(c).
``(3) State apprenticeship council.--
``(A) In general.--A State apprenticeship agency
shall establish and maintain a State apprenticeship
council, which shall operate under the direction and
control of the State apprenticeship agency, and whose
functions shall include providing the State
apprenticeship agency with advice, recommendations, and
reports concerning apprenticeship policies,
regulations, and trends.
``(B) Composition.--A State apprenticeship council
may be regulatory or advisory in nature, and shall--
``(i) be composed of persons familiar with
occupations suitable for apprenticeship; and
``(ii) be fairly balanced, with an equal
number of--
``(I) representatives of employer
organizations, including from
nontraditional apprenticeship
occupations;
``(II) representatives of labor
organizations or joint labor-management
organizations, including from
nontraditional apprenticeship
occupations; and
``(III) public members; and
``(iii) to the extent practicable, have not
less than 1 member who is a member of the State
workforce board.
``(C) Special rule.--A State apprenticeship council
may make recommendations on a sponsor's application for
program registration, but shall not make final
determinations on approval or disapproval of such
application.
``(c) State Plan.--
``(1) In general.--For a State apprenticeship agency to be
eligible to receive allotments under subsection (f) and to be
recognized under this section, the State apprenticeship agency
shall submit to the Secretary a State plan that meets the
requirements of this subsection.
``(2) Approval of state plan.--
``(A) Submission.--
``(i) Initial plan.--The first State plan
of a State apprenticeship agency shall contain
the contents required under this subsection,
including the plan to promote diversity in the
national apprenticeship system as described in
paragraph (5), and shall be submitted to the
Administrator not later than 120 days prior to
the commencement of the first full program year
of the State apprenticeship agency, which shall
include--
``(I) a description of any State
laws, policies, or operational
procedures relating to the process of
registering programs under the national
apprenticeship system that is
inconsistent with, or imposes
requirements in addition to, the
requirements of this Act;
``(II) an assurance that the State
will notify the Administrator if there
are any changes to the State laws
(including regulations), policies, or
procedures described in subclause (I)
that occur after the date of submission
of such plan; and
``(III) an assurance that the State
will make available on a publicly
available website a description of any
laws (including regulations), policies,
and operational procedures relating to
the process of registering programs
under the national apprenticeship
system that are inconsistent with, or
impose requirements in addition to, the
requirements of this Act.
``(ii) Subsequent plans.--Except as
provided in clause (i), a State plan shall be
submitted to the Administrator not later than
120 days prior to the end of the 4-year period
covered by the preceding State plan.
``(B) Approval.--A State plan shall be subject to
the approval of the Administrator and shall be
considered to be approved at the end of the 90-day
period beginning on the date that the plan is submitted
under this paragraph, unless the Administrator, during
the 90-day period, provides the State apprenticeship
agency, in writing--
``(i) an explanation for why the State plan
is inconsistent with the requirements of this
Act; and
``(ii) an opportunity for an appeal of such
determination to an Administrative Law Judge
for the Department of Labor not later than 30
days after receipt of the notice of denial from
the Administrator.
``(C) Modifications.--
``(i) Modifications.--At the end of the
first 2-year period of any 4-year State plan,
the State may submit modifications to the State
plan to reflect changes in labor market and
economic conditions or other factors affecting
the implementation of the State plan.
``(ii) Approval.--A modified State plan
submitted for review under clause (i) shall be
subject to the approval requirements described
in subparagraph (B).
``(3) Technical assistance.--Each State Plan shall describe
how the State apprenticeship agency will provide technical
assistance for--
``(A) potential sponsors, employers, labor
organizations, joint labor-management organizations,
qualified intermediaries, apprentices, education and
training providers, credentialing bodies, eligible
entities, industry associations, or any potential
program participant in the national apprenticeship
system in the State for the purposes of recruitment,
retention, program development, expansion, or
implementation, including supporting remote or virtual
learning or training, as necessary;
``(B) sponsors of programs registered in the State,
including sponsors that are not meeting performance
goals under subtitle C, for purposes of assisting
sponsors in meeting or exceeding such goals; and
``(C) sponsors of programs registered in that State
for purposes of assisting such sponsors in achieving
State goals in diversity and equal opportunity in
apprenticeships in accordance with paragraph (5).
``(4) Reciprocity.--Each State plan shall describe the
process for the State apprenticeship agency to register in the
State any apprenticeship program that is seeking to be
registered in such State, and that is registered in another
State or that meets the national program standards of
apprenticeship, including a description of the process for--
``(A) the program sponsor of such apprenticeship
program to request that the State apprenticeship agency
register such program in the State of the State
apprenticeship agency; and
``(B) the State apprenticeship agency to register
such program by not later than 90 days after receiving
the request for such registration under subparagraph
(A) only if, after consultation with the State
Apprenticeship Council, the agency determines that such
program will, as of the date on which the agency
registers such program--
``(i) provide not less than the wages,
overtime pay, fringe benefits, and hours of on-
the-job learning and related classroom-based
instruction that are required for
apprenticeship programs registered in the
State; and
``(ii) in the case of a program that is
determined by the Secretary to be in a high-
hazard occupation, meet the numeric ratio
requirement of apprentices to supervisors (such
as journeyworkers, mentors, or on-the-job
learning instructors, as applicable) that is at
least as protective with regard to health,
safety, and supervision as such numeric ratio
requirement for apprenticeship programs
registered in the State.
``(5) Promoting diversity in the national apprenticeship
system.--Each State plan shall include a plan for how the State
apprenticeship agency will--
``(A) promote diversity in occupations suitable for
apprenticeship offered throughout the State, and a
description of how such agency will promote the
addition of such occupations in high-skill, high-wage,
or in-demand industry sectors and occupations, and in
nontraditional apprenticeship occupations; and
``(B) promote diversity and equal opportunity in
programs under the national apprenticeship system by
uniformly adopting and implementing the requirements of
subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 111(b)(7).
``(6) Complaints.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
each State plan shall include a description of the
system for the State apprenticeship agency to receive
and resolve complaints submitted by program
participants, the program participant's authorized
representative, sponsors, employers, or nonprofit
compliance organizations, such as complaints concerning
equal employment opportunity or discrimination,
violations of the apprenticeship agreement, or
violations of requirements under this Act.
``(B) Collective bargaining agreements.--Any
controversy arising under an apprenticeship agreement
which is covered by a collective bargaining agreement
shall not be subject to the system described in
subparagraph (A), except that complaints concerning
discrimination or any matters described in subparagraph
(5)(B) shall be subject to such system.
``(7) State apprenticeship hubs.--Each State plan shall
describe how the State will support, in a manner that takes
into consideration geographic diversity, the creation and
implementation of apprenticeship hubs throughout the State that
shall work with industry and sector partnerships to expand
programs under the national apprenticeship system, and
occupations suitable for apprenticeship, in the State.
``(8) State apprenticeship performance outcomes.--Each
State plan shall--
``(A) in coordination with the Administrator,
establish annual State performance goals for the
programs registered by the State apprenticeship agency
for the indicators described--
``(i) in subparagraph (A) of section
131(b)(1); and
``(ii) in subparagraph (B)(ii) of section
131(b)(1);
``(B) describe how the State apprenticeship agency
will collect performance data from programs registered
by the agency; and
``(C) annually report on the outcomes of each such
program in relation to the State-established goals
under subparagraph (A).
``(9) Uses of funds.--Each State plan shall include a
description of the uses described in subsection (d) of the
allotment received by the State apprenticeship agency under
subsection (f).
``(10) Alignment of workforce activities.--Each State plan
shall include a summary of State-supported workforce
development activities (including education and training) in
the State, including--
``(A) a summary of the apprenticeship programs on
the list of eligible providers of training services
under section 122(d) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3152(d));
``(B) the degree to which the programs under the
national apprenticeship system in the State are aligned
with and address the skill needs of the employers in
the State identified by the State workforce development
board; and
``(C) a description of how apprenticeship programs
will receive expedited consideration to be included on
the list of eligible providers of training services
under section 122(d) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3152(d)).
``(11) State strategic vision.--Each State plan shall
include a summary of the State's strategic vision and set of
goals for preparing an educated and skilled workforce and for
meeting the skilled workforce needs of employers, including in
existing and emerging in-demand industry sectors and
occupations as identified by the State, and how the programs
registered by the State apprenticeship agency in the State will
help to meet such goals.
``(12) Strategy for any joint planning, alignment,
coordination, and leveraging of funds.--Each State plan shall
provide a description of the State apprenticeship agency's
strategy for joint planning, alignment, coordination, and
leveraging of funds--
``(A) with the State's workforce development
system, to achieve the strategic vision and goals
described in paragraph (11), including the core
programs defined in section 3 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102) and the
elements related to system alignment under section
102(b)(2)(B) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 3112(b)(2)(B));
``(B) for programs under the national
apprenticeship system in the State with other Federal
education programs, including programs under--
``(i) the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965;
``(ii) the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act;
``(iii) the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006; and
``(iv) the Higher Education Act of 1965;
and
``(C) to provide information about access to
available State assistance or assistance under related
Federal programs, including such assistance under--
``(i) section 6(d) of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008;
``(ii) subsection (c)(1) of section 3672 of
title 38, United States Code;
``(iii) section 231 of the Second Chance
Act of 2007 (34 U.S.C. 60541); and
``(iv) the State Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families programs under part A of title
IV of the Social Security Act.
``(13) State apprenticeship council.--Each State plan shall
provide for a description of the composition, roles, and
responsibility of the State apprenticeship council, and how the
Council will comply with the requirements of subsection (b)(3).
``(d) State Apprenticeship Agency Funding.--A State apprenticeship
agency shall use funds received under clauses (i) and (ii) of
subsection (f)(1)(A) according to the following requirements:
``(1) Program administration.--The State apprenticeship
agency shall use such funds to support the administration of
programs under the national apprenticeship system across the
State, including for--
``(A) staff and resources;
``(B) oversight and evaluation as required under
this Act;
``(C) technical assistance to program sponsors,
program participants, employers, labor organizations,
joint labor-management organizations, education and
training providers, and qualified intermediaries;
``(D) pre-apprenticeship, youth, and apprenticeship
program recruitment and development, including for--
``(i) engaging potential providers of such
programs such as employers, qualified
intermediaries, related instruction providers,
and potential program participants;
``(ii) publicizing apprenticeship
opportunities and benefits; and
``(iii) engaging State workforce and
education systems for collaboration and
alignment across systems;
``(E) supporting the enrollment and apprenticeship
certification requirements to allow veterans and other
individuals eligible for the educational assistance
programs under chapters 30 through 36 of title 38,
United States Code, and any related educational
assistance programs under laws administered by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to use such assistance
for the apprenticeship program, including the
requirement of designating a certifying official; and
``(F) supporting the retention and completion of
program participants in such programs, such as by
assisting with the costs--
``(i) related to enrolling in such
programs; or
``(ii) of assessments related to obtaining
a recognized postsecondary credential.
``(2) Educational alignment.--The State apprenticeship
agency shall use not less than 10 percent of such funds to
engage with the State education system to provide technical
assistance and best practices regarding--
``(A) alignment of youth apprenticeship programs
with the secondary education programs in the State,
including support for career exploration, career
pathways, education and career planning, and engagement
with youth apprenticeship programs for teachers, career
guidance and academic counselors, school leaders,
administrators, and specialized instructional support
personnel and paraprofessionals;
``(B) alignment of related instruction provided
under the national apprenticeship system in the State
with academic credit granting postsecondary programs
(including developing career pathways, articulation
agreements, and prior learning assessments); and
``(C) the joint planning, alignment, coordination,
and leveraging of funds described in subparagraphs (B)
and (C) of subsection (c)(12).
``(3) Workforce alignment.--The State apprenticeship agency
shall use not less than 10 percent of such funds to engage with
the State workforce development system to provide technical
assistance and best practices regarding--
``(A) alignment with the State's workforce
activities and strategic vision in accordance with
paragraphs (10), (11), and subparagraphs (A) and (C) of
paragraph (12) of subsection (c);
``(B) guidance for training staff of the workforce
development system, including the vocational
rehabilitation agencies, within the State on the value
of programs under the national apprenticeship system as
a work-based learning option for participants,
including participants of programs authorized under the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3101 et seq.) such as Job Corps under subtitle C of
title I of such Act and YouthBuild under section 171 of
such Act;
``(C) providing a list of programs under the
national apprenticeship system that are offered in the
State, including in the State's high-skill, high-wage,
or in-demand industry sectors or occupations;
``(D) alignment of funding received and reporting
required under this Act, including relevant placement,
retention, and earnings information, with the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et
seq.), and technical assistance in how individual
training accounts under section 134(c)(3) of such Act
could be used to pay for the costs of enrolling and
participating in programs under the national
apprenticeship system;
``(E) partnerships with State or local workforce
development boards, State workforce agencies, and one-
stop centers and one-stop operators that assist program
participants in accessing supportive services to
support--
``(i) the recruitment, retention, and
completion of programs under the national
apprenticeship system, including the
recruitment of nontraditional populations and
dislocated workers;
``(ii) transitions from youth
apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships to
apprenticeship programs; and
``(iii) the placement into employment or
further education upon program completion; and
``(F) expanding the list of eligible providers of
training services under section 122(d) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act to include programs
under the national apprenticeship system in the State
(29 U.S.C. 3152(d)).
``(4) Leadership activities.--
``(A) In general.--A State apprenticeship agency
may reserve not more than 15 percent of the funds
received under subsection (f) in support of State
apprenticeship initiatives described in this paragraph.
``(B) Diversity.--Not less than 5 percent of the
amount reserved under subparagraph (A) shall be used by
the State apprenticeship agency for supporting and
expanding diversity in occupations suitable for
apprenticeship under the national apprenticeship system
in the State and program participant populations in the
State.
``(C) Incentives for employers.--A State
apprenticeship agency may use funds reserved under
subparagraph (A) to incentivize employers to
participate in programs under the national
apprenticeship system, such as costs related to program
development, staffing for mentors and supervisors,
related instruction, or the creation of industry or
sector partnerships to support employer participation.
``(D) State-specific initiatives.--A State
apprenticeship agency may use funds reserved under
subparagraph (A) for State-specific initiatives, such
as the development or expansion of youth apprenticeship
programs or apprenticeship programs in high-skill,
high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors and
occupations.
``(5) State match for federal investment.--
``(A) In general.--Except in the case of
exceptional circumstances, as determined by the
Administrator, in order to receive a full allotment
under subsection (f), a State apprenticeship agency
shall use matching funds from non-Federal resources to
carry out the activities of the agency under this Act
in an amount not less than 25 percent of such
allotment.
``(B) Transition period.--The requirement under
this paragraph shall take effect with respect to a
State apprenticeship agency on the date that is 1 day
after the date on which the transition period for such
agency under subsection (a)(3)(C)(ii) ends.
``(e) Derecognition of State Apprenticeship Agencies.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may withdraw recognition
of a State apprenticeship agency before the end of the agency's
4-year recognition period under subsection (a)(2)(B) if the
Secretary determines, after notice and an opportunity for a
hearing, that the State apprenticeship agency has failed for
one of the reasons described in paragraph (2), and has not been
in compliance with the performance improvement plan under
paragraph (3) to remedy such failure.
``(2) Derecognition criteria.--The recognition of a State
apprenticeship agency under this section may be withdrawn under
paragraph (1) in a case in which the State apprenticeship
agency fails to--
``(A) adopt or properly enforce a State plan;
``(B) properly carry out its role as the sole
registration agency in the State;
``(C) submit a report under section 131(b)(1)(B)
for any program year;
``(D) meet the State levels of performance as
described in subsection (c)(8)(A) or demonstrate
improvements in performance for 3 consecutive program
years; or
``(E) otherwise fulfill or operate in compliance
with the requirements of this Act.
``(3) Derecognition process.--
``(A) In general.--If a State apprenticeship agency
fails for any of the reasons described in paragraph
(2), the Secretary shall provide technical assistance
to such agency for corrective action to remedy such
failure, including assistance in the development of a
performance improvement plan.
``(B) Reduction of funds.--Except in the case of
exceptional circumstances as determined by the
Administrator, in a case in which such a State
apprenticeship agency continues such failure after the
provision of the technical assistance under
subparagraph (A)--
``(i) the percentage of the funds to be
allotted to the State apprenticeship agency
under subsection (f) for each fiscal year
following the fiscal year in which such failure
has been identified shall be reduced by 5
percentage points; and
``(ii) the Administrator shall provide
notice to the State apprenticeship agency that
the agency's recognition under this section may
be withdrawn if the agency fails to remedy the
failure.
``(C) Termination of proceedings.--If the
Administrator determines that the State apprenticeship
agency's corrective action under subparagraph (A) has
addressed the agency's failure identified under
paragraph (2), the Administrator shall--
``(i) restore the agency's full funding
allocation under this title for the next full
fiscal year; and
``(ii) notify the State apprenticeship
agency that the agency's recognition will not
be withdrawn under this section for the reason
for which the agency's funding under this title
was most recently reduced.
``(D) Opportunity for hearing.--
``(i) In general.--In a case in which a
State apprenticeship agency fails to remedy a
failure identified under paragraph (2), the
Administrator shall--
``(I) notify, in writing, the State
apprenticeship agency of the failure of
the State apprenticeship agency,
including a description of such failure
and an explanation that the agency's
recognition under this section may be
withdrawn as a result of such failure;
and
``(II) offer the State
apprenticeship agency an opportunity to
request a hearing not later than 30
days after the date of such notice.
``(ii) Referral to office of administrative
law judges.--In a case in which the State
apprenticeship agency requests a hearing under
clause (i)(II), the Administrator shall refer
the matter to the Office of Administrative Law
Judges for a recommended decision by the
Administrative Review Board for final agency
action.
``(4) Requirements regarding withdrawal of recognition.--
``(A) Office of apprenticeship.--
``(i) Prior to order.--Prior to the
withdrawal of the recognition of a State
apprenticeship agency under this section, the
Administrator shall--
``(I) provide to the State
apprenticeship agency an order
withdrawing recognition of such agency
under this section; and
``(II) establish a State Office of
Apprenticeship; and
``(ii) After order.--Not later than 30 days
after the date of such order, provide
notification of the withdrawal to the sponsors
of the programs under the national
apprenticeship system in such State that were
registered with the State apprenticeship agency
to enable each such sponsor to be registered
with the Administrator (acting through the
State Office of Apprenticeship established
under clause (i)(II)).
``(B) State apprenticeship agency requirements.--A
State agency whose recognition as a State
apprenticeship agency under this section has been
withdrawn under paragraph (3) shall--
``(i) provide to the Administrator program
standards, apprenticeship agreements,
completion records, cancellation and suspension
records, performance metrics, and any other
documents relating to the State's programs
under the national apprenticeship system in the
State;
``(ii) cooperate fully during the
transition period beginning on the date of the
order withdrawing such recognition and ending
on the date on which the Administrator
establishes a State Office of Apprenticeship in
the State; and
``(iii) return any unused funds received
under this Act.
``(5) Reinstatement of recognition.--A State apprenticeship
agency that has had its recognition withdrawn under this
section may have such recognition reinstated upon presentation
of adequate evidence that the State apprenticeship agency has--
``(A) submitted an application under subsection
(a)(2); and
``(B) demonstrated the ability to operate in
compliance with the requirements of this Act.
``(f) Reservation and State Allotments.--
``(1) State allotments.--
``(A) In general.--Of the amount appropriated under
subsection (g) for a fiscal year--
``(i) 33\1/3\ percent shall be equally
distributed among each State Office of
Apprenticeship, outlying area, and eligible
State; and
``(ii) 66\2/3\ percent shall be allotted to
eligible States on the basis described in
subparagraph (B).
``(B) Formula.--
``(i) In general.--Of the amount available
under subparagraph (A)(ii)--
``(I) 25 percent shall be allotted
on the basis of the relative share of
program participants in each eligible
State, as determined on the basis of
the most recent satisfactory data
available from the Administrator,
compared to the total number of program
participants in all eligible States, as
determined on such basis;
``(II) 25 percent shall be allotted
on the basis of the relative share of
program participants who have completed
a program under the national
apprenticeship system in each eligible
State during the most recent 5-year
period, as determined on the basis of
the most recent satisfactory data
available from the Administrator,
compared to the total 5-year average of
program participants who have completed
a program in all eligible States, as
determined on such basis; and
``(III) 50 percent shall be
allotted on the basis described in
clause (ii).
``(ii) Allotments based on bls and acs
data.--Of the amount available under clause
(i)(III)--
``(I) 33\1/3\ percent shall be
allotted on the basis of the relative
share of individuals in the civilian
labor force in each eligible State,
compared to the total number of
individuals in the civilian labor force
in all eligible States;
``(II) 33\1/3\ percent shall be
allotted on the basis of the relative
share of individuals living below the
poverty line in each eligible State,
compared to the total number of
individuals living below the poverty
line in all eligible States; and
``(III) 33\1/3\ percent shall be
allotted on the basis of the relative
number of unemployed individuals in
each eligible State, compared to the
total number of unemployed individuals
in all eligible States.
``(2) Definitions.--In this subsection--
``(A) Eligible state.--The term `eligible State'
means a State (as defined in section 2) that has a
State apprenticeship agency.
``(B) Poverty line.--The term `poverty line' has
the meaning given such term in section 3 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3102).
``(C) Unemployed individual.--The term `unemployed
individual' has the meaning given such term in section
3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3102).
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section--
``(1) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
``(2) $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
``(3) $95,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
``(4) $105,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and
``(5) $115,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.
``SEC. 114. INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the effective date
of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2023, in order to cooperate with
the Secretary of Education and promote awareness and adoption of
apprenticeship programs, the Secretary (acting through the
Administrator) shall--
``(1) enter into an interagency agreement with the
Secretary of Education to promote and support integration and
alignment of programs under the national apprenticeship system
with secondary, postsecondary, and adult education, through the
activities described in this section; and
``(2) submit to the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, such
agreement and any modifications to such agreement.
``(b) Alignment for Youth Apprenticeships.--In order to promote
alignment between youth apprenticeship programs and high school
graduation requirements, the interagency agreement under subsection (a)
shall describe how the Secretaries will work to provide--
``(1) information and resources to--
``(A) parents and students to promote a better
understanding of programs under the national
apprenticeship system and their value in secondary and
postsecondary education and career pathways by not
later than middle school, and that are in user-friendly
formats and languages that are easily accessible, as
determined by the Secretaries; and
``(B) school leaders (working with academic
counselors, teachers, and faculty) about the value of
such programs and information on how to effectively
align youth apprenticeship programs with secondary and
career and technical education programs; and
``(2) technical assistance on how to--
``(A) align related instruction and skills and
competencies for occupations suitable for
apprenticeship to high school graduation requirements;
``(B) offer related instruction through dual and
concurrent enrollment programs and other accelerated
learning programs, as described in section
4104(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV) of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7114(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV));
``(C) facilitate transitions for youth apprentices
who have completed their youth apprenticeships into
further education, including an associate,
baccalaureate, or advanced degree, and related
apprenticeship opportunities; and
``(D) align activities carried out under this Act
with eligible funding from, and planning processes for,
the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act
of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.), the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et
seq.), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.), the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, and the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001 et seq.).
``(c) Apprenticeship College Consortium.--In order to support the
establishment of a college consortium of postsecondary educational
institutions, including minority-serving institutions, related
instruction providers, sponsors, qualified intermediaries, employers,
labor organizations, and joint labor-management organizations for the
purposes of promoting stronger connections between programs under the
national apprenticeship system and participating 2- and 4-year
postsecondary educational institutions, the interagency agreement under
subsection (a) shall include a description of how the Secretaries
will--
``(1) support data sharing systems that align education
records and records of programs under the national
apprenticeship system regarding whether program participants
who receive financial aid under title IV of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 enroll in, or complete, postsecondary
coursework while participating in a program under such system;
``(2) provide guidance on how to align eligible funding
from, planning processes for, and the requirements of the Carl
D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20
U.S.C. 2301 et seq.), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) with this
Act;
``(3) require all participants of the apprenticeship
college consortium to enter into agreements to--
``(A) have an articulation agreement with a
participating sponsor of an apprenticeship program,
which may include a 2- or 4-year postsecondary
educational institution;
``(B) create or expand the awarding and
articulation of academic credit for related instruction
completed and credentials awarded to program
participants as part of a program under the national
apprenticeship system; and
``(C) support the creation or expansion of
electronic transcripts for apprenticeship programs and
all academic content, including related instruction and
on-the-job training;
``(4) provide technical assistance on eligible uses of
financial aid, including the Federal work study program under
part C of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1087-51 et seq.), for related instruction for programs
under the national apprenticeship system;
``(5) provide to consortium participants or potential
participants information regarding--
``(A) a list of apprenticeship programs in related
occupations offered in the State or available under the
Office of Apprenticeship that may become part of the
consortium;
``(B) information on how to develop an
apprenticeship program;
``(C) information on Federal, State, and local
financial resources available to assist with the
establishment and implementation of apprenticeship
programs; and
``(D) information on related qualified
intermediaries or industry or sector partnerships
supporting apprenticeship programs, as applicable; and
``(6) support information regarding the apprenticeship
consortium being made available on a publicly accessible
website, including--
``(A) a list of participating members of the
consortium, apprenticeship programs provided,
credentials awarded with each program, and available
occupations suitable for apprenticeship; and
``(B) models of articulation agreements, prior
learning assessments, and competency-based curriculum
for related instruction for illustrative purposes.
``(d) Best Practice Development and Sharing.--
``(1) Dissemination.--Such interagency agreement shall
require that the Secretaries disseminate information on the
value of programs under the national apprenticeship system,
including relevant placement, retention, and earnings
information, labor market data from the local area, and sector
forecasts to determine high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand
industry sectors or occupations of such programs, to local
education and training providers, labor organizations, or joint
labor-management organizations (including those representing
teachers).
``(2) Clearinghouse.--Such agreement shall require the
Secretaries to create a clearinghouse of best practices--
``(A) for improving performance and increasing
alignment of education and programs under the national
apprenticeship system, including career pathways; and
``(B) publicly disseminate information and
resources on--
``(i) replicable related instruction and
on-the-job learning; and
``(ii) how to build an understanding of
apprenticeship opportunities available to
students.
``(e) Data Sharing Agreement.--The Secretaries shall disseminate
best practices for the alignment of education records and records of
programs under the national apprenticeship system, including
information on program participants who enroll in, complete, and
receive academic credit for postsecondary coursework while
participating in such a program.
``(f) Secretaries Defined.--In this section, the term `Secretaries'
means the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education.
``Subtitle B--Process and Standards for the National Apprenticeship
System
``SEC. 121. OCCUPATIONS SUITABLE FOR APPRENTICESHIP.
``(a) Application.--
``(1) In general.--For an occupation to be approved as an
occupation suitable for apprenticeship by the Administrator, a
person seeking such approval shall submit to the Administrator
an application that demonstrates demand from multiple employers
in such occupation for a program under the national
apprenticeship system in such occupation that will prepare
individuals for the full range of skills and competencies
needed for such occupation.
``(2) Contents.--To demonstrate the demand referred to in
paragraph (1), an application submitted under this subsection
with respect to a program in an occupation shall describe how
the program will--
``(A) meet the national occupational standards
under section 111(b)(5)(C); or
``(B) involve the progressive attainment of skills,
competencies, and knowledge that are--
``(i) clearly identified and commonly
recognized throughout the relevant industry or
occupation;
``(ii) customarily learned or enhanced in a
practical way through a structured, systematic
program of on-the-job supervised learning and
related instruction to supplement such
learning; and
``(iii) offered through a time-based,
competency-based, or hybrid model as described
in section 122(b)(1)(E).
``(b) Assessment.--
``(1) In general.--In assessing whether a program in an
occupation for which an application is submitted under
subsection (a) will meet the requirements of subparagraph (A)
or (B) of subsection (a)(2), the Administrator shall--
``(A) conduct a comprehensive assessment of the
skills, techniques, and competencies required by the
occupation, which assesses whether such skills,
techniques, and competencies--
``(i) are specialized and acquired
optimally through a structured, systematic
training program involving close on-the-job
supervision and mentoring by subject-matter
experts;
``(ii) require at least 2,000 hours of on-
the-job learning and mentoring or whether an
alternative amount of time is appropriate for
the occupation; and
``(iii) are acquired optimally through a
supplementary educational or instructional
component conveying theoretical and conceptual
knowledge relevant to the occupation;
``(B) determine whether the occupation is an
occupation that is commonly recognized throughout an
industry or sector; and
``(C) determine the extent to which the skills,
competencies, and knowledge of the occupation overlap
with the skills, competencies, and knowledge of an
occupation suitable for an apprenticeship.
``(2) Prohibition on deskilling.--In a case in which the
Administrator determines under paragraph (1)(C) that the
skills, competencies, and knowledge of the occupation being
assessed under paragraph (1) significantly overlap with the
skills, competencies, and knowledge of an occupation suitable
for an apprenticeship, the Administrator may determine that the
occupation being so assessed--
``(A) is not an occupation suitable for
apprenticeship on the basis of such significant
overlap; and
``(B) in the case of such occupation that performs
work in sector 23 of the North American Industry
Classification System, is an occupation suitable for
apprenticeship only if the industry sector leaders and
experts described in section 111(b)(5)(C)(ii)(II) with
respect to such occupation determine, by a consensus,
that such occupation is an occupation suitable for
apprenticeship.
``SEC. 122. QUALITY STANDARDS OF PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL
APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Administrator,
shall formulate and promote the furtherance of quality standards
necessary to safeguard the welfare of apprentices, pre-apprentices, and
youth apprentices.
``(b) Apprenticeship Program Standards.--In addition to the
standards described in subsection (e), an apprenticeship program shall
meet the following standards:
``(1) The program has an organized and clearly written
plan, developed by the sponsor, that includes, at a minimum,
the following information:
``(A) The employment and training to be received by
each apprentice participating in the program,
including--
``(i) an outline of the work processes or
the plan in which the apprentice will receive
supervised work experience, on-the-job
training, and on-the-job learning;
``(ii) the allocation of the approximate
amount of time that will be spent in each major
work process by the apprentice;
``(iii) a description of the mentoring that
will be provided to the apprentice; and
``(iv) a description or timeline explaining
the periodic reviews and evaluations of the
apprentice's performance on the job and in
related instruction.
``(B) A process for maintaining appropriate
progress records, including the reviews and evaluations
described in subparagraph (A)(iv).
``(C) A description of the organized related
instruction the apprentice will receive in technical
subjects related to the occupation, which--
``(i) for time-based or hybrid
apprenticeship programs as described in
paragraph (E), shall include not less than 144
hours for each year of apprenticeship, unless
an alternative requirement is put forth by the
employer and sponsor that reflects industry
standards and is accepted by the registration
agency;
``(ii) may be accomplished through
classroom instruction, occupational or industry
courses, instruction provided through
electronic media, or other instruction approved
by the registration agency;
``(iii) shall be provided by one or more
qualified instructors that--
``(I)(aa) meet technical instructor
requirements of the applicable
education agency in the State of
registration; or
``(bb) are subject matter experts,
defined for purposes of this
subparagraph as individuals recognized
within an industry as having expertise
in a specific occupation; and
``(II) have training in teaching
techniques and learning styles, or will
obtain such training before providing
the related technical instruction;
``(iv) where appropriate and to the extent
practicable, shall be aligned to a career
pathway; and
``(v) where appropriate and to the extent
practicable, incorporate the principles of
universal design for learning under section 103
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1003).
``(D) A progressively increasing, clearly defined
schedule of wages to be paid to the apprentice that
is--
``(i) consistent with measurable skill
gains; and
``(ii) ensures the entry wage is not less
than the greater of--
``(I) the minimum wage required
under section 6(a) of the Fair Labor
Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C.
206(a)); or
``(II) the applicable wage required
by other applicable Federal or State
laws (including regulations) or
collective bargaining agreements.
``(E) The term of the apprenticeship program, which
may be measured using--
``(i) a time-based model, which requires
the completion of the industry standard for on-
the-job learning hours, which in no case shall
be less than a cumulative 2,000 hours, unless
an alternative requirement is put forth by the
employer and sponsor from a nontraditional
apprenticeship occupation as of the date of the
enactment of the National Apprenticeship Act of
2023 that reflects industry standards and the
relative hazards of the occupation, and is
accepted by the Secretary and registration
agency;
``(ii) a competency-based model, which
requires the attainment of competency in the
occupation; or
``(iii) a hybrid model, which blends the
time-based and competency-based approaches.
``(F) The methods used to measure an apprentice's
skills and competencies, which may include an initial
diagnostic assessment or assessment of credentials that
verify an individual's foundational knowledge and
skills that would be needed to succeed in an
apprenticeship program, and which shall include--
``(i) in the case of a time-based
apprenticeship described in subparagraph
(E)(i), the individual apprentice's completion
of the required hours of on-the-job learning as
described in a work process schedule;
``(ii) in the case of a competency-based
model described in subparagraph (E)(ii), the
individual apprentice's successful
demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge
through appropriate means of testing and
evaluation for such competencies, and by
requiring apprentices to complete a paid on-
the-job learning component of the
apprenticeship; or
``(iii) in the case of a hybrid
apprenticeship described in subparagraph
(E)(iii), a combination of a specified minimum
number of hours of on-the-job learning and the
successful demonstration of competency, as
described in subparagraph (E)(i) and a work
process schedule.
``(2) The program equally grants advanced standing or
credit to all individuals applying for the apprenticeship with
demonstrated competency or acquired experience, training, or
skills, and provides commensurate wages for any progression in
standing or credit so granted, including for veterans' service-
acquired skills and experiences.
``(3) The program has minimum qualifications for
individuals desiring to enter the apprenticeship program, with
an eligible starting age for an apprentice of not less than 16
years.
``(4) In the case of a program that chooses to issue an
interim credential, the program--
``(A) clearly identifies each interim credential;
``(B) only issues an interim credential for
recognized components of an occupation suitable for
apprenticeship and demonstrates how each interim
credential specifically links to the knowledge, skills,
and abilities associated with such components; and
``(C) establishes the process for assessing an
individual apprentice's demonstration of competency and
measurable skill gains associated with the particular
interim credential.
``(c) Pre-Apprenticeship Program Standards.--In addition to the
standards described in subsection (e), a pre-apprenticeship program
shall meet the following standards:
``(1) The program is designed to assist individuals who do
not meet minimum qualifications for an apprenticeship program
as described in subsection (b) and prepare them to enter and
succeed in such an apprenticeship program, including by
providing the skills and competency attainment needed to enter
the apprenticeship program.
``(2) The program--
``(A) is carried out by a sponsor that has a
written agreement with at least one sponsor of an
apprenticeship program;
``(B) demonstrates the existence of an active,
advisory partnership with an industry or sector
partnership to inform the training and education
services necessary for a pre-apprenticeship program;
``(C) demonstrates evidence of sufficient demand in
an apprenticeship program at the completion of a pre-
apprenticeship program to support a transition from a
pre-apprenticeship to an apprenticeship; and
``(D) demonstrates partnerships with qualified
intermediaries, community-based organizations, labor
organizations, or joint labor-management organizations.
``(3) The program includes a written plan developed by the
sponsor of the pre-apprenticeship program that is developed in
consultation with the sponsor of the apprenticeship program
described in paragraph (2)(A), that--
``(A) provides for paid work-based learning, to the
extent practicable, or simulated work experience, in
which an industry or sector partnership and a related
instruction provider collaborate to provide training
that will introduce participants to the skills,
competencies, and materials used in one or more
occupations suitable for apprenticeship;
``(B) is based on and aligned with national, State,
regional, or local industry standards for high-skill,
high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors and
occupations, and the requirements of the related
apprenticeship program;
``(C) to the extent appropriate and practicable,
meets the related instruction requirements as described
in clauses (ii) through (iv) of subsection (b)(1)(C)
that includes enabling an individual to attain a
secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent
that enables a pre-apprentice to enter into an
apprenticeship program; and
``(D) includes mentoring, career exposure, career
planning, and career awareness activities.
``(d) Youth Apprenticeship Program Standards.--In addition to the
standards described in subsection (e), a youth apprenticeship program
shall meet the following standards:
``(1) The program is designed for youth apprentices who at
the start of the program are enrolled in high school.
``(2) The program includes each of the following core
elements:
``(A) The employment and training to be received by
each youth apprentice participating in the program,
including--
``(i) an outline of the work processes or
the plan in which the youth apprentice will
receive supervised work experience and on-the-
job training or in an experiential setting;
``(ii) the allocation of the approximate
amount of time that will be spent in each major
work process by the youth apprentice;
``(iii) a description of the mentoring that
will be provided to the youth apprentice; and
``(iv) a description or timeline explaining
the periodic reviews and evaluations of the
youth apprentice's performance on the job and
in related instruction.
``(B) A process for maintaining appropriate
progress records, including the reviews and evaluations
described in subparagraph (A)(iv).
``(C) Related classroom-based instruction, which
may be fulfilled through dual or concurrent enrollment,
and--
``(i) is, to the extent practicable,
aligned with high school diploma requirements
and career clusters; and
``(ii) meets the additional requirements as
described in subsection (b)(1)(C).
``(D) A progressively increasing, clearly defined
schedule of wages to be paid to the youth apprentice.
``(E) The term of the youth apprenticeship program,
as described in subsection (b)(1)(E).
``(F) For a competency-based or hybrid youth
apprenticeship program, the methods used to measure
skill acquisition for a youth apprentice, including
ongoing assessment against established skill and
competency standards as described in subsection
(b)(1)(F).
``(G) Prepares the youth apprentice for placement
in further education, employment, or an apprenticeship
program.
``(3) The program equally grants advanced standing or
credit to all individuals applying for the youth apprenticeship
with demonstrated competency or acquired experience, training,
or skills.
``(4) In the case of a youth apprenticeship program that
chooses to issue an interim credential, the program meets the
requirements of subsection (b)(4).
``(e) General Requirements.--Each program under the national
apprenticeship system shall meet the following standards:
``(1) The program--
``(A) has adequate and safe equipment,
environments, and facilities for training and
supervision;
``(B) provides safety training on-the-job and in
related instruction as applicable by the occupation
suitable for apprenticeship; and
``(C) provides adequate training for mentors and
qualified instructors on providing a safe work and
training environment.
``(2) The program records and maintains all records
concerning the program as may be required by the Secretary, the
registration agency of the program, or any other applicable
law, including records required under title 38, United States
Code, in order for veterans and other individuals eligible for
educational assistance under such title to use such assistance
for enrollment in the program.
``(3) The program provides--
``(A) all individuals with an equal opportunity to
participate in the program as described in
subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 111(b)(7); and
``(B) materials that meet, at a minimum,
conformance to Level AA of the Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 of the Web Accessibility
Initiative (or any successor guidelines).
``(4) The program awards a certificate of completion in
recognition of successful completion of the program, evidenced
by an appropriate certificate issued by the registration
agency, and in the case of apprenticeships and youth
apprenticeships, prepares a program participant to obtain a
recognized postsecondary credential.
``(5) The program provides that an individual who is to
become a program participant under the program enters into a
written apprenticeship agreement described in section 123 with
the sponsor of the program.
``(6) The numeric ratio of program participants to
supervisors (such as journeyworkers, mentors, or on-the-job
learning instructors, as applicable) for the occupation
suitable for apprenticeship, which are based on evidence-based
and evidence-informed best practices for supervision, training,
safety, and continuity of employment, throughout the work
processes of the program, job site, department, or plant,
appropriate for the degree of hazard in different occupations,
and--
``(A) are consistent with provisions in collective
bargaining agreements, as applicable, except if such
ratios are expressly prohibited by the collective
bargaining agreements; and
``(B) provide that such a ratio does not contravene
the application of other Federal or State laws that may
establish more protective standards with respect to the
establishment of ratios of apprentices to
journeyworkers, including any rules or orders
promulgated under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938
with respect to the employment, training, and
supervision of 16- and 17-year-old youth apprentices in
certain hazardous occupations.
``SEC. 123. APPRENTICESHIP AGREEMENTS.
``(a) In General.--To ensure the standards described in section 122
are applied to programs under the national apprenticeship system, the
Administrator shall require a sponsor to develop an apprenticeship
agreement that shall--
``(1) be the same for each program participant;
``(2) contain the names and signatures of the program
participant and the sponsor;
``(3) meet the requirements of subsection (b); and
``(4) be submitted to the registration agency in accordance
with section 124 by the program sponsor.
``(b) Standards.--Each agreement under subsection (a) shall
contain, explicitly or by reference, program standards under section
122, including--
``(1) in the case of an apprenticeship program--
``(A) that is time-based, a statement of the number
of hours to be spent by the program participant in on-
the-job learning and on-the-job training in order to
complete the program;
``(B) that is competency-based, a description of
the skill sets to be attained by completion of the
program, including the on-the-job learning and work
components; or
``(C) that is a hybrid model, the minimum number of
hours to be spent by the program participant in on-the-
job learning and work components and in related
instruction, and a description of the skill sets and
competencies to be attained by completion of the
program;
``(2) the number of hours and form of related instruction,
including how related instruction will be compensated (whether
through academic credit, wages, or both), the costs the program
participant will incur for participating in the program (such
as for equipment, related instruction, or assessment or
licensure fees), and the recognized postsecondary credentials
the program participants will be eligible to receive upon
program completion;
``(3) a schedule of the work processes in the occupation or
industry divisions in which the program participant is to be
trained and the approximate time to be spent at each process;
``(4) for apprenticeships or youth apprenticeships, the
graduated wage scale to be paid to the apprentices, benefits
offered to the apprentices, and how the wages and benefits
compare to State, local, or regional wages in the related
occupation; and
``(5) demonstration of commitment to and compliance with
subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 111(b)(7).
``(c) Collective Bargaining.--Nothing in an apprenticeship
agreement or this Act shall operate to invalidate an applicable
provision in a collective bargaining agreement between employers and
employees establishing higher standards for programs under the national
apprenticeship system.
``SEC. 124. REGISTRATION OF PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP
SYSTEM.
``(a) Program Registration Application.--In order to bring together
employers and labor for the formulation of programs under the national
apprenticeship system, the Administrator shall provide for the
registration of programs in which a sponsor applying to register a
program under the national apprenticeship system shall request
registration of such program from a registration agency by submitting
the information required by the registration agency, including--
``(1) information demonstrating that each of the
requirements of section 122 will be met for the program;
``(2) a copy of the apprenticeship agreement described in
section 123 used by the sponsor;
``(3) a written assurance that, if the program is
registered under this Act, the sponsor will--
``(A) administer the program in accordance with the
requirements of this Act and comply with the
requirements of the apprenticeship agreement for each
apprentice; and
``(B) enroll at least 1 program participant; and
``(4) methods the program sponsor will use to report
performance data describing outcomes associated with the
program as required by the registration agency--
``(A) on an annual basis for any program sponsor
with fewer than 5 program participants; or
``(B) on a quarterly basis for any program sponsor
with 5 or more program participants.
``(b) Recognition and Registration Process.--
``(1) Review and approval process.--
``(A) Provisional approval review.--An application
submitted under subsection (a) that the registration
agency determines meets the requirements described in
such subsection shall be registered for a provisional
1-year period beginning not later than 30 days after
such application is submitted. During such period, the
registration agency shall accept and record the
apprenticeship agreement as evidence of the program's
compliance and registration to operate such program.
``(B) Full approval or extended provisional
approval.--By the end of a provisional registration
period for a program, the registration agency providing
provisional approval under subparagraph (A) shall
review the program for quality and for compliance with
the applicable standards under this subtitle and all
other applicable program requirements under this Act,
and--
``(i) if a registration agency conducting a
provisional review determines that the program
complies with the standards and requirements
under this Act, the registration agency shall
fully approve the registration of the program;
or
``(ii) if a registration agency conducting
a provisional review determines that the
program is not conforming to the requirements
or standards under this Act, the registration
agency may continue the provisional
registration of the program through the first
full training cycle for program participants,
and conduct an additional provisional review at
the conclusion of the training cycle.
``(C) Failure to meet requirements.--If, after an
initial provisional review under subparagraph (A), a
registration agency conducting such provisional review
determines that the program is not in operation or does
not conform to the requirements under this Act, the
registration agency shall recommend technical
assistance and corrective action for the program, or
deregistration, in accordance with procedures
established under subsections (b) and (c) of section
131.
``(2) Certificate of registration.--
``(A) In general.--A registration agency that
registers a program under paragraph (1) shall--
``(i) provide the sponsor of the program
with a certificate of registration or other
written evidence of registration; and
``(ii) provide a copy of the certificate of
registration to the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs or the applicable State veterans agency
for the purpose of aligning the registration
process with the process for approving such
program for eligible veterans' use of
supplemental educational assistance benefits.
``(B) Registration name.--A program shall be
registered in the name of the sponsor, or if a sponsor
enters into a partnership with an employer who
registers the program, in the name of the employer.
``(3) Program participant registration.--A sponsor
providing a program that is registered in accordance with
paragraph (2) shall provide to an individual seeking to be a
program participant the opportunity to apply through the
sponsor, and shall--
``(A) enter into a written individual
apprenticeship agreement described in section 123 with
each such individual before the commencement of the
program; and
``(B) individually register each program
participant with the registration agency by filing a
copy of the individual apprenticeship agreement with
the registration agency or as otherwise required by the
registration agency, and sharing a copy with the
Administrator as appropriate, as described under
section 123(a)(4).
``(4) Transition process for previously approved
programs.--With respect to a program that was registered under
this Act as of the day before the date of enactment of the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2023, the registration agency
shall take such steps as necessary to--
``(A) in the case of a program that meets the
requirements of this Act, maintain the status of the
sponsor of the program as of the date before such date
of enactment as the sponsor of such program under this
Act; and
``(B) in the case of a program that does not meet
the requirements of this Act, provide technical
assistance to the sponsor of such program to ensure
that the sponsor is in compliance with this Act not
later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the
National Apprenticeship Act of 2023.
``(c) Modifications or Changes to Youth Apprenticeship, Pre-
Apprenticeship, or Apprenticeship Programs.--
``(1) Sponsor proposal.--Any sponsor that wishes to modify
a program, including the program's method of meeting the
standards required under this Act, shall submit the proposal
for such change or modification to the registration agency for
the program.
``(2) Registration agency requirements.--
``(A) In general.--The registration agency shall
determine whether to approve the proposal and notify
the sponsor of the determination by not later than 60
days after receipt of the proposal.
``(B) Approval of proposal.--If the proposal is
approved, the registration agency shall amend the
record of the program to reflect the modification or
change, and provide the sponsor or program
administrator with an acknowledgment of the amended
program, by not later than 30 days after the date of
approval.
``(C) Disapproval of proposal.--If the proposal is
not approved, the registration agency shall--
``(i) notify the sponsor of the reasons for
the disapproval and provide the sponsor with
technical assistance to maintain the program as
originally registered;
``(ii) provide the sponsor with the
opportunity to submit a revised modification
proposal, including providing appropriate
technical assistance to modify the proposal in
order to meet the requirements of this Act; and
``(iii) in a case in which the sponsor
submits a revised modification proposal, not
later than 60 days after receipt of such
proposal--
``(I) approve the proposal; or
``(II) disapprove the proposal and
provide the sponsor with technical
assistance to maintain the program as
originally registered.
``(D) List of disapproved programs.--The
registration agency shall maintain a list of programs
that were disapproved which includes the reasons for
each such disapproval and provide such list to the
Administrator at least annually.
``Subtitle C--Evaluations and Research
``SEC. 131. PROGRAM EVALUATIONS.
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to provide program
performance transparency across the programs under the national
apprenticeship system, assess the effectiveness of States in achieving
positive outcomes for program participants served by those programs,
and establish performance accountability measures related to program
completion and key indicators of performance under the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.).
``(b) Reviews by Registration Agencies.--
``(1) Performance reviews.--
``(A) In general.--A registration agency shall--
``(i) annually collect performance data for
each program registered under section 124 by
such agency to determine--
``(I) the performance of the
program with respect to the indicators
of performance under section
116(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3141(b)(2)(A)(i)) or, in the
case of a youth apprenticeship program,
section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii) of such Act
(29 U.S.C. 3141(b)(2)(A)(ii)), as
applied to programs under the national
apprenticeship system; and
``(II) the completion rates of the
program;
``(ii) provide technical assistance for the
collection of the information under clause (i)
of this subparagraph and subparagraph (B), as
necessary;
``(iii) comply with the report requirements
under subparagraph (B); and
``(iv) provide data collected under clause
(i) of this subparagraph and subparagraph (B),
disaggregated in accordance with clause (ii) of
subparagraph (B), to the independent entity
conducting the evaluations on behalf of the
Secretary under section 132.
``(B) Reports.--
``(i) In general.--The registration agency
for a State shall annually prepare and submit
to the Administrator a State performance report
that is disaggregated in accordance with clause
(ii), and includes the following information
with respect to each program registered under
section 124 by such agency:
``(I) Information specifying the
levels of performance described in
subparagraph (A), as compared to goals
set in section 113(c)(8)(A)(i).
``(II) The percentage of program
participants by race, sex, ethnicity
and, to the extent practicable, by
individuals with disabilities, as
compared to such percentages within the
working age population who are in the
geographical area from which the
sponsor usually seeks or reasonably
could seek program participants and who
meet the minimum eligibility
requirements for entry into the
program.
``(III) The percentage of program
participants served by each of the
programs that obtained unsubsidized
employment in a field related to the
occupation suitable for apprenticeship.
``(IV) The average time to
completion for the program as compared
to the description in the agreement
under paragraphs (1) and (2) of section
123(b).
``(V) The average cost per
participant during the most recent
program year and the 3 preceding
program years.
``(VI) The percentage of program
participants who received supportive
services.
``(VII) Information on the State's
activities required under section
113(c), including the State's uses of
funds.
``(ii) Disaggregation.--The performance
data described in subclauses (I) through (VI)
of clause (i) shall be disaggregated--
``(I) by the program type
(apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship,
or pre-apprenticeship program)
involved; and
``(II) by race, ethnicity, sex,
age, veteran status, and membership in
a population specified in section 3(24)
of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(24)).
``(C) Reports to congress.--Not later than 60 days
after receiving a report under subparagraph (B), the
Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Education
and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
of the Senate.
``(D) Publication.--The Administrator shall
annually make available on a publicly accessible
website each report received under subparagraph (B) not
later than 30 days after receipt of such report.
``(2) Comprehensive program reviews.--
``(A) In general.--A registration agency shall
periodically review each program registered under
section 124 by such agency for quality assurance and
compliance with the requirements of this Act.
``(B) Timing of reviews.--A review described in
subparagraph (A) shall occur--
``(i) at the end of the first full training
cycle of program participants under the
program; and
``(ii) beginning after the review described
in clause (i) at least once every 5 years.
``(C) Review.--The review shall be a comprehensive
review regarding all aspects of the program
performance, including--
``(i) determining whether the registration
agency is receiving notification from the
sponsor of a program regarding individuals who
are registered as new youth apprentices, pre-
apprentices, or apprentices under the program,
or who successfully complete the program, as
required under this Act;
``(ii) determining whether the sponsor of
the program is complying with the requirements
of this Act;
``(iii) evaluating the performance of the
sponsor with respect to, at a minimum, the
indicators described in paragraph (1)(A)(i),
with the performance data disaggregated as
described in paragraph (1)(B)(viii); and
``(iv) ensuring the sponsor's compliance
with the requirement to provide equal
opportunity in recruitment, training, and
employment as described in subparagraphs (B)
and (C) of section 111(b)(7).
``(D) Reports.--On completion of a review under
this paragraph, the registration agency shall prepare
and submit to the Administrator a report containing the
results of the review.
``(c) Subsequent Action.--
``(1) Technical assistance.--The registration agency shall
provide technical assistance to the sponsor and identify areas
that require technical assistance, including--
``(A) to support the sponsor in creating a plan to
meet the State goals described in section
113(c)(8)(A)(ii), as applicable; and
``(B) assistance in the development of a
performance improvement plan if the registration agency
determines, pursuant to any review under subsection
(b), that the youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship,
or apprenticeship program--
``(i) is not in operation;
``(ii) is not in compliance with the
requirements of this Act; or
``(iii) is achieving levels of performance
on any indicators described in subsection
(b)(1)(A)(i) that are lower than the State
goals for any program year.
``(2) Corrective action and deregistration of an
apprenticeship program.--The registration agency may take
corrective action, and if warranted, deregister a youth
apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or apprenticeship program,
after making a determination that the program demonstrates
persistent and significant failure to perform successfully,
which occurs when--
``(A) the sponsor of the program consistently fails
to register at least 1 program participant;
``(B) the program shows a pattern of poor results
on the indicators described in subsection (b)(1)(A)(i)
over a period of 3 years, given the characteristics of
program participants and economic conditions in the
area served, or are lower than the national or State
average;
``(C) the program shows no indication of
improvement in the areas identified by the registration
agency and in the performance improvement plan under
paragraph (1); or
``(D) the sponsor has not administered the program
in accordance with the program's registration, as
applicable, or with the requirements of this Act.
``(3) Notification and hearing.--If the registration agency
makes a determination described in paragraph (2), the
registration agency shall notify the Secretary and the sponsor
of the determination in writing, and permit the sponsor to
request a hearing by the Office of Administrative Law Judges.
The registration agency shall transmit to the Secretary a
report containing all pertinent facts and circumstances
concerning the determination, including findings and a
recommendation for deregistration, and copies of all relevant
documents and records. If the sponsor does not request the
hearing not later than 15 days after receiving such
notification, the registration agency shall deregister the
program after the period for requesting such a hearing has
expired.
``(4) Notification and treatment of apprentices.--Not later
than 15 days after the registration agency deregisters a
program, the sponsor or program administrator shall notify
program participant--
``(A) of such deregistration and the effective
date;
``(B) that such deregistration automatically
deprives the program participant of individual
registration as part of such youth apprenticeship, pre-
apprenticeship, or apprenticeship program, including
the ability to receive a certificate of completion from
the registration agency;
``(C) that the deregistration of the program
removes the program participant from eligibility for
any Federal financial or other assistance, or rights,
privileges, or exemptions under Federal law, that--
``(i) relates to an apprentice; and
``(ii) requires the registration agency's
approval; and
``(D) that all youth apprentices, pre-apprentices,
or apprentices are referred to the registration agency
for information about potential transfers to other
programs under the national apprenticeship system.
``SEC. 132. NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM RESEARCH.
``(a) Research.--The Secretary shall conduct, through an
independent entity, research for the purpose of improving the
management and effectiveness of the programs and activities carried out
under this Act and to assist in the evaluation of the programs as
described in section 131.
``(b) Techniques.--The research conducted under this section shall
utilize appropriate methodology and research designs.
``(c) Contents.--Such research shall address--
``(1) the general effectiveness of such programs and
activities in relation to their cost, including the extent to
which the programs and activities--
``(A) improve the skill and employment competencies
of participants in comparison to comparably situated
individuals who did not participate in such programs
and activities;
``(B) to the extent feasible, increase the levels
of total employment, of attainment of recognized
postsecondary credentials, and of measurable skills,
above the levels that would have existed in the absence
of such programs and activities;
``(C) respond to the needs reflected in labor
market data in the local area and align with high-
skill, high-wage, or in-demand industries or
occupations;
``(D) demonstrate a return on investment of
Federal, State, local, sponsor, employer, and other
funding for programs under the national apprenticeship
system, capturing the full level of investment in, and
impact of, such programs under the national
apprenticeship system; and
``(E) regularly assess the impact of apprenticeship
programs under the national apprentice system in
effectively increasing the participation of women,
minorities, individuals with disabilities, long-term
unemployed, individuals impacted by the criminal and
juvenile justice system, foster and former foster
youth, and individuals with barriers to employment;
``(2) the impact of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2023
on the general effectiveness of programs under the national
apprenticeship system, including the implementation of policies
such as dual or concurrent enrollment programs, advanced
standing, or national occupational standards;
``(3) best practices in increasing participation of
nontraditional apprenticeship populations and individuals with
barriers to employment, including individuals with
disabilities, in programs under the national apprenticeship
system; and
``(4) opportunities to scale up effective models under the
national apprenticeship system.
``(d) Reports.--
``(1) Independent entity.--The independent entity carrying
out the research shall prepare and submit to the Secretary--
``(A) an interim report containing findings from
the research; and
``(B) a final report containing the results of the
research, including policy recommendations.
``(2) Reports to congress.--Not later than 60 days after
receipt of the interim report and final report described in
subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1), respectively, the
Secretary shall submit each report to the Committee on
Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate.
``(e) Public Access.--The Secretary shall make the interim and
final reports available on a publicly accessible website not later than
60 days after the receipt of the interim and final report.
``Subtitle D--General Provisions
``SEC. 141. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) Office of Apprenticeship.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out sections 111, 112, 131, and 132--
``(1) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
``(2) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
``(3) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
``(4) $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and
``(5) $90,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.
``(b) Interagency Agreement.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out section 114--
``(1) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
``(2) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
``(3) $14,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
``(4) $16,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and
``(5) $18,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.
``TITLE II--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM FOR THE 21ST
CENTURY GRANTS
``SEC. 201. GRANT REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) Authority.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall award grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible entities on a
competitive basis for the following purposes:
``(A) Creation and expansion activities.--To expand
the offerings of programs under the national
apprenticeship system--
``(i) to create new apprenticeship programs
in a nontraditional apprenticeship occupation,
such as for programs demonstrating demand in
advanced manufacturing (including semiconductor
and automotive manufacturing), cybersecurity
and information technology, computer science,
clean energy (including renewable energy,
environmental protection, and conservation),
transportation (including electric vehicle
infrastructure), health care, or education
(including early childhood education);
``(ii) to expand existing apprenticeship
programs demonstrating labor market demand;
``(iii) to create new or expand existing
pre-apprenticeship programs; or
``(iv) to create new or expand existing
youth apprenticeship programs.
``(B) Encouraging employer participation.--To
encourage employer participation in programs under the
national apprenticeship system--
``(i) that target individuals with barriers
to employment in youth apprenticeship, pre-
apprenticeship, or apprenticeship programs,
prioritizing nontraditional apprenticeship
populations such as women, minorities, English
language learners, long-term unemployed,
individuals with a disability, individuals with
substance abuse issues, veterans, military
spouses, individuals experiencing homelessness,
individuals impacted by the criminal or
juvenile justice system (including individuals
currently or recently incarcerated), and foster
and former foster youth;
``(ii) that are in high-need social
service-related industries, sectors, or
occupations, such as direct care workers and
early childhood, elementary school, and
secondary school educators; or
``(iii) among small- and medium-sized
employers.
``(C) Intermediary grants.--To establish or expand
sector-based partnerships for the delivery of programs
under the national apprenticeship system to significant
scale through--
``(i) national industry qualified
intermediaries in key sectors, including
manufacturing, information technology, cyber
security, health care, insurance and finance,
energy, hospitality, retail, construction, and
other sectors identified by the Administrator
and the Advisory Committee as targeted for
expansion under the national apprenticeship
system;
``(ii) national equity qualified
intermediaries serving nontraditional
apprenticeship populations, women, minorities,
individuals with disabilities, and individuals
impacted by the criminal or juvenile justice
system; or
``(iii) local or regional qualified
intermediaries serving programs under the
national apprenticeship system.
``(D) Educational alignment.--To strengthen
alignment between programs under the national
apprenticeship system and education and training
providers with secondary, postsecondary, and adult
education systems, including degree and credential
requirements.
``(2) Duration.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall award
grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements under this
subsection for a period of not more than 3 years.
``(B) Extension.--The eligible entity may apply
for, and the Administrator may grant, an extension of
the grant period for not more than 1 additional 2-year
period, if the grant recipient demonstrates to the
Administrator that the recipient--
``(i) has effectively implemented a project
to achieve its stated purpose as described in
subsections (e) and (f);
``(ii) has complied with the assurances as
described in subsection (e)(9); and
``(iii) has improved applicable outcomes,
as demonstrated through indicators referred to
in section 203(a)(2).
``(b) Funding Requirements.--
``(1) Matching funds required.--The Administrator shall
require, as a condition of receipt of funds under this section,
an eligible entity to match funds awarded under this section in
an amount not less than 25 percent of the funds awarded to such
recipient under this section. Such eligible entity may make the
matching funds available directly or through donations from
non-Federal, public, or private organizations, in cash or in
kind, fairly evaluated.
``(2) Waiver.--The Administrator may waive the requirement
under paragraph (1) if the entity demonstrates that exceptional
circumstances prevent the entity from meeting the requirement,
such as demonstrating that the entity serves a high proportion
of individuals with barriers to employment, or due to
exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances, such as a natural
disaster or a precipitous and unforeseen decline in the
financial resources of the eligible entity.
``(c) Priority and Distribution.--
``(1) Priority.--In awarding grants, contracts, or
cooperative agreements under this section, the Administrator
shall give priority to an eligible entity--
``(A) proposing to serve a high number or high
percentage of participants who are from nontraditional
apprenticeship populations; and
``(B) providing opportunities in high-wage, high-
skill, or in-demand sectors and occupations.
``(2) Geographic distribution.--In awarding grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under this subsection, the
Administrator shall, to the extent practicable, ensure a
geographically diverse distribution of such awards, including a
geographically diverse distribution among regions of the
country and among urban, suburban, and rural areas.
``(d) Eligible Entity.--To be eligible to apply for grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under this title, an eligible
entity shall--
``(1) demonstrate a partnership with two or more of the
following--
``(A) a State or local workforce development board
or State or local workforce agency;
``(B) an education and training provider, or a
consortium thereof;
``(C) a State apprenticeship agency;
``(D) an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization;
``(E) an industry or sector partnership, a group of
employers, a trade association, or a professional
association that sponsors or participates in a program
under the national apprenticeship system;
``(F) a Governor;
``(G) a labor organization or joint labor-
management organization;
``(H) community-based organizations that assist
program participants in accessing supportive services;
or
``(I) a qualified intermediary; and
``(2) to the extent practicable--
``(A) be part of an industry or sector partnership;
and
``(B) partner with a labor or joint labor-
management organization.
``(e) General Application Requirements.--An eligible entity
applying for a grant under this section shall submit to the
Administrator a description of each of the following:
``(1) Each purpose under subsection (a) for which the
applicant intends to use such grant.
``(2) Each entity with which the eligible entity is
partnered or engaged under subsection (d) and the role of each
such entity in carrying out activities funded under this
subsection.
``(3) The ability of the applicant, directly or through
partners--
``(A) to enroll, instruct, advance, and graduate
program participants served by the grant activities,
and enable the participants to gain employment after
program completion;
``(B) to support (including by providing technical
assistance) program sponsors and employers (especially
small- and medium-sized businesses) in the creation of,
recruitment for, and execution of programs under the
national apprenticeship system; and
``(C) to provide opportunities to rural
communities, as applicable.
``(4) A labor market analysis with respect to the
geographic area of service that demonstrates--
``(A) the need to create or expand the program; and
``(B) a plan to align the activities supported by
the grant with the labor market needs of high-skill,
high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or
occupations.
``(5) A plan--
``(A) to comply with requirements for an evaluation
and report under section 203;
``(B) as appropriate, to coordinate activities
assisted under the grant with activities carried out
under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical
Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.), the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), and any
related Federal programs and if appropriate, how funds
provided under these programs will be leveraged in
support of the programs supported by this grant;
``(C) to use funds awarded under this section in
support of the programs supported by this grant, as
described in section 202;
``(D) to continue the program after the grant
period ends;
``(E) to recruit and retain program participants
for pre-apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and
apprenticeship programs, including from nontraditional
apprenticeship populations, such as women, minorities,
individuals with disabilities, individuals impacted by
the criminal or juvenile justice system, and
individuals with barriers to employment;
``(F) to ensure program participants are able to
access supportive services, as applicable; and
``(G) to comply with the equal opportunity
requirements for diversity described in subparagraphs
(B) and (C) of section 111(b)(7) and section 113(c)(5),
as applicable.
``(6) For any grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements
expanding existing programs under the national apprenticeship
system, a description of--
``(A) a plan to coordinate the activities carried
out under the grant with the existing program; and
``(B) the effectiveness of the program, including
demonstrations of programmatic components such as
program costs to employers and to program participants,
completion and placement rates, credential attainment,
diversity in populations served, the effectiveness of
the program in increasing participant's wages and
benefits, or services provided to employers and program
participants.
``(7) A description of potential program participants and
strategies to support the recruitment, retention, and
completion of such participants, including nontraditional
apprenticeship populations and individuals with barriers to
employment, to the extent practicable.
``(8) A description of strategies to recruit and support
employers involved in programs under the national
apprenticeship system.
``(9) An assurance that the eligible entity will--
``(A) provide information to the Administrator, as
requested, for any such evaluations as the
Administrator may carry out;
``(B) make program performance data collected under
section 131 available (in accordance with applicable
data privacy laws, including section 444 of the General
Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g) and section
4 of this Act) to independent evaluators to enable the
evaluators to prepare the evaluations and research
reports described in section 203(a)(1); and
``(C) coordinate grant activities with a State
Apprenticeship Agency, if such agency exists in the
State where the eligible entity is applying for a grant
or carrying out activities.
``(f) Additional Application Requirements.--The Administrator shall
require an eligible entity applying for a grant under this title to
include as part of their application in subsection (e) the following
information, as applicable:
``(1) Creation and expansion activities.--
``(A) New apprenticeship programs.--An eligible
entity applying to create new apprenticeship programs
and carry out activities in accordance with subsection
(a)(1)(A)(i) shall include as part of their application
a description of--
``(i) any plans for further expansion upon
development of the program; and
``(ii) employers, and to the extent
practicable, labor organizations or joint
labor-management organizations, engaged in the
program creation and implementation.
``(B) Expanding apprenticeship programs.--An
eligible entity applying to expand existing
apprenticeship programs and carry out activities in
accordance with subsection (a)(1)(A)(ii) shall include
as part of their application a description of employers
engaged in the program expansion.
``(C) Creating or expanding pre-apprenticeship
programs.--An eligible entity applying to create or
expand pre-apprenticeship programs and carry out
activities in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(A)(iii)
shall include as part of their application a
description of--
``(i) a partnership between the eligible
entity and at least one apprenticeship program;
and
``(ii) existing partnerships with employers
acting in either an advisory capacity or
actively participating in the pre-
apprenticeship program.
``(D) Creating or expanding youth apprenticeship
programs.--An eligible entity applying to create or
expand youth apprenticeship programs and carry out
activities in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(A)(iv)
shall include as part of their application a
description of--
``(i) an existing partnership with at least
one high school offering related instruction
for the youth apprenticeship program, with
existing integration into the academic content
of the high school diploma requirements, or
with demonstrated plans for integration of
related instruction into the high school
curriculum; and
``(ii) existing partnerships with employers
acting in either an advisory capacity or
actively participating in the youth
apprenticeship program.
``(2) Encouraging employer participation.--
``(A) Individuals with barriers to employment.--An
eligible entity applying to target individuals with
barriers to employment for apprenticeship, youth
apprenticeship, or pre-apprenticeship programs and
carry out activities in accordance with subsection
(a)(1)(B)(i) shall include as part of their application
a description of--
``(i) specific strategies to target both
individuals with barriers to employment and
employers for participation in the program; and
``(ii) partnerships with organizations that
assist program participants in accessing
supportive services to support recruitment,
retention, and completion of the program by
program participants.
``(B) High-need social service-related
industries.--An eligible entity applying to offer pre-
apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, or apprenticeship
programs in high-need social service-related
industries, sectors, or occupations and carry out
activities in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(B)(ii)
shall include as part of their application a
description of wages and benefits offered to program
participants.
``(C) Individuals currently or recently
incarcerated.--An eligible entity applying to target
individuals currently or recently incarcerated and
establish or carry out pre-apprenticeship programs and
apprenticeship programs in accordance with subsection
(a)(1)(B)(iii) shall include as part of their
application a description of--
``(i) a plan to assist the program
participants in obtaining the documentation and
work authorization necessary to participate in
such program;
``(ii) partnerships with organizations that
will assist program participants in accessing
activities to improve financial literacy and
supportive services;
``(iii) how the assessments used to support
the placement of potential program participants
into a program accurately reflect the
participants' skills and competencies;
``(iv) a plan to provide information about
resources to program participants to address
mental health or substance abuse issues;
``(v) partnerships with organizations that
support--
``(I) the transition from
incarceration to re-entry, such as
assistance with housing,
transportation, child care, and legal
services; and
``(II) successful completion of an
apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship
program;
``(vi) wages and benefits offered to
program participants that are commensurate with
wages for similar work in the State or local
area, as allowable; and
``(vii) alignment and necessary supports to
comply with and receive the benefits of the
Federal Bonding Program and the Prison Industry
Enhancement Certification Program for employers
participating in apprenticeship programs.
``(D) Small- and medium-sized employers.--An
eligible entity applying to engage small- and medium-
sized employers and carry out activities in accordance
with subsection (a)(1)(B)(iv) shall include as part of
their application a description of demonstrated success
in engaging small- and medium-sized employers and the
ability to recruit new employers to participate in
related partnerships or programs, including small
businesses owned or controlled by women, minorities, or
veterans.
``(3) Intermediary grants.--
``(A) Supporting national industry and equity
intermediaries.--An eligible entity applying to carry
out activities in accordance with subsection
(a)(1)(C)(i) shall include as part of their application
a description of the ability of such entity to convene
a diverse group of industry-specific stakeholders for
the purposes of developing or expanding programs,
including employers, workforce development
organizations, industry associations, labor groups
(including joint labor-management organizations), small
businesses owned or controlled by women, minorities, or
veterans, and education and training providers at a
national level or with national reach.
``(B) Serving programs in a local or regional
setting.--An eligible entity applying to carry out
activities in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(C)(ii)
shall include as part of their application a
description of how such entity will--
``(i) engage employers, especially small-
and medium-sized businesses, in the formation
or ongoing development of industry or sector
partnerships and programs in the national
apprenticeship system;
``(ii) identify the industry or sector
partnerships that will be served, and
demonstrate alignment to high-skill, high-wage,
or in-demand industry sectors or occupations;
``(iii) leverage additional resources,
including funding provided by Federal and non-
Federal resources; and
``(iv) provide services to program sponsors
and program participants.
``(4) Educational alignment.--An eligible entity applying
to carry out activities in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(D)
shall include as part of their application a description of--
``(A) a demonstration of a partnership with--
``(i)(I) no less than three sponsors or
employers; or
``(II) an industry or sector partnership;
and
``(ii) at least 1 of the following--
``(I) an educational service
agency;
``(II) a high school;
``(III) a local educational agency;
``(IV) State educational agency;
``(V) an Indian Tribe, Tribal
organization, Tribal educational
agency, Tribally controlled college or
university, or Tribally controlled
postsecondary career and technical
institution, as applicable;
``(VI) a postsecondary educational
institution;
``(VII) a Job Corps center (as
defined in section 142 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3192)); or
``(VIII) a State higher education
agency; and
``(B) a commitment to establishing or expanding the
alignment of the related instruction to--
``(i) the requirements for a high school
diploma, which may be fulfilled through a dual
or concurrent enrollment program; or
``(ii) the requirements for a recognized
postsecondary credential, including the degree
requirements for an associate's or bachelor's
degree.
``SEC. 202. USES OF FUNDS.
``(a) General Activities.--An eligible entity applying for any
grant activity under section 201(a)(1)--
``(1) shall use at least 5 percent of the grant funds to
provide direct financial assistance to apprentices, pre-
apprentices, or youth apprentices through emergency grants to
support their financial needs to enter, remain enrolled in, and
complete such program, such as support for the related costs of
supplies and equipment, assessment or licensure fees, courses,
transportation, child care, internet access, and housing; and
``(2) may use funds for any of the following activities:
``(A) To establish or expand partnerships with
organizations that provide program participants access
to financial planning, mentoring, and supportive
services that are necessary to enable an individual to
participate in and complete a program under the
national apprenticeship system.
``(B) To conduct outreach and recruitment
activities, including assessments of potential
participants for, and enrollment of participants in, a
program under the national apprenticeship system.
``(C) To conduct outreach, engagement, recruitment,
and coordination of activities with employers, industry
associations, labor and joint labor-management
organizations, qualified intermediaries, education and
training providers, State or local workforce agencies,
potential sponsors, community-based organizations,
communities with high numbers or percentages of
nontraditional apprenticeship populations, small- and
medium-sized businesses, or rural communities to
establish or expand industry or sector partnerships and
opportunities under the national apprenticeship system.
``(D) To carry out grant requirements, including
program evaluation and reporting requirements.
``(E) To conduct any activities as described in the
application that would advance the purposes of the
grant.
``(F) To support the transition to virtual or
remote learning or training, as necessary and as
approved by the registration agency.
``(b) Additional Uses of Funds.--
``(1) Creation or expansion activities.--
``(A) Apprenticeship program creation.--An eligible
entity that receives funds under section
201(a)(1)(A)(i) shall use such funding to create and
implement an apprenticeship program, which may
include--
``(i) creating and providing training and
related instruction based on employer
engagement;
``(ii) applying apprenticeship frameworks
as described in section 111(b)(5)(C) to the
State or local labor market and employer needs;
``(iii) aligning the new program with
existing apprenticeship programs; or
``(iv) appropriate equipment, technology,
and instructional materials aligned with new
program needs, including machinery, testing
equipment, tools, implements, hardware and
software, and other new and emerging
instructional materials.
``(B) Apprenticeship program expansion.--An
eligible entity that receives funds under section
201(a)(1)(A)(ii) shall use such funds to expand an
existing apprenticeship program, which may include--
``(i) expanding and enhancing related
instruction;
``(ii) conducting outreach to and
engagement with employers for the purposes of
program expansion, including creation of new or
expansion of existing industry or sector
partnerships;
``(iii) preparing additional instructors or
mentors needed for program expansion;
``(iv) building awareness of apprenticeship
program opportunities for State or local
workforce development, education, and economic
development entities; and
``(v) providing commensurate wages to wages
for on-the-job training for program
participants during related instruction, as
applicable.
``(C) Pre-apprenticeship programs.--An eligible
entity that receives funds under section
201(a)(1)(A)(iii) shall use such funds to create a new
pre-apprenticeship program or expand an existing pre-
apprenticeship program, which may include--
``(i) coordinating pre-apprenticeship
program activities with an apprenticeship
program in a high-skill, high-wage, or in-
demand industry sector or occupation, including
the creation or expansion of work-based
learning opportunities, and articulation
agreements for those who successfully complete
a pre-apprenticeship to earn academic credit
and enroll in an apprenticeship program;
``(ii) creating, expanding, or integrating
related instruction and work-based learning,
which may include training in the workplace and
supporting partnerships to create opportunities
for pre-apprentices to earn credit at a
postsecondary educational institution for
skills and competencies acquired during the
pre-apprenticeship program;
``(iii) providing participants with career
exploration and career planning activities and
with exploration of postsecondary opportunities
including apprenticeship programs;
``(iv) with respect to participants without
a high school diploma or a generally recognized
equivalent, paying the costs affiliated with
acquiring such equivalent, and the costs of any
related assessments of potential pre-
apprentices or active pre-apprentices,
including those that would verify the
attainment of foundational knowledge and skills
necessary to succeed in an apprenticeship
program;
``(v) development or expansion of
partnerships with organizations that assist
program participants in accessing supportive
services, which may include the 12-month period
after the conclusion of a pre-apprenticeship
program;
``(vi) providing commensurate wages to the
linked apprenticeship program for pre-
apprentices as they participate in and complete
the pre-apprenticeship program, as appropriate;
``(vii) paying the cost of related
instruction or assessment or licensure fees
associated with the pre-apprenticeship program,
as appropriate;
``(viii) providing stipends to pre-
apprentices enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship
program to cover costs such as housing,
transportation, child care or out-of-pocket
expenses resulting from the pre-apprenticeship
program such as assessments and fees for
industry-recognized credentials or driver's
licenses during the time of enrollment; or
``(ix) creating or expanding industry or
sector partnerships to support the pre-
apprenticeship program and to provide
additional opportunities to the pre-
apprentices.
``(D) Youth apprenticeship programs.--An eligible
entity that receives funds under section
201(a)(1)(A)(iv) shall use such funds to create a new
youth apprenticeship program or expand an existing
youth apprenticeship program, which may include--
``(i) paying for the costs associated with
curriculum development and alignment of that
curriculum with recognized postsecondary
credentials including industry-recognized
credentials, high school graduation
requirements, and related instruction,
including curriculum development for dual or
concurrent enrollment;
``(ii) providing employers, and to the
extent practicable, labor organizations and
joint labor-management organizations, technical
assistance to support the participation of
youth apprentices under the age of 18;
``(iii) integrating work-based and academic
learning, which may include training in the
workplace;
``(iv) providing career exploration and
career planning activities, including
exploration of postsecondary opportunities such
as apprenticeship programs;
``(v) providing technical assistance to
support the participation of small- and medium-
sized businesses in youth apprenticeship
programs;
``(vi) developing or expanding partnerships
with organizations that assist program
participants in accessing supportive services,
which may include the 12-month period after the
conclusion of such a youth apprenticeship
program; or
``(vii) providing teachers, career guidance
and academic counselors, school leaders,
administrators, specialized instructional
support personnel, and paraprofessionals with
professional development opportunities to build
an understanding of apprenticeship
opportunities available to students, including
experiential opportunities like externships.
``(2) Incentive funds.--
``(A) Barriers to employment.--An eligible entity
that receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(B)(i) shall
use such funds to encourage employer participation in
programs under the national apprenticeship system that
target individuals with barriers to employment, which
may include--
``(i) providing financial assistance to
employers to support costs related to the
programs, such as training incumbent workers
for participation as mentors or employees
supervising the on-the-job learning;
``(ii) supporting the cost of related
instruction, assessment or licensure fees, or
wages for program participants during related
instruction; and
``(iii) establishing or expanding
partnerships with organizations that assist
program participants in accessing supportive
services to support recruitment, retention, and
completion, including providing supplies and
equipment necessary to begin a program under
the national apprenticeship system.
``(B) High-need social service-related
industries.--An eligible entity that receives funds
under section 201(a)(1)(B)(ii) shall use such funds to
incentivize employer participation in programs under
the national apprenticeship system in high-need social
service-related industries, sectors, or occupations,
which may include--
``(i) providing financial assistance to
employers to support costs related to the
program, such as training incumbent workers as
mentors, or employees providing on-the-job
training;
``(ii) supporting the cost of related
instruction, assessment or licensure fees, or
wages for program participants during related
instruction;
``(iii) establishing or expanding
partnerships with organizations that assist
program participants in accessing supportive
services to support recruitment, retention, and
completion, including providing supplies and
equipment necessary to begin a program under
the national apprenticeship system; or
``(iv) aligning such program with career
pathways and opportunities for advancement
along such career pathways.
``(C) Individuals impacted by the justice system.--
An eligible entity that receives funds under section
201(a)(1)(B)(iii) shall use such funds to incentivize
employer participation in programs under the national
apprenticeship system that target individuals impacted
by the criminal or juvenile justice system, which may
include--
``(i) providing financial assistance to
employers to support costs related to the
program, such as training incumbent workers as
mentors or employees supervising the on-the-job
learning; or
``(ii) supporting the cost of related
instruction, assessment or licensure fees, or
wages for program participants during related
instruction.
``(D) In-demand industry sector or occupation
grants for small- and medium-sized businesses.--An
eligible entity that receives funds under section
201(a)(1)(B)(iv) shall use such funds to encourage
participation of small- and medium-sized businesses in
programs under the national apprenticeship system,
which may include--
``(i) providing financial assistance to
employers to support costs related to the
program, such as training incumbent workers as
mentors or employees supervising the on-the-job
learning;
``(ii) supporting the cost of related
instruction, assessment or licensure fees, or
wages for program participants during related
instruction;
``(iii) providing technical assistance to
small- and medium-sized businesses on the
program registration process and leveraging
other available funds to support carrying out
programs supported by this grant; or
``(iv) establishing or expanding
partnerships to support program development or
expansion, including establishing or expanding
industry or sector partnerships to ensure
inclusion of small- and medium-sized
businesses.
``(3) Intermediary grants.--
``(A) National industry and equity
intermediaries.--An eligible entity that receives funds
under section 201(a)(1)(C)(i) shall use such funds to
carry out activities at a national and regional level
to support the promotion and expansion of industry or
equity intermediaries, which may include--
``(i) creating partnerships and leveraging
collaborations with employers, workforce
development organizations, industry
associations, labor organizations, and
education and training providers to help
multiple employers make education and training
more affordable and accelerate the expansion of
programs under the national apprenticeship
system nationwide;
``(ii) assisting employers in expanding
programs, starting new programs, and working
together to create a pipeline of skilled
workers;
``(iii) increasing the participation and
completion of nontraditional apprenticeship
populations in programs under the national
apprenticeship system, which may include--
``(I) supporting the development,
implementation, and scaling of plans
and practices; and
``(II) identifying, developing, and
disseminating effective program tools
and strategies;
``(iv) providing national activities to
increase awareness and access to programs,
including strategic marketing and outreach,
technology improvements, and innovations that
make it easier for employers to start programs
and for individuals to connect with program
opportunities;
``(v) developing and disseminating training
or related instruction associated with the
program or for curriculum improvements that
align with the requirements of the program and
learning assessments; or
``(vi) providing industry employees or
potential employees with a clear understanding
of future career paths and the skills needed to
succeed, along with cost-effective ways of
acquiring those skills through youth
apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or
apprenticeship programs.
``(B) Local intermediaries.--An eligible entity
that receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(C)(ii) may
use such funds to carry out activities at a local or
regional level to support the promotion and expansion
of programs under the national apprenticeship system,
which may include--
``(i) providing training or related
instruction associated with the programs or for
curriculum improvements that align with the
requirements of the programs and learning
assessments;
``(ii) engaging with local education and
training providers to support related
instruction aligned with the needs of high-
skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors
and occupations, and to the extent practicable,
support the provision of academic credit for
related instruction;
``(iii) providing services, including
business engagement, classroom instruction, and
development of partnerships with organizations
that assist program participants in accessing
supportive services (which may include the 12-
month period after the conclusion of the other
activities in the youth apprenticeship and pre-
apprenticeship programs involved);
``(iv) providing technical assistance on
the registration process for a sponsor of a
youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or
apprenticeship program;
``(v) connecting businesses, labor
organizations, or joint labor-management
organizations with education and training
providers to develop related instruction to
complement the on-the-job learning portion of a
youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or
apprenticeship program;
``(vi) providing training to employees to
serve as on-the-job trainers or mentors to
program participants; and
``(vii) providing career exposure, career
planning, and career awareness activities.
``(4) Educational alignment grants.--An eligible entity
that receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(D) shall use such
funds to strengthen alignment between programs under the
national apprenticeship system and education and training
providers with secondary and postsecondary education systems,
including degree and credential requirements, which may
include--
``(A) creating and aligning the related instruction
to requirements for a high school diploma or an
associate's or bachelor's degree, including through--
``(i) dual enrollment and credit
articulation for youth apprenticeship programs;
``(ii) articulation agreements; or
``(iii) credit transfer agreements;
``(B) creating or expanding career pathways aligned
with pre-apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, or
apprenticeship programs;
``(C) providing professional development for
teachers, career guidance and academic counselors,
school leaders, administrators, specialized
instructional support personnel, and paraprofessionals
to build an understanding of opportunities in the
national apprenticeship system available to students
and to incorporate such opportunities into academic
content and offerings;
``(D) offering prior learning assessments, which
may include credit for prior learning to grant advanced
standing in a program under the national apprenticeship
system and credit towards an associate's or bachelor's
degree;
``(E) maintaining a connection between a pre-
apprenticeship or youth apprenticeship program and an
apprenticeship program; and
``(F) providing training for instructors or
mentors.
``SEC. 203. GRANT EVALUATIONS.
``(a) Recipient Reports.--Each recipient of a grant under this
section shall--
``(1) provide for an independent evaluation of the
activities carried out under this title during the grant
period;
``(2) provide for an annual report and for a final report
at the conclusion of the grant period, which include--
``(A) a description of how the funds received
through the grant were used and how the uses of funds
aligned with the description in the application
specified in section 201(e)(5)(C);
``(B) in the case of an eligible entity that is
required to report data under section 131(b)(1), the
data collected under such section on a quarterly basis;
``(C) the total number of active program
participants served by each of the grant programs;
``(D) the total number that obtained unsubsidized
employment in a field related to the occupation
suitable for apprenticeship;
``(E) the total number of program participants that
completed the program in which they were enrolled;
``(F) the average time to completion for each
program as compared to the program standards
description under paragraphs (1) and (2) of section
123(b);
``(G) the average cost per participant during the
most recent program year and the 3 preceding program
years;
``(H) the percentage of participants who received
support services; and
``(I) the disaggregation of performance data
described in subparagraphs (A) through (H)--
``(i) by the program type (apprenticeship,
youth apprenticeship, or pre-apprenticeship
program) involved; and
``(ii) by race, ethnicity, sex, age, and
membership in a population specified in section
3(24) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(24)); and
``(3) submit each report under paragraph (2)--
``(A) to the registration agency; and
``(B) to the Administrator.
``(b) Administrator Evaluations.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall prepare--
``(A) not later than 36 months after the date of
enactment of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2023,
an interim evaluation on the activities carried out
under grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements
awarded under this section; and
``(B) not later than 60 months after the date of
enactment of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2023, a
final evaluation containing the results of the grant
activities.
``(2) Contents.--Such evaluations shall address, for the
activities carried out under each grant awarded under this
section, the general effectiveness of the activities in
relation to their cost, including the extent to which the
activities--
``(A) improve the participation in, retention in,
and completion of youth apprenticeship, pre-
apprenticeship, and apprenticeship programs by
nontraditional apprenticeship populations;
``(B) to the extent feasible, increase the levels
of total employment, of attainment of recognized
postsecondary credentials, and of measurable skills,
above the levels that would have existed in the absence
of such activities;
``(C) respond to the needs reflected in State,
regional, or local labor market data;
``(D) align with high-skill, high-wage, or in-
demand industries or occupations; and
``(E) reach a wide variety of industry sectors and
occupations.
``(3) Reports to congress.--Not later than 60 days after
the completion of the interim evaluation and the final
evaluation described in this section, the Administrator shall
submit to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report
summarizing the findings of the interim evaluations and a
report summarizing the final evaluations.
``(4) Public access.--The Administrator shall make the
interim and final reports available on a publicly accessible
website not later than 60 days after the completion of the
interim report and the final report.
``SEC. 204. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR GRANTS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title:
``(1) $400,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
``(2) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
``(3) $600,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
``(4) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and
``(5) $800,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.''.
SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of
1998.--Section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and Workforce
Improvement Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2916a) is repealed.
(b) Immigration and Nationality Act.--Section 286(s)(2) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(s)(2)) is amended--
(1) in the heading, by striking ``for job training'' and
inserting ``for programs under the national apprenticeship
system''; and
(2) by striking ``for demonstration programs and projects
described in section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and
Workforce Improvement Act of 1998'' and inserting ``to carry
out title II of the National Apprenticeship Act''.
(c) Transition Provision.--Notwithstanding the repeal and
amendments made by subsections (a) and (b), each eligible entity that
received a grant under section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness
and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2916a), as such
section was in effect before October 1, 2024--
(1) shall continue to receive funds in accordance with the
terms of such grant; and
(2) may not receive any additional funds under such section
after the expiration of such grant.
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