Senator Collins Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Commemorating National Apprenticeship Week

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, joined 13 Senators in introducing a bipartisan resolution designating the week of November 14, 2016, as National Apprenticeship Week.

“Few issues are as important to the American people as the availability of good jobs in our communities,” Senator Collins said. “I have met with many business owners in Maine who have jobs available but cannot find qualified and trained workers to fill these vacant positions. Our resolution recognizes the importance of apprenticeship programs, which help grow our economy and create opportunities for workers by preparing them for high-skill, high-wage jobs.”

A 2012 evaluation of registered apprenticeship programs by Mathematica Policy Research found that the tax return on every public dollar invested in registered apprenticeship programs was $27. It further found that individuals who completed registered apprenticeship programs earned over $240,000 more throughout their careers than individuals not participating in such programs.

Senators joining Senator Collins in introducing resolution designating National Apprenticeship Week included Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Al Franken (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

Read the full resolution HERE.