Jobs, On-the-Job Earn-While-You-Learn Training, and Apprenticeships for Young African-Americans Act

This bill amends the National Apprenticeship Act to expand the national apprenticeship system, specifically targeting the recruitment, employment, and training of young African Americans. It addresses findings that African Americans face significantly higher unemployment rates and lower participation in registered apprenticeship programs compared to other groups, aiming to promote equitable hiring standards and safeguard apprentice diversity. A central provision establishes a Diversity and Inclusion Administrator within the Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship. This administrator will promote greater diversity, particularly for African American, Hispanic, Asian American or Pacific Islander, and Native American individuals, by engaging with educational institutions and nontraditional employers. Additionally, all entities seeking to register or renew an apprenticeship program will be required to submit a plan detailing how they will increase African American participation. The bill also authorizes a competitive grant program to help eligible entities create or expand diversity in registered apprenticeship programs across various industries. Grant funds can be used for outreach, recruitment, establishing partnerships for supportive services, and engaging with employers and community organizations. Recipients must report on the increased participation of diverse individuals, program completion rates, and employment outcomes to ensure the grants effectively address underrepresentation.