This bill directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a competitive grant program aimed at fostering the development of pre-apprenticeship programs within the building and construction trades. The primary goal of these programs is to prepare individuals from underrepresented populations for successful entry into registered apprenticeship programs. Eligible entities for these grants are nonprofit partnerships that must include equal participation from industry employers and labor organizations. These partnerships may also involve educational institutions, workforce development boards, and community-based organizations, and must demonstrate experience in worker skills training and the ability to help individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency. The bill specifically defines "underrepresented populations" to include racial minorities, women, military veterans, members of Federally recognized Indian Tribes, the long-term unemployed, and individuals residing in low-income or rural census tracts. Grant applications must detail the proposed training and curriculum, and provide evidence of sufficient openings in partner registered apprenticeship programs to ensure participant placement. Grant funds are designated for covering the costs of training and education for these underrepresented populations, curriculum development aligned with industry standards, and maintaining strong connections between pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs. Priority in awarding grants will be given to entities that leverage additional public and private resources, with the federal share of project costs set at 75 percent. The Act authorizes an appropriation of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and for each subsequent fiscal year to fund these initiatives, aiming to expand access to skilled trades for diverse communities.
This bill directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a competitive grant program aimed at fostering the development of pre-apprenticeship programs within the building and construction trades. The primary goal of these programs is to prepare individuals from underrepresented populations for successful entry into registered apprenticeship programs. Eligible entities for these grants are nonprofit partnerships that must include equal participation from industry employers and labor organizations. These partnerships may also involve educational institutions, workforce development boards, and community-based organizations, and must demonstrate experience in worker skills training and the ability to help individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency. The bill specifically defines "underrepresented populations" to include racial minorities, women, military veterans, members of Federally recognized Indian Tribes, the long-term unemployed, and individuals residing in low-income or rural census tracts. Grant applications must detail the proposed training and curriculum, and provide evidence of sufficient openings in partner registered apprenticeship programs to ensure participant placement. Grant funds are designated for covering the costs of training and education for these underrepresented populations, curriculum development aligned with industry standards, and maintaining strong connections between pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs. Priority in awarding grants will be given to entities that leverage additional public and private resources, with the federal share of project costs set at 75 percent. The Act authorizes an appropriation of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and for each subsequent fiscal year to fund these initiatives, aiming to expand access to skilled trades for diverse communities.