High Country Times

Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) addressed the House Floor today, marking the 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week. Her speech focused on the need for stronger workforce development programs to help job creators and increase apprenticeship opportunities, aiming to address the nation's skills gap.

Foxx expressed concern over recent actions by the Biden-Harris administration, specifically criticizing a nearly 800-page proposed apprenticeship rule from the Department of Labor. She described this as "irresponsible and reckless," arguing that apprenticeships are vital for closing the nation's skills gap with 8 million open jobs in the U.S.

According to Foxx, "the Department of Labor’s proposed apprenticeship rule blatantly circumvents Congress" and sets up a regulatory environment that could limit participation in apprenticeships. This, she said, would close off an important route into the workforce for those seeking alternatives to traditional degrees.

Currently, registered apprenticeship programs make up only 0.3 percent of the U.S. labor force—a lower share than in many other developed countries—and have not yet gained traction in growing industries like healthcare and information technology. Foxx believes that discouraging employer participation is part of the problem.

She criticized President Biden's executive order directing federal agencies to enforce federal control over apprenticeship programs, stating it would deter sponsors and employers from voluntary participation. The proposed rule expands federal control, injects political ideology into apprenticeships, and imposes significant burdens on sponsors and employers.

Foxx highlighted one aspect of concern: "it eliminates the competency-based model that currently permits registered apprenticeship programs to measure skill acquisition through demonstrated attainment." She argued that competency is becoming more valued in the labor market as employers focus on skills rather than time spent learning them.

On a positive note, Foxx looked forward to potential changes under a second Trump administration, citing past successes with on-the-job learning initiatives during his presidency. She anticipates a renewal of efforts to expand apprenticeship opportunities to maintain America's economic leadership globally.

"Job creators are on the front lines...and they understand the exact skills workers need," she concluded, emphasizing empowerment for job creators through expanded apprenticeship systems under future administrations.