The House Committee on Education and Labor, Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee held a Hearing on “Innovations in Expanding Registered Apprenticeship Programs” to discuss expansion of apprenticeships through the current registered model or through Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs).
Democrats continued to emphasize their support Registered Apprenticeship programs that they believe ensure high quality programming with portable credentials. With the current skills gap, Republicans believe more needs to be done and that the Administration’s Industry Recognized Apprenticeship programs (IRAPs) provide curriculum flexibility for employers in high demand professions without the lengthy approval process included with Registered Apprenticeship programs. Democrats raised concerns that IRAPs could take away taxpayer dollars from the Registered Apprenticeship program, which has a proven, standardized model.
Community colleges were also highlighted for their partnerships and work as intermediaries between high schools, 4-year institutions, and businesses, to create programs that meet the needs of the community.
Read ASAHP’s full memo here.