Recent regulatory changes proposed by the Department of Labor (DOL) concerning the Registered Apprenticeship Program have sparked controversy among lawmakers. Senator John Barrasso criticized the new regulations for imposing one-size-fits-all restrictions that could disadvantage rural communities and small businesses. The EdWorkforceCmte, led by Virginia Foxx, expressed opposition in a letter, highlighting the rule's expansion of federal power over apprenticeships, its injection of political ideology, and the significant new burdens it places on sponsors and job creators, referring to the 600+ page rule. Conversely, a new executive order aims to prioritize apprenticeships, seen by some as a means to expand job training opportunities in industries needing high-skilled workers. However, critics like Rep. Nate Moran argue that apprenticeship programs should be employer-driven and free from federal overreach, a sentiment echoed by Senator Kevin Cramer who joined Barrasso's letter against the DOL's proposed changes, advocating for more skills-based training options.
Apprenticeships are critical to ND’s workforce, which is why I joined @SenJohnBarrasso's letter opposing DOL’s proposed changes to the Registered Apprenticeship Program. Workers and business alike need more options to skills-based training, not less. https://t.co/rjBQM4DN3U
A new executive order instructing the federal government to prioritize apprenticeships could be a catalyst for expanding job training opportunities in industries desperate for high-skilled workers. https://t.co/J35JXehWV4
Our apprenticeship programs should remain driven by employers and the needs of our workforce, not burdened by unnecessary federal overreach. Read more in our letter ⬇️ https://t.co/8jwibrJZuq
.@virginiafoxx leads letter objecting to Biden’s federal apprenticeship power grab. The 600+ pg rule: ❌expands federal power over apprenticeships ❌injects political ideology into the apprenticeship system ❌imposes sig new burdens on apprenticeship sponsors & job creators https://t.co/YcDDDs9SRQ
Apprenticeships provide real on-the-job training in Wyoming and across the States. These new regulations from @USDOL would saddle states with one-size-fits-all restrictions and hurt rural communities and small businesses. https://t.co/QyrB8KvVah