Last week, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) introduced legislation aimed at increasing participation in apprenticeship programs by addressing financial barriers faced by individuals during their training periods.
The bill, titled the Apprenticeship Opportunity Act, seeks to create exemptions for apprenticeship income from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) eligibility criteria. This initiative comes as registered apprenticeships are recognized as a proven pathway to securing good-paying jobs and achieving financial stability. However, many apprenticeship programs involve periods of classroom training where apprentices do not receive wages, placing significant financial strain on participants, particularly during the first year, and making it challenging for some to remain in the program.
Under the proposed legislation, states receiving TANF block grants would be required to disregard income earned during the first year of an apprenticeship when determining eligibility for cash assistance. This provision aims to enable individuals to continue supporting their families while engaging in apprenticeship training. Non-compliance with the requirements outlined in the bill would result in a 1% reduction in the grant payable to the state for the following fiscal year.
Congresswoman DelBene emphasized the importance of the Apprenticeship Opportunity Act in providing workers with a fair opportunity to pursue valuable skills training without sacrificing essential support needed to meet basic needs such as housing and food expenses.
“The Apprenticeship Opportunity Act would level the playing field and offer workers a fair opportunity to pursue valuable skills training without sacrificing the critical support needed to help pay rent or keep food on the table,” said DelBene. “By exempting apprenticeship income from TANF eligibility criteria, we’re not only empowering workers but also strengthening our workforce and fostering economic growth in our communities.”
Mark Riker, Executive Secretary of the Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council, praised the bill for removing a significant barrier to recruitment and retention in construction apprenticeship programs. He highlighted the potential of the policy change to enable individuals receiving public assistance to pursue apprenticeship pathways without facing penalties, thus facilitating their transition to self-sustaining careers.
April Sims, President of the Washington State Labor Council, lauded the introduction of the Apprenticeship Opportunity Act, emphasizing that it would eliminate harmful obstacles preventing workers from accessing apprenticeship opportunities.
“Union apprenticeship programs are robust, time-tested, and family-supporting avenues to the middle class for workers of all backgrounds – or at least they should be. Unfortunately, many federal government policies actively hinder apprentices, especially those in their first year, from securing this promise,” said Sims.“While we as a labor movement ensure that apprentices earn wages while they learn – thus reducing or often eliminating the need for student loans – it is this very notion that acts as a barrier to workers transitioning into a new trade when they temporarily need access to the social safety net to bridge the gap between their old job to this new, life-changing opportunity.”
Brandon Anderson, Legislative Director of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SEEPA) Local 2001, highlighted the significance of the bill in supporting apprenticeship expansion in high-skilled sectors like aerospace engineering. He noted that by disregarding income earned during the first year of apprenticeships, the legislation would incentivize participation and remove financial barriers for aspiring aerospace engineers, benefiting both workers and the industry.
The Apprenticeship Opportunity Act is cosponsored by Representatives Linda Sánchez (CA-38) and Terri Sewell (AL-07).