Bill > S235

This bill directs the Secretary of Labor to establish contracts with industry intermediaries to promote apprenticeship opportunities for secondary school students. The bill defines key terms like "industry intermediary" (an entity that connects employers with workforce development partners) and "disconnected youth" (individuals aged 16-25 not regularly attending school or employed). Under these contracts, intermediaries can receive federal funding to develop apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, with priority given to organizations targeting students from low-income schools, rural areas, high-poverty neighborhoods, disconnected youth, and underrepresented groups like women in building trades and individuals with disabilities. The bill focuses on high-need occupations across sectors including building trades, healthcare, technology, teaching, and manufacturing. Funding can be used for activities like identifying and training apprenticeship candidates, providing orientation and support services, covering partial wages, and supplying educational resources like tuition assistance, tools, equipment, and technology. The goal is to create more structured pathways for young people to enter skilled workforce training programs, particularly in fields experiencing labor shortages or seeking to increase diversity.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/235/all-info