Smith helps bring forward bill to boost apprenticeship programs

U.S. Sens. Tina Smith (D-MN) and Steve Daines (R-MT) have reintroduced legislation to help increase enrollment in apprenticeship programs.

The Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act would provide grant funding to help apprenticeship colleges expand outreach to potential students and employers, improve academic advising programs and address common barriers to degree completion like childcare access and support for first-generation students.

Apprenticeship colleges are institutions of higher education that sponsor registered apprenticeship programs such as electrical, carpentry or information technology programs.

The bill is also cosponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).