Congressman David Scott (GA-13) this week traveled to West Georgia Technical College in Douglas County to tour the College and Career Institute welding center and discuss his push in Congress to expand federal investment in initiatives to increase participation of underrepresented groups in “Earn-While-You-Learn” training and registered apprenticeship programs.
During his visit, Congressman David Scott was joined by local elected officials and Georgia union leaders, including GA House Rep. William Boddie (GA-68), Atlanta North Georgia Labor Council (IBEW) President James Williams, and Kelvin Hill with SMART Transportation Georgia. Since Congressman Scott introduced HR 3445, the Jobs, On-the-Job “Earn-While-You-Learn” Training and Apprenticeships for Young African Americans Act of 2021 three weeks ago, the legislation has picked up support from more than 40 members of Congress and is endorsed by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART).
“As the nation emerges from a global pandemic and fights back from an associated economic downturn, demand for American trade workers remains strong. Registered apprenticeships are a proven path to that economic stability,” said Congressman David Scott. “Hundreds of Douglas County students have transformed their lives at West Georgia Technical College through the power of technical education. These union-backed training programs lead to high-quality and high-paying jobs, and it’s time for Congress and the federal government to do more to expand programs like these right here at home and to strengthen and diversify the talent pipeline for registered apprenticeships.”
Fact sheet on HR 3445
Photos from the press conference and tour
SEE A WRAP UP OF STORIES FROM THE EVENT BELOW:
Watch Congressman David Scott discuss registered apprenticeships and the momentum behind his “Earn While You Learn” bill on CBS46.
“The bill creates a competitive grant program to increase African American and other minority participation in apprenticeship industries and technical occupations.”
“The bill creates a competitive grant program to increase African American and other minority participation in apprenticeship industries and technical occupations.”
CW69 Atlanta: GA Congressman David Scott Sponsors Apprenticeship Bill Targeting Young African Americans
Valencia Jones
June 9, 2021
Key excerpts below. Read the full story here
- […] Congressman David Scott (D-District 13) announced House Resolution 3445, the “Jobs, On-the-Job ‘Earn While You Learn’ Training and Apprenticeships for Young African Americans Act of 2021.”
- It’s a long title for what supporters say is a big need, as employers search for more skilled laborers. The press conference was held at West Georgia Technical College in Douglasville on June 8, 2021.
- “We’re moving so fast, that we’re not bringing our populations along,” said Scott, who says too many young Black men are left behind. “I see these young Black boys, out there dodging cars, some getting hit almost, trying to sell bottled water.” He says it’s what inspired him to sponsor HB 3445.
- “This bill is going to help out tremendously with our division, as far as getting people in, getting them trained,” said Kelvin Hill, a representative with SMART, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.
- The bill proposes authorizing appropriations of up to $5 million within the next five years. It also includes recruitment, employment and retention initiatives.
- Forty legislators co-sponsored the bill. “Never before have we had this caliber of co-sponsors,” said Scott, explaining that while the bill may target the needs of struggling young African Americans, it’s also for everyone. “It’s for all our people, regardless of race, creed or color,” he said.
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