The idea of expanding career training opportunities has generated more bipartisan interest in Washington than most other political topics in recent years. Bipartisan does not mean agreement on the details, though, and the preferred strategy for increasing the country’s skilled workforce has varied according to who enjoys more political clout at the time.
The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 represents the most recent effort. Introduced by Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia), the bill passed in the House on Feb. 5 on the strength of support from 219 Democrats and 28 Republicans.