Bill Overview
Title: Apprenticeship Freedom Act
Description: This bill eliminates the requirement for apprenticeships to register with the Department of Labor as a condition of their participation in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs.
Sponsors: Rep. Good, Bob [R-VA-5]
Target Audience
Population: Apprenticeship participants and prospective job seekers
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The bill affects apprenticeships, which are structured programs combining on-the-job training and education.
- Under the current system, apprenticeships must register with the Department of Labor to participate in WIOA programs.
- The new bill removes this registration requirement, potentially expanding the number of apprenticeships that can participate in WIOA programs.
- WIOA programs aim to improve workforce development, helping people gain skills and secure employment.
- The change could affect how apprenticeship programs operate across different sectors, such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Reasoning
- The policy targets apprenticeships that often focus on sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, which are integral to the U.S. economy and involve a diverse range of participants.
- The removal of registration requirements may increase the flexibility and accessibility of WIOA resources, allowing smaller or non-traditional apprenticeship programs to flourish.
- Given the budget constraints, the policy is likely to affect a limited but significant number of the estimated target population of 10 million people, especially those who are agile and ready to adapt to new opportunities.
- Individuals in professions that traditionally rely less on formalized apprenticeships might see limited direct impacts, whereas new entrants and those from underserved communities might benefit significantly.
Simulated Interviews
Apprentice Electrician (Chicago, IL)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could make it easier for non-traditional or smaller companies to offer apprenticeships.
- I'm worried about the quality of unregistered apprenticeships, though it might increase competition in the market.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Manufacturing Supervisor (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Easier entry into WIOA programs could help recruit more skilled apprentices.
- Quality assurance needs attention in non-registered programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Software Developer (Austin, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could inspire tech startups to create apprenticeships without bureaucratic barriers.
- More innovation in apprenticeship offerings can diversify career growth paths.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
HR Consultant (New York, NY)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Simplifying apprenticeship participation can open doors for diverse candidates.
- The policy should be coupled with guidance to maintain equity in access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Construction Manager (Seattle, WA)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The regulation changes might dilute standards.
- Existing structure within the industry remains robust for current apprentices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
High School Graduate (Denver, CO)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased apprenticeship opportunities could help me start my career sooner.
- Need more information on how to approach non-traditional apprenticeships.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired Educator (Rural Kansas)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More unregistered programs might bridge gaps for rural students.
- Sustainable support needed to maintain accessibility and quality.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Healthcare Worker (Boston, MA)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Simplicity in policy could increase more healthcare apprenticeship options.
- Long-term impact depends on execution and consistent oversight.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Graphic Designer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This change could encourage more creative industry apprenticeships.
- Broadening options gives us more ways to advance careers without college debt.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Automotive Technician (Detroit, MI)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More apprenticeship diversity could fit varying needs in auto tech fields.
- Flexibility can attract more youth into these programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $40000000)
Year 2: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $65000000)
Year 3: $70000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $90000000)
Year 5: $100000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $130000000)
Year 10: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 100: $400000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $550000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring quality control as more programs participate in WIOA can be logistically challenging and costly.
- Varied sector responses to participation could impact equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.