HR0497 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0497 LRB103 35241 MST 65237 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, National Apprenticeship Week is celebrating its ninth anniversary of raising awareness of the vital role that Registered Apprenticeships play in providing opportunities to the people of Illinois by allowing apprentices to earn while they learn and preparing a pathway to good, quality jobs and well-paying careers and the ability to advance in those careers; and

WHEREAS, The advancement and well-being of Illinois depends upon its ability to expand opportunities in its workforce that are inclusive of individuals who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality in their chosen fields; and

WHEREAS, Registered Apprenticeship programs enable employers to develop and train their future workforce while offering career seekers affordable paths to secure high-paying jobs; and

WHEREAS, Registered Apprenticeship programs are uniquely able to meet the changing demands of the economy and provide a path for all qualified individuals, including women, youth, people of color, rural communities, justice-involved individuals, and individuals with disabilities, to become apprentices and contribute to America's industries; and

WHEREAS, Illinois recognizes that Registered Apprenticeships, a proven and industry-driven training model, is a key strategy to improving job quality and creating access to good-paying, family-sustaining jobs for all, starting with youth and young adults, while addressing some of our nation's pressing workforce challenges such as rebuilding our country's infrastructure, addressing critical supply chain demands, supporting a clean energy workforce, modernizing our cybersecurity response, and responding to care economy issues; and

WHEREAS, The United States Department of Labor is bringing together employers, industry associations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, education providers, and governments to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week from November 13-19, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Themes being highlighted for National Apprenticeship Week 2023 include apprenticeships for youth, apprenticeships in new and emerging industries, expanding apprenticeships to underserved populations, women in apprenticeships, and apprenticeships for veterans; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the week of November 13-19, 2023 as National Apprenticeship Week.