HR0887 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0887 LRB103 42431 LAW 75661 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize the value of Registered Apprenticeship programs during National Apprenticeship Week, November 17 to November 23, 2024; and

WHEREAS, National Apprenticeship Week is an annual event that brings attention to the critical role that Registered Apprenticeship programs play in generating opportunities, enabling apprentices to learn and earn on an accelerated industry pathway in preparation for high-caliber employment and lucrative careers across the country; and

WHEREAS, In the United States, there is an urgent need to train and maintain a distributed, inclusive, and highly qualified workforce that can support our economy and meet the needs of America's industries; and

WHEREAS, Registered Apprenticeship programs play a key role in expanding opportunities in our workforce that are inclusive of individuals who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality, thus providing 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, President Joseph R. "Joe" Biden Jr., in signing Executive Order 14119, has expanded the use of Registered Apprenticeships and promoted labor-management forums across federal agencies; and

WHEREAS, The House Committee on Education and the Workforce has understood the importance of aligning the goals and objectives of the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Labor, as the Registered Apprenticeship system is America's most successful federally authorized workforce development program; according to the Department of Labor, 93% of people who complete an Registered Apprenticeship are employed upon completion, earning an average starting wage of above $77,000 annually; additionally, businesses earn $1.44 back for every dollar invested toward their apprentices in a Registered Apprenticeship program; and

WHEREAS, The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has addressed some of our country's most pressing workforce challenges, such as rebuilding our infrastructure, meeting the demands of our vital supply chains, assisting a workforce focused on clean energy, updating our cybersecurity response, and addressing concerns related to the care economy; and

WHEREAS, The Workforce Innovation Network (WIN), and the Black Community Providers Network (BCPN) have acknowledged that Registered Apprenticeship programs are critical towards enhancing job quality and ensuring that everyone, including youth and young adults, have access to well-paying, family-sustaining jobs, and these organizations will convene a series of national events from November 17 to November 23, 2024 in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week; 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 value of Registered Apprenticeship programs during National Apprenticeship Week, November 17 to November 23, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend the Workforce Innovation Network (WIN) and the Black Community Providers Network (BCPN) for their support of registered apprenticeship, industry awareness, and the expansion of apprenticeship, especially during National Apprenticeship Week; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Workforce Innovation Network (WIN) and the Black Community Providers Network (BCPN) as an expression of our esteem and respect.