HR0583 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0583 LRB103 39110 MST 69250 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In November 2024, National Apprenticeship Week will celebrate its 10th anniversary of raising awareness of the vital role that apprenticeships play in providing opportunities to learn and earn on the pathway to good, quality jobs and well-paying careers with the opportunity for career advancement; and

WHEREAS, Building off of the success of National Apprenticeship Week, the U.S. Department of Labor and its Apprenticeship USA initiative will celebrate the first Youth Apprenticeship Week in 2024 to highlight the benefits and value of registered apprenticeships for young people ages 16-24; and

WHEREAS, Registered Apprenticeship programs allow youth and young adults to obtain relevant training and experience to start their careers while earning competitive wages and often include the opportunity to earn college credit as well, creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled and diverse talent for critical industries; and

WHEREAS, The advancement and well-being of Illinois depends upon its ability to expand workforce opportunities for people in all areas of the State, including through Registered Apprenticeship programs that are able to meet the changing demands of the economy while providing a path to success and stability and opportunity to contribute to America's industries for all qualified individuals regardless of their race, sexuality, involvement in the justice system, gender, geography, ethnicity, or disability status; and

WHEREAS, Registered Apprenticeship programs for youth are able to combine a proven, industry-driven training model for apprenticeships with colleges and universities, including community colleges, to provide access to a broader array of education and skills development for young people, allowing them greater opportunities for sustained success while addressing challenges, including, but not limited to, rebuilding our country's infrastructure, addressing critical supply chain demands, supporting a clean energy workforce, modernizing our cybersecurity response, and addressing care economy issues; and

WHEREAS, The United States Department of Labor is bringing together employers, industry associations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educational institutions, and governments to celebrate Youth Apprenticeship Week from May 5-11, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Themes being highlighted for the inaugural Youth Apprenticeship Week include the importance of parents and guardians, building awareness through partnerships with schools and creating pathways through pre-apprenticeship, and expanding youth apprenticeships for underserved populations in rural, suburban, and urban communities; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the week of May 5-11, 2024 as "Youth Apprenticeship Week" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage business leaders, educators, families, and young people to learn more about the opportunities that youth apprenticeship programs provide and to encourage the development and expansion of youth apprenticeship programs in Illinois.