Rep. Jake Ellzey Questions Labor Secretary on Expanding Registered Apprenticeships

Focus on Registered Apprenticeships

• 🎯 Representative Jake Ellzey questioned Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer on efforts to expand registered apprenticeships.
• 💡 The discussion highlighted the growing skills gap in critical industries and the decreasing return on investment for four-year college degrees.

Apprenticeship Infrastructure Tax Credit Act

• 💰 Ellzey introduced the Apprenticeship Infrastructure Tax Credit Act to incentivize more apprenticeships, with a focus on recent military members and their spouses.
• 🚀 This legislation aims to complement the President's goal of creating 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities.

Addressing Barriers to Workforce Growth

• 🤝 Secretary Chavez-DeRemer expressed openness to supporting legislation that removes barriers to workforce growth and provides more options for American workers.
• 🛠️ She emphasized the Department of Labor's goal to be an ally to businesses and to help employers find ways to say "yes" to growing the workforce.
• 📈 The Secretary noted that employers make the largest investment in apprentices through wages and paid training.

Secretary's Background and Approach

• 🌟 Ellzey commended Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for her extensive travel and hands-on approach to her role, suggesting her background as the child of a teamster makes her well-suited for the job.
• ✅ The Secretary's approach is to assist and help, aiming to fulfill the Department of Labor's mission of protecting wage earners, job seekers, and retirees.