NATION: During her travels, this week, US Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Wisconsin joined in recognizing those inducted into the IBEW apprenticeship program.
BY Michelle Crawford-Sapenter
In the last 3 years, the Biden-Harris administration has taken steps to advance unions, union laborers and apprentices. Vice President Harris stated that the Biden administration is currently at work to expand apprenticeship opportunities
One of the Biden-Harris administrative focuses has been on apprentice programs, such that train laborers with new skills and provides an increase in labor preparedness.
It was during her recent visit to Wisconsin that US Vice President Kamala Harris participated in recognizing individuals who were inducted into the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) apprenticeship program. The IBEW is a prominent labor union representing electrical workers and has a strong commitment to training and skill development.
While taking a break from the budiness at hand, Vice President Harris stated that her visit to Wisconsin meant much more than a mere visit. Her return to Wisconsin was, also, a walk down memory lane in the place where she and her sister actually did most of their growing up. Vice President Harris confessed her fondness for California while, recalling the sweet moments of her childhood in Wisconsin.
Over the past three years, the Biden-Harris administration has actively supported unions, union laborers, and apprentices. Vice President Harris emphasized that the administration is currently working to expand apprenticeship opportunities across various sectors.
One of the key priorities of the Biden-Harris administration has been to strengthen apprenticeship programs. These programs provide valuable training to laborers, equipping them with new skills and enhancing their readiness for the workforce. By investing in apprenticeships, the administration aims to create a more skilled and diverse workforce, ultimately benefiting both workers and employers.
The focus on apprenticeships aligns with the administration’s commitment to providing debt-free pathways to high-paying jobs. Registered Apprenticeship, a high-quality “earn and learn” model, offers on-the-job learning experiences, job-related instruction, and mentorship. It also leads to nationally recognized credentials, helping employers hire a more diverse workforce. The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts have already resulted in the development of over 4,000 new Registered Apprenticeship programs and the hiring of more than one million apprentices.
Through initiatives like the Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative, which involves a network of employers, industry organizations, educators, and community-based organizations, the administration aims to expand and diversify apprenticeship programs. These efforts will benefit underserved populations, including women, youth, people of color, rural communities, and individuals with arrest or conviction records.
The economic impact of these programs is significant, with about 93 percent of workers completing Registered Apprenticeships gaining employment and earning an average starting wage of $77,000.
In summary, the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to apprenticeships reflects its dedication to creating equitable opportunities for all and strengthening the nation’s workforce.
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