Fitzpatrick’s bill would help build a trades-ready workforce to fill shortages

To build a workforce ready to fill critical construction jobs, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on Feb. 9 introduced bipartisan legislation that would create, fund, and sustain pre-apprenticeship programs for all building and construction trades.

“A highly-trained, skilled trade workforce is essential to job creation and economic growth,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “As co-chair of the [Bipartisan] Building Trades Caucus, I am proud to join this bipartisan effort to further invest in apprenticeship programs, particularly in underserved communities nationwide.”

The Pre-Apprenticeships To Hardhats (PATH) Act, H.R. 7315, is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and seven other original cosponsors, including Reps. Fitzpatrick and Dave Joyce (R-OH).

If enacted, H.R. 7315 would provide grants to employers, unions, state and local workforce development boards, community-based organizations, postsecondary educational institutions, school districts, state education agencies, high schools, small businesses, and veterans’ service organizations for such programs, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Fitzpatrick’s staff.

“As the construction industry faces a workforce shortage crisis across the country, I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan PATH Act to connect more young people with good-paying jobs in the construction trades,” said Rep. Norcross, also co-chair of the Bipartisan Building Trades Caucus. “This bill will help build a workforce ready to meet industry demands, expand pathways to the middle class, and support infrastructure investments that strengthen our communities.”

H.R. 7315, which is endorsed by the North America’s Building Trades Unions, has been referred to the U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee for consideration.