Gardner, Moran propose bipartisan, bicameral bill to federally fund tech apprenticeships

U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) last week championed a bipartisan, bicameral bill to support the continued growth of America’s $1.5 trillion technology sector by reducing the nation’s shortage of qualified tech workers.

“As the technology sector begins to play an even larger role in our economy, it’s important our workforce has the necessary skills and training to perform these jobs,” said Sen. Gardner, whose home state of Colorado is among the top five states for the concentration of technology workers relative to overall statewide employment. 

Sen. Gardner on March 13 sponsored the Championing Apprenticeships for New Careers and Employees in Technology (CHANCE in Tech) Act, S. 777, for which Sen. Moran is an original cosponsor along with U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich (D-NM).

“The next 100 years will be defined by our ability to compete in the technology sector and the CHANCE in Tech Act will help the United States remain the global leader in technological developments,” Sen. Gardner said.

In 2017, the United States tech sector contributed more than $1.5 trillion to the nation’s economy, employed more than 11.5 million workers, and added over 200,000 new jobs, according to the national industry organization CompTIA. But nationally, there may be more than 500,000 tech job openings during any given 90-day period.

“The technology industry currently faces a workforce shortage and Congress must work together to address this problem. This bipartisan legislation is an innovative solution to address the workforce shortage, Sen. Gardner said.

Sen. Moran said that almost every conversation he has with business owners across his home state of Kansas ends up being about their need for trained technology workers.

“This bipartisan legislation will help give industry leaders the resources they need to create tech apprenticeships, attract talent and connect American workers with meaningful, good-paying jobs,” said Sen. Moran.

The same-named H.R. 1733 was introduced on March 13 by U.S. Reps. Tom Emmer (R-MN), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Seth Moulton (D-MA). 

If enacted, the proposed legislation would permit specific industry groups, such as state technology associations, to vie for federal grants to develop apprenticeships within the technology sector, according to a summary provided by the lawmakers.

S. 777 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, while H.R. 1733 is under review by the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee.