The bipartisan Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act of 2019, introduced by U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), on Dec. 4 received U.S. Senate approval and then advanced to the U.S. House of Representatives.
“This bill will ensure that our veterans are aware of and have access to resources like apprenticeship opportunities and empower them to achieve future success in the workforce, Sen. Capito said.
Sen. Capito is the original cosponsor of S. 760, which she offered in March with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) to enable registered apprenticeship programs to better serve America’s military veterans, according to the bill’s text.
“We owe so much to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line in service to our country,” said Sen. Capito. “I was proud to sponsor this bill with Senator Peters, and I am confident that the passage of this legislation will help more veterans transition into civilian life following their service.”
The bill would expand opportunities for veterans to use financial assistance toward quality apprenticeship programs by requiring new apprenticeship programs applying to register through the Department of Labor (DOL) to provide a written assurance that they are aware of GI Bill assistance and are committed to taking the steps to enable veteran apprentices to access these benefits, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Capito’s office.
Among other provisions, the bill also would require DOL to notify the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of newly registered apprenticeship programs so that the VA could be more proactive in outreach to registered programs not yet approved for GI Bill benefits.
The measure takes “commonsense steps to expand opportunities for veterans to use their financial assistance for quality training programs that lead to good-paying jobs,” said Sen. Peters. “Our nation’s returning heroes deserve every opportunity to pursue their professional dreams after their service.”