Plumbing industry allies support National Apprenticeship Act of 2021
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States, Canada (UA), the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association (PHCC) and Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) applauded the House of Representatives for bipartisan passage of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 (H.R. 447) on Feb. 5 and strongly encourage the Senate to approve it as well. The bill seeks to reauthorize the 1937 National Apprenticeship Act, which established the registered apprenticeship system, for the first time since its inception 84 years ago.
Many characteristics today associated with registered apprenticeships — progressive wage increases, mentorship and safety standards — are not part of the 1937 law; they have instead been included in subsequent U.S. Department of Labor regulations. These provisions and more would be codified into the new federal law, as well as expanding apprenticeship programs through authorization of $400 million to $800 million in new grant funding.