WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) introduced the Modernizing America’s Apprenticeships Act to codify the Trump Administration’s Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP) rule. IRAPs are high-quality apprenticeship programs that fall under the Department of Labor’s Standards Recognition Entity. They provide individuals with opportunities to obtain workplace-relevant knowledge and progressively advancing skills and include both a paid-work and educational component.

“Ranking second in the nation in completed apprenticeships for the second year in a row, Missouri continues to be a prime example of how successful IRAPs can be. The Modernizing America’s Apprenticeships Act would make it possible for Americans across the country to enjoy this same success. Following a trying economic year, investing in apprenticeships is a great way to help our local economies rebound and keep small businesses afloat.”