John James introduces Skilled JOBS Act to expand apprenticeship opportunities

Ford's CEO warned at the end of September that America needs to fill 1.7 million skilled trade openings every year through 2035, but that the country is only producing 55 workers for every 100 needed.

Part of the problem is that current rules result in a strict one-to-one ratio of journeymen (experienced workers) to apprentices, which limits how many people can train for these roles. Rep. John James recently introduced legislation to solve this problem by expanding apprenticeship opportunities.

"Current regulations create an artificial bottleneck that is contributing to our labor shortage and driving up costs," said James, R-Shelby Township. "Solving this problem will make it easier for companies to grow and expand here in Michigan, and it will result in more people working in high paid jobs."

H.R.10560, also known as the Skilled JOBS Act, formalizes Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs. This sets a clear process for private industry groups to create and oversee their own apprenticeship programs instead of relying on traditional government or union programs. The bill sets a minimum ratio of one journeyman to three apprentices, which will let more people train under the guidance of a more experienced worker. The bill allows further adjustments to that ratio after a required study.

Keith Ledbetter, President & CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeast Michigan, spoke in support of the bill:

"Michigan's construction industry needs more skilled professionals, and employers need the flexibility to train them. ABC of Southeastern Michigan appreciates Congressman John James' leadership on the Skilled JOBS Act and his efforts to address restrictive apprentice ratios. This legislation would give contractors greater flexibility to grow their workforce, expand apprenticeship opportunities, and invest in the next generation of skilled professionals," Ledbetter said.

Tim Golding, State Director of Americans for Prosperity-Michigan, also spoke in support:

"Michigan has always been a state that builds - but our shops and job sites can't find enough electricians, welders, plumbers, and machinists, and the people who want those careers are getting turned away at the door. That's not a shortage of talent. It's a shortage of training slots, created by federal rules that let just one apprentice train under each Journeyman worker. The Skilled JOBS Act fixes it by recognizing the high-quality apprenticeship programs industry already runs and setting up a sensible floor of three apprentices for every Journeyman worker. Americans for Prosperity is proud to support Rep. John James' bill, and we urge Congress to move it."

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

James represents Michigan's 10^th Congressional District, which includes portions of Oakland and Macomb counties.