Workforce Issues

Apprenticeship Budget Will Triple Under Iowa Governor’s New Proposal

0 January 15, 2014  featured, Workforce Issues

When Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad (R) delivered his “Condition of the State” address, he announced a legislative agenda focused on improving economic development and providing Iowans access to high-paying jobs in high-demand industries.  As part of this legislative agenda, the governor’s proposed budget would triple funding to apprenticeship programs. The Associated Builders and Contractors of […]

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Apprentices To Recieve Tuition Assistance in Wisconsin

0 December 20, 2013  Workforce Issues

A recently signed bill in Wisconsin will provide a partial tuition reimbursement for students who successfully complete  apprenticeship programs and work in the trade in which they were trained.  Much like the apprenticeship tax credits we have seen in states like South Carolina, this new program will provide greater incentives for individuals and businesses to […]

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Construction Career Training Report Highlights Employer Involvement

0 December 19, 2013  featured, Studies, Workforce Issues

Vocational education is in the midst of a renaissance, according to a new report published by the Manhattan Institute for Public Policy’s Center for State and Local Leadership.  The report, written by nationally recognized policy expert Tamar Jacoby, makes the case that the growing skills gap and skyrocketing college debt has created the perfect storm […]

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Congressman Seeks to Open Apprenticeships to Veterans

0 December 19, 2013  Construction Training, Uncategorized, Workforce Issues

On Oct. 30, Rep. Kerry Bentivolio (R-Mich.) introduced a bill into the U.S. House of Representatives that would make it easier for veterans to take advantage of apprenticeship programs. The Veterans Entry to Apprenticeship Act (3384) would amend Title 38 to allow veterans to use their educational benefits for enrollment in pre-apprenticeship programs. “As an Army veteran […]

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CTE Hearing Highlights Industry Participation Needs

0 November 26, 2013  featured, Workforce Issues

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives Education and the Workforce Committee held a hearing to investigate proposals for improving career and technical education (CTE) funding programs through the Carl D. Perkins Act re-authorization.  In his opening remarks, Chairman John Kline (R-Minn.) mentioned the sub-committee testimony of Al Bargas, president of the ABC Pelican Chapter in […]

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NGA Summits Address Workforce and Training

0 November 1, 2013  The Skills Gap, Workforce Issues

When Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) was sworn in as the National Governor’s Association Chairman, she announced a year-long effort to improve workforce development partnerships at the state level and elevate the importance of post-secondary credentials.  As part of this initiative, Gov. Fallin has invited other governors to participate in regional summits to discuss workforce […]

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Career and Technical Diploma Enacted in Florida

0 October 25, 2013  Workforce Issues

A new law was signed in by Florida Governor Rick Scott to create two diplomas tracks for students interested in either a four-year college or a career and technical pathways.  By signing Senate Bill 1076, Governor Scott has empowered students on a career-focused pathway to achieve the skills necessary to compete for jobs in high-demand […]

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Maryland’s Unique Industry-Led Approach to Filling the Craft Worker Pipeline

0 October 23, 2013  featured, The Skills Gap, Workforce Issues

To improve its construction workforce pipeline, Maryland should focus on three areas: Generate career interest among young talent by changing the image of construction Align education with new technologies and skill sets and create stronger pathways from high school through university levels Increase the supply of 4-year Construction Management graduates produced in Maryland These findings […]

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Workforce Training Gets Another Boost in Wisconsin

0 October 7, 2013  featured, Workforce Issues

Skilled training will get a significant boost in Wisconsin if leaders are able to pass their proposed agenda for the fall legislative session.  In a major announcement last week from Gov. Scott Walker (R), Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R) and Senate Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R), eight bills were introduced that will invest $8.5 million in […]

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Registered Apprenticeship Hit By The Shutdown

0 October 2, 2013  Workforce Issues

Construction apprenticeship students, sponsor organizations and employers of apprentices will face delays, compliance roadblocks and increased risk of wage and hour violations  as a result of yesterday’s federal government shutdown.  In a Training and Employment Notice issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) on September 30th, the Acting Assistant Secretary Eric Seleznow laid out the […]

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