House Subcommittee Examines the Role of Modern Apprenticeships in Workforce Development
On June 24, 2026, the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce's Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development held a hearing titled "Workforce Rewired: Modern Apprenticeships for a Modern Economy." The hearing examined the role apprenticeship programs play in preparing workers for today's evolving economy and addressing workforce shortages across a variety of industries.
The subcommittee heard testimony from the following witnesses:
- Jamie Angell, Senior Director of Apprenticeships and Transitional Programs, Caliber
- Joe Ross, President, Reach University
- John Ladd, Senior Advisor, Center for Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning, Jobs for the Future
- Natasha Sherwood, Director of Chapter & Workforce Development, Independent Electrical Contractors
During the hearing, Ms. Angell highlighted the success of registered apprenticeship programs, stating, "The apprenticeship model is proven well beyond the auto body industry. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 91% of Registered Apprenticeship completers retain employment after finishing, and in many high-demand industries, average starting wages exceed $60,000 per year."
The hearing underscored the growing bipartisan interest in expanding apprenticeship opportunities as a strategy to strengthen the workforce, address skilled labor shortages, and create additional career pathways in high-demand industries, including the automotive sector.