[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2859 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
113th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 2859
To promote apprenticeships for credentials and employment, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 18, 2014
Mrs. Murray introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To promote apprenticeships for credentials and employment, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Promoting
Apprenticeships for Credentials and Employment Act'' or the ``PACE
Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title and table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings and purposes.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
TITLE I--PROMOTING REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS
Sec. 101. Promoting registered apprenticeship programs.
Sec. 102. Promoting integration with postsecondary education.
TITLE II--PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND ENHANCEMENT
Sec. 201. Expanding registered apprenticeship programs.
TITLE III--CONFORMING AMENDMENTS
Sec. 301. Amendments.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) A highly skilled workforce is necessary to compete in
the global economy, support economic growth, and maintain the
standard of living of the United States.
(2) The registered apprenticeship program model is a
longstanding, on-the-job training and education model that
prepares workers for the skill demands of particular
occupations and employers while, at the same time, providing
the workers with recognized, portable credentials, and wages
while in training.
(3) The registered apprenticeship program model has been
successful in skilled trade industries, including construction
and manufacturing, as well as service industries, such as
health care, and holds great potential for expansion into other
industries.
(4) Registered apprenticeship programs are an essential
element of an effective workforce development system and help
individuals attain a recognized postsecondary credential,
contributing to their personal economic sustainability.
(5) According to a report from the Georgetown University
Center on Education and the Workforce, by 2018, the United
States will face a shortage of workers with recognized
postsecondary credentials--shortages of 3,000,000 workers with
degrees and 4,700,000 workers with certificates.
(6) According to a 2012 report from the Annie E. Casey
Foundation, youth employment in the United States has reached
the lowest point since World War II. More than 6,000,000 young
people ages 16 through 24 are disconnected from school and
work.
(7) A 2012 evaluation of registered apprenticeship programs
in 10 States by Mathematica Policy Research found that--
(A) individuals who completed registered
apprenticeship programs earned over $240,000 more over
their careers than individuals not participating in
such apprenticeship programs;
(B) the estimated social benefits of registered
apprenticeship programs exceeded their costs by more
than $49,000; and
(C) the tax return on every Federal Government
dollar invested in registered apprenticeship programs
was $27.
(8) An evaluation in Washington State found the following:
(A) Registered apprenticeship programs have been
among the most effective workforce development
programs, with the highest impact and the greatest
return on investment of any such program.
(B) For each individual who completes a registered
apprenticeship program, over the individual's career,
there is a 90-to-1 return on investment, for a total
net benefit of just over $300,000 for that career.
(C) The general public also receives a lifetime
return on investment of 23-to-1, or around $80,000, for
each person completing a registered apprenticeship
program.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to increase the number of highly skilled workers in the
United States, particularly in in-demand industry sectors and
occupations;
(2) to increase the attainment of recognized postsecondary
credentials by participants;
(3) to increase awareness about the value of the registered
apprenticeship program model as an effective earn-and-learn
model for students, workers, and employers;
(4) to support the development of registered apprenticeship
programs with employers, joint labor management partnerships,
and other program sponsors, that offer jobs that lead to
economic self-sufficiency;
(5) to support the development and expansion of pre-
apprenticeship programs that lead to success in a registered
apprenticeship program; and
(6) to support a closer alignment between registered
apprenticeship programs, the workforce development system, and
postsecondary education.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship appointed under
section 101(a).
(2) Career pathway.--The term ``career pathway'' means a
combination of rigorous and high-quality education, training,
and other services that--
(A) aligns with the skill needs of industries in
the economy of the State or regional economy involved;
(B) prepares an individual to be successful in any
of a full range of secondary or postsecondary education
options, including apprenticeships registered under the
Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the
``National Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter
663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.) (referred to individually in
this Act as an ``apprenticeship'');
(C) includes counseling to support an individual in
achieving the individual's education and career goals;
(D) includes, as appropriate, education offered
concurrently with and in the same context as workforce
preparation activities and training for a specific
occupation or occupational cluster;
(E) organizes education, training, and other
services to meet the particular needs of an individual
in a manner that accelerates the educational and career
advancement of the individual to the extent
practicable;
(F) enables an individual to attain a secondary
school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and at
least 1 recognized postsecondary credential; and
(G) helps an individual enter or advance within a
specific occupation or occupational cluster.
(3) Educational service agency.--The term ``educational
service agency''--
(A) has the meaning given the term in section 9101
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 7801); and
(B) includes a consortium of those agencies.
(4) High school.--The term ``high school'' means a
nonprofit institutional day or residential school that--
(A) provides secondary education, as determined
under State law;
(B) grants a diploma, as defined by the State; and
(C) includes, at least, grade 12.
(5) In-demand industry sector or occupation.--
(A) In general.--The term ``in-demand industry
sector or occupation'' means--
(i) an industry sector that has a
substantial current or potential impact
(including through jobs that lead to economic
self-sufficiency and opportunities for
advancement) on the State, regional, or local
economy, as appropriate, and that contributes
to the growth or stability of other supporting
businesses, or the growth of other industry
sectors; or
(ii) an occupation that currently has or is
projected to have a number of positions
(including positions that lead to economic
self-sufficiency and opportunities for
advancement) in an industry sector so as to
have a significant impact on the State,
regional, or local economy, as appropriate.
(B) Determination.--The determination of whether an
industry sector or occupation is in-demand under this
paragraph shall be made by the State board or local
board, as appropriate, using State and regional
business and labor market projections, including the
use of labor market information.
(6) National apprenticeship system.--The term ``national
apprenticeship system'' means the collective group of
registered apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship
programs in the Nation (including the rules and regulations
governing the 2 types of programs).
(7) Postsecondary educational institution.--The term
``postsecondary educational institution'' has the meaning given
the term in section 101 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998
(29 U.S.C. 2801).
(8) Pre-apprenticeship program.--The term ``pre-
apprenticeship program'' means a program or set of strategies
that--
(A) is designed to prepare individuals to enter and
succeed in a registered apprenticeship program;
(B) is carried out by an entity that has a
documented partnership with at least 1 sponsor of a
registered apprenticeship program; and
(C) includes each of the following elements:
(i) Training (including a curriculum for
the training), aligned with industry standards
and approved by the documented partnership,
that will prepare individuals by teaching the
skills and competencies needed to enter one or
more registered apprenticeship programs.
(ii) Provision of hands-on training and
theoretical education to individuals in a
simulated laboratory experience or volunteer
opportunity that--
(I) accurately simulates the
industry and occupational conditions of
the registered apprenticeship program
described in subparagraph (B);
(II) is carried out in a manner
that includes proper observation of
supervision and safety protocols; and
(III) is carried out in a manner
that does not displace a paid employee.
(iii) A formal agreement with a sponsor of
a registered apprenticeship program that would
enable participants who successfully complete
the pre-apprenticeship program to enter
directly into the registered apprenticeship
program (if a place in the program is
available), and includes agreements concerning
earning credit for skills and competencies
acquired during the pre-apprenticeship program.
(9) Recognized postsecondary credential.--The term
``recognized postsecondary credential'' means a credential
consisting of an industry-recognized certificate or
certification, a certificate of completion of an
apprenticeship, a license recognized by the State involved or
Federal Government, or an associate or baccalaureate degree.
(10) Registered apprenticeship program.--The term
``registered apprenticeship program'' means a program
registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as
the ``National Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663;
29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
(11) Secretary.--Except as provided in section 102 or as
otherwise modified, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Labor, acting through the Administrator.
(12) Sponsor.--The term ``sponsor'' means--
(A) with respect to a registered apprenticeship
program, an employer, joint labor management
partnership, trade association, labor organization, or
other entity that administers the registered
apprenticeship program; and
(B) with respect to a pre-apprenticeship program,
an entity that administers the pre-apprenticeship
program.
TITLE I--PROMOTING REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS
SEC. 101. PROMOTING REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS.
(a) Establishment of the Office of Apprenticeship.--
(1) Office.--There is established, in the Employment and
Training Administration of the Department of Labor, an Office
of Apprenticeship.
(2) Administrator.--The Office shall be headed by an
Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship appointed by the
Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training. The Assistant
Secretary shall appoint an individual who has the demonstrated
knowledge of registered apprenticeship programs necessary to
serve as the Administrator.
(3) Responsibilities.--The Administrator, through the
Office of Apprenticeship, shall carry out responsibilities
including--
(A) determining whether an apprenticeship program
meets the requirements to become a registered
apprenticeship program and maintains the standards
necessary to remain a registered apprenticeship
program;
(B) managing the national apprenticeship system;
(C) carrying out activities under subsection (b) to
promote high-quality pre-apprenticeship programs;
(D) promoting awareness about registered
apprenticeship programs, including carrying out
activities under subsection (c);
(E) promoting greater diversity in registered
apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship
programs, including by promoting outreach to
underrepresented populations and veterans and
supporting the development of apprenticeship models for
nontraditional occupations;
(F) providing for evaluations and research, as
described in subsection (e); and
(G) providing technical assistance to sponsors of
registered apprenticeship programs, entities who are
interested in developing and becoming sponsors of
registered apprenticeship programs, and sponsors of
pre-apprenticeship programs.
(b) Supporting the Development of Pre-Apprenticeship Programs.--
(1) Support.--The Secretary shall support the development
of pre-apprenticeship programs.
(2) Grants.--
(A) In general.--Using funds available under
subsection (f), the Secretary shall make grants on a
competitive basis to eligible entities, to provide the
Federal share of the cost of carrying out projects that
support that development.
(B) Period.--The Secretary shall make initial
grants under this paragraph for periods of not more
than 3 years, except that if an eligible entity
demonstrates satisfactory performance under paragraph
(7) by the end of that third year, the Secretary may
extend the grant period up to an additional 2 years for
that entity.
(C) Recipients.--
(i) Qualified organizations.--In a State
without a State apprenticeship agency, a
qualified organization may serve as an eligible
entity, and may receive a grant under this
subsection.
(ii) State apprenticeship agencies.--In a
State with a State apprenticeship agency, a
qualified organization may serve as an eligible
entity. The agency shall receive a grant under
this subsection on behalf of the eligible
entity, and act as a fiscal agent for the
entity.
(3) Qualified organizations.--To be considered a qualified
organization under this subsection, an organization shall be a
public-private partnership consisting of--
(A) a local educational agency, high school, 2- or
4-year postsecondary educational institution, or
consortium of such entities; and
(B) representatives of--
(i) in a State with a State apprenticeship
agency, that agency;
(ii) an industry or business, consisting of
an employer, a group of employers, or an
industry group that sponsor a registered
apprenticeship program or are interested in
supporting or establishing a registered
apprenticeship program;
(iii) a labor organization;
(iv) a State or local workforce investment
board (established under subtitle B of title I
of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29
U.S.C. 2811 et seq.));
(v) an entity carrying out a registered
apprenticeship program;
(vi) a community-based organization that
provides pre-apprenticeship programs, as
appropriate; and
(vii) a 2- or 4-year postsecondary
educational institution or consortium of such
institutions, if such an institution or
consortium is not a partner under subparagraph
(A).
(4) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant from
the Secretary under this subsection, an eligible entity
(including, in a State with a State apprenticeship agency, that
agency, acting on behalf of an eligible entity) shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary may require,
including--
(A) information on the quality of the proposed pre-
apprenticeship program, including the training and
curriculum described in section 3(9)(C)(i), and how it
makes individuals who successfully complete the pre-
apprenticeship program qualified to enter into an
established registered apprenticeship program;
(B) evidence that there are or will be sufficient
openings available in the registered apprenticeship
program referenced in (A) to enable the registered
apprenticeship program sponsor to place into that
program those individuals who successfully complete the
pre-apprenticeship program;
(C) information about the organization that
demonstrates the existence of an active, advisory
partnership between the partners described in
subparagraphs (A) and (B), of paragraph (3) and the
organization's capacity to provide the training and
education services necessary for a pre-apprenticeship
program; and
(D) information about the proposed pre-
apprenticeship program that demonstrates--
(i) that the program is in an in-demand
industry or occupation in the region in which
the project is located;
(ii) the use of integrated work-based and
academic learning that includes training in the
workplace;
(iii) the inclusion of career exploration
focused activities, such as job shadowing,
career information activities, and resume
preparation, in the program;
(iv) if the eligible entity carrying out
the project includes a high school, that the
model to be used for the program leads to a
high school diploma for participants without
such a diploma;
(v) that the project aligns with an
established registered apprenticeship program,
including that the model used for the program
leads to the attainment of skills and
competencies necessary for entrance into the
registered apprenticeship program for
participants; and
(vi) how the eligible entity will
facilitate access through the program to the
appropriate support services for participants,
including facilitating access through
partnerships with entities providing such
services.
(5) Use of funds.--
(A) In general.--An eligible entity that receives a
grant under this subsection shall use the grant funds
to carry out a project that implements a pre-
apprenticeship program in an organization specified in
paragraph (3) (other than paragraph (3)(B)(i)) that is
part of the eligible entity, or a consortium of such
entities.
(B) Required activities.--The eligible entity shall
use the grant funds--
(i) to pay for the cost of training or
education associated with the pre-
apprenticeship program;
(ii) to provide student stipends during
work-based training in the project;
(iii) for curriculum development that align
with the requirements of the appropriate
registered apprenticeship programs and learning
assessments;
(iv) to maintain a connection between the
pre-apprenticeship program and registered
apprenticeship program;
(v) to promote the pre-apprenticeship
program to potential participants; and
(vi) to conduct evaluations described in
paragraph (7)(B).
(C) Allowable activities.--The eligible entity may
use the grant funds for teacher training, including
providing externship opportunities for teachers to
learn about the skill needs of the industry or
occupation that the pre-apprenticeship program focuses
on.
(6) Federal share.--
(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost
described in paragraph (2)(A) shall be 75 percent.
(B) Non-federal share.--The eligible entity may
contribute the non-Federal share of the cost in cash or
in-kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment,
or services.
(7) Performance.--
(A) Measures.--The Secretary shall identify a set
of common measures that, at a minimum, include measures
of entry into a registered apprenticeship program and
that are aligned with the performance measures
described in section 136(c) of the Workforce Investment
Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2871(c)) for the local workforce
investment area (designated under section 116 of such
Act (29 U.S.C. 2831)) involved.
(B) Evaluations.--Each eligible entity that
receives a grant to carry out a project under this
subsection shall annually conduct, or arrange for
another entity to conduct, an evaluation of the project
using the identified common measures, and shall, to the
extent practicable, cooperate with the Secretary in any
evaluations of activities carried out under this
section.
(C) Extensions.--The Secretary shall use the
results of an evaluation for a project to determine
whether to extend the grant period, or renew a grant,
for the project under paragraph (2)(B).
(c) Promoting Awareness of Registered Apprenticeship Programs.--
(1) Information for state and local boards.--To promote
awareness about registered apprenticeship programs within the
workforce development system, the Secretary shall disseminate
information on the value of registered apprenticeship programs,
to State and local workforce investment boards described in
subsection (b)(3)(B)(iv), which information shall include--
(A) a list of registered apprenticeship programs in
the State involved;
(B) guidance for training staff of the workforce
development system within the State on the value of
registered apprenticeship programs, including relevant
placement, retention and earnings information, as a
training option for participants;
(C) guidance on how individual training accounts
under section 134(d)(4) of the Workforce Investment Act
of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2864(d)(4)) could be used by
participants for a registered apprenticeship program;
and
(D) guidance on how performance measures under
section 136 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29
U.S.C. 2871) apply to participants in registered
apprenticeship programs, including relevant placement,
retention and earnings information.
(2) Information for industry groups and labor
organizations.--To promote awareness about registered
apprenticeship programs to workers and employers, the Secretary
shall provide information about the value of registered
apprenticeship programs, including relevant placement,
retention and earnings information, through the one-stop
delivery systems described in section 121 of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2841), to industry groups and
to labor organizations, which information shall include, at a
minimum--
(A) a list of registered apprenticeship programs in
the State;
(B) information on how to develop a registered
apprenticeship program; and
(C) information on financial resources available to
assist with the establishment and implementation of
registered apprenticeship programs.
(3) Information for students and schools.--To promote
awareness about registered apprenticeship programs among
students and school staff, the Secretary, in cooperation with
the Secretary of Education, shall disseminate information on
the value of registered apprenticeship programs, including
relevant placement, retention and earnings information, to high
schools, 2- and 4-year postsecondary educational institutions,
and educational service agencies, which information shall
include, at a minimum--
(A) a parent guide to understanding registered
apprenticeship programs and postsecondary education;
(B) a student guide to understanding registered
apprenticeship programs as part of a career pathway;
(C) a guide, for career and academic counselors, to
understanding registered apprenticeship programs as a
postsecondary education option for students; and
(D) information for school administrators,
workforce and economic development coordinators, and
teachers and faculty that will assist with the
development, implementation, and continuation of
registered apprenticeship programs.
(d) Secretary's National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships.--
(1) Establishment.--
(A) In general.--There is established in the
Department of Labor a National Advisory Committee on
Apprenticeships, referred to in this section as the
``Advisory Committee''.
(B) Composition.--The Advisory Committee shall
have--
(i) 21 voting members appointed by the
Secretary, composed of--
(I) 7 representatives of employers
who participate in a registered
apprenticeship program, including
employers who participate in a
registered apprenticeship program
sponsored by a joint labor-management
partnership;
(II) 7 representatives of labor
organizations who have responsibility
for the administration of a registered
apprenticeship program sponsored by a
joint labor-management partnership; and
(III) 7 representatives of State
apprenticeship agencies, community
organizations with significant
experience with a registered
apprenticeship program, and 2- or 4-
year postsecondary educational
institutions with at least 1
articulation agreement with the entity
administering a registered
apprenticeship program; and
(ii) members who are ex officio nonvoting
representatives from the Departments of Labor,
Commerce, Education, Energy, Housing and Urban
Development, and Health and Human Services.
(C) Qualifications.--The members shall be selected
upon the basis of their experience and competence
concerning apprenticeships.
(D) Terms.--The Secretary shall appoint the members
for terms of 4 years.
(2) Chairperson.--The Secretary shall designate one of the
members of the Advisory Committee to serve as Chairperson of
the Advisory Committee.
(3) Meetings.--The Advisory Committee shall hold not fewer
than 2 meetings during each calendar year. All meetings of the
Advisory Committee shall be open to the public. A transcript
shall be kept of each meeting and made available for public
inspection.
(4) Duties.--The Advisory Committee shall advise, consult
with, and make recommendations to the Secretary on matters
relating to the administration of this title and the Act of
August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the ``National
Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50
et seq.).
(5) Personnel.--
(A) Procurement.--
(i) In general.--The Chairperson of the
Advisory Committee may procure the temporary
and intermittent services of voting members of
the Advisory Committee under section 3109(b) of
title 5, United States Code, at rates for
individuals that do not exceed the daily
equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay
prescribed for level V of the Executive
Schedule under section 5316 of such title.
(ii) Officers or employees of the united
states.--All members of the Advisory Committee
who are officers or employees of the United
States shall serve without compensation in
addition to that received for their services as
officers or employees of the United States.
(B) Staff.--The Secretary shall supply the
Committee with an executive secretary and provide such
secretarial, clerical, and other services as the
Secretary determines to be necessary to enable the
Advisory Committee to conduct its business.
(6) Permanent committee.--Section 14 of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the
advisory committee.
(e) Evaluations and Research.--
(1) Evaluations of programs and activities carried out
under this title.--For the purpose of improving the management
and effectiveness of the programs and activities carried out
under this title, the Secretary shall provide for the
continuing evaluation, by an independent entity, of the
programs and activities, including activities carried out under
subsection (a)(3)(C). Such evaluations shall address--
(A) the general effectiveness of such programs and
activities in relation to their cost, including the
extent to which the programs and activities--
(i) improve the skill and employment
competencies of participants in comparison to
comparably situated individuals who did not
participate in such programs and activities;
and
(ii) to the extent feasible, increase the
level of total employment and recognized
postsecondary credential attainment over the
level that would have existed in the absence of
such programs and activities;
(B) the impact of the programs and activities for
the participants, sponsors, and employers;
(C) the return on investment of Federal funding for
the programs and activities;
(D) the longitudinal outcomes for participants in
the programs and activities; and
(E) the impact of specific policies on the general
effectiveness of such programs and activities.
(2) Research.--The Secretary may conduct, through an
independent entity, research on best practices in registered
apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship programs and
other issues relating to such programs.
(3) Techniques.--Evaluations and research conducted under
this subsection shall utilize appropriate methodology and
research designs.
(4) Reports.--The independent entity carrying out the
evaluations described in paragraph (1) or research described in
paragraph (2) shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a draft
report and a final report containing the results of the
evaluations or research, respectively, and including policy
recommendations. The draft and final reports shall be made
available for public inspection.
(5) Reports to congress.--Not later than 60 days after the
completion of such final report, the Secretary shall transmit
the final report to the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
(6) Public access.--
(A) Public access procedure.--The Secretary shall
develop a mechanism to make research and curricula
developed under this title publically available in a
timely manner.
(B) Curriculum.--An eligible entity that develops a
curriculum under this title shall make the curriculum
available to the Secretary. Using the mechanism
established under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
make such curriculum accessible to providers of pre-
apprenticeship programs and to the public.
(f) Reservation.--The Secretary may reserve not more than 5 percent
of the funds appropriated under subsection (g) for each fiscal year for
Federal administration and management, technical assistance, and
evaluation and research activities.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary
for fiscal year 2015 and each subsequent fiscal year.
SEC. 102. PROMOTING INTEGRATION WITH POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Consortium.--The term ``consortium'' means the
Registered Apprenticeship-College Consortium established under
subsection (b)(1).
(2) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries'' means the
Secretary of Labor, acting through the Administrator, working
jointly with the Secretary of Education, acting through the
Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education.
(b) Consortium With 2- and 4-Year Postsecondary Educational
Institutions.--
(1) Establishment.--The Secretaries shall establish and
maintain a voluntary Registered Apprenticeship-College
Consortium. The Consortium shall consist of the sponsors
carrying out registered apprenticeship programs, 2- or 4-year
postsecondary educational institutions, and organizations that
represent such programs or institutions, that agree to meet
certain criteria in order to support the purposes described in
paragraph (2).
(2) Purposes.--The Consortium shall support the purposes
of--
(A) promoting stronger connections between the
registered apprenticeship programs involved and
participating 2- and 4-year postsecondary educational
institutions;
(B) promoting the translation of experience in a
registered apprenticeship program to academic credit at
participating 2- and 4-year postsecondary educational
institutions;
(C) facilitating the enrollment of an individual
who has completed a registered apprenticeship program
(referred to in this section as an ``apprentice'') at a
participating 2- or 4-year postsecondary educational
institution for the purpose of attaining academic
credit toward an associate's or more advanced degree;
(D) advancing the attainment of associate's and
more advanced degrees by apprentices;
(E) promoting the attainment of recognized
postsecondary credentials with value in the labor
market; and
(F) expanding awareness about the value of
registered apprenticeship programs as a postsecondary
education option.
(3) Participant requirements.--The Secretaries shall
establish criteria that any interested 2- or 4-year
postsecondary educational institution or sponsor shall meet in
order to participate in the Consortium, which criteria shall
include, at a minimum--
(A) for a 2- or 4-year postsecondary educational
institution--
(i) agreement to recognize the academic
credit (as assessed under subparagraph (B)(i))
earned by an apprentice for, and the assessment
of the apprentice's learning in, a registered
apprenticeship program at another participating
institution;
(ii) agreement to develop a formal
articulation agreement with a participating
sponsor of a registered apprenticeship program,
other than a 2- or 4-year postsecondary
educational institution; and
(iii) agreement to provide certain
information, as determined by the Secretaries,
to the Consortium; and
(B) for a sponsor--
(i) agreement to participate in third-party
evaluations of the quality and rigor of the
program offerings in order to determine the
value of academic credit for learning during a
registered apprenticeship program;
(ii) agreement to develop a formal
articulation agreement with a participating 2-
or 4-year postsecondary educational
institution; and
(iii) agreement to provide certain
information, as determined by the Secretaries,
to the Consortium.
(4) Memorandum of understanding.--
(A) In general.--In order to participate in the
Consortium, interested 2- or 4-year postsecondary
educational institutions and sponsors shall agree to
meet certain conditions determined by the Secretaries.
(B) Conditions.--Such conditions shall address, at
a minimum--
(i) how learning during a registered
apprenticeship program, including related
instruction and on-the-job training, will be
assessed for academic credit;
(ii) how programs and procedures,
especially those related to admissions, credit
transfer, and recognition of such learning will
be structured to support accessibility for
apprentices;
(iii) how the structure and scheduling of
courses will be developed in a way that
supports the matriculation of apprentices; and
(iv) how residency requirements will be
modified to support the transferability of
credit earned by apprentices.
(5) Publicly available information.--The Secretaries shall
maintain a publicly accessible website identifying, at a
minimum--
(A) the participating members of the Consortium in
each State, including those with established
articulation agreements;
(B) a model for articulation agreements, and copies
of some exemplary articulation agreements for
illustrative purposes; and
(C) such other information as the Secretaries
determine to be necessary to promote awareness of the
Consortium and its members.
(6) Advisory committee.--
(A) Establishment.--The Secretaries shall establish
an advisory committee for the Consortium.
(B) Composition.--The advisory committee shall be
composed of members appointed by the Secretaries,
consisting of--
(i) representatives of 2- or 4-year
postsecondary educational institutions;
(ii) representatives of sponsors; and
(iii) a representative from the Advisory
Committee described in section 101(d).
(C) Term.--Members of the advisory committee shall
serve for a term of 2 years.
(D) Duties.--Such advisory committee shall seek
input from organizations and experts representing
industry, labor, and postsecondary education, and shall
make recommendations to the Consortium and the
Secretary regarding actions necessary to achieve the
objectives of this subsection.
(E) Travel expenses.--The members of the advisory
committee shall not receive compensation for the
performance of services for the committee, but shall be
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of
agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5,
United States Code, while away from their homes or
regular places of business in the performance of
services for the Committee. Notwithstanding section
1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary may
accept the voluntary and uncompensated services of
members of the advisory committee.
(F) Permanent committee.--Section 14 of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply
to the advisory committee.
(7) Use of funds.--
(A) Administrative.--The Secretaries shall use 30
percent of the funds appropriated under subsection (c)
to establish and maintain the Consortium and the
website referred to in paragraph (5), to support the
advisory committee referred to in paragraph (6), and
for technical assistance, evaluation, and research
activities.
(B) For program participants.--The Secretaries
shall use 70 percent of the appropriated funds to carry
out, directly or by grant or contract with an eligible
entity, activities consisting of--
(i) providing funding to Consortium
participants to support the development of
articulation agreements with other Consortium
participants;
(ii) providing funding to the Consortium to
support the assessment of learning during a
registered apprenticeship program, for academic
credit;
(iii) providing funding to the Consortium
to support third-party assessments of the
quality and rigor of program offerings,
referred to in paragraph (3)(B)(i);
(iv) providing curriculum development, for
participating institutions and sponsors; and
(v) carrying out other purposes that will
help participating 2- and 4-year postsecondary
educational institutions and sponsors meet the
requirements of paragraphs (3) and (4).
(C) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive a
grant or contract under subparagraph (B), an entity
shall be a partnership comprised of--
(i) at least one 2- or 4-year postsecondary
educational institution participating in the
Consortium; and
(ii) at least one sponsor of a registered
apprenticeship program participating in the
Consortium.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) Fiscal year 2015.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for fiscal
year 2015.
(2) Subsequent fiscal years.--
(A) Authorization.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section for each fiscal
year subsequent to fiscal year 2015 the amount
determined under subparagraph (B) for the fiscal year
involved.
(B) Adjustment for inflation.--The amount referred
to in subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year shall be
determined by multiplying--
(i) the amount authorized under this
subsection for the preceding fiscal year; by
(ii) the percentage change in the Consumer
Price Index for All Urban Consumers during the
annual interval immediately preceding the date
on which the determination is made.
TITLE II--PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND ENHANCEMENT
SEC. 201. EXPANDING REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide payments of assistance
for eligible sponsors of new (as of the date of submission of an
application under subsection (b)) registered apprenticeship programs,
or for sponsors of existing joint labor-management registered
apprenticeship programs that add employers as new (as of such date)
partners.
(b) Applications.--To be eligible to receive payments under this
section for a registered apprenticeship program, a sponsor shall submit
an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary may require, including
information on how the activities carried out under the grant would
enhance and expand the registered apprenticeship system, such as
extending registered apprentice programs into new industries and
occupations, and including information demonstrating that, as of the
date the sponsor submitted an application under this section--
(1) for a new registered apprenticeship program, the
program received recognition as a registered apprenticeship
program within the 36 months preceding that date;
(2) the sponsor offered jobs that lead to economic self-
sufficiency, as determined by a local workforce investment
board established under section 117 of the Workforce Investment
Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2832) located in the same local
workforce investment area (as designated under section 116 of
such Act (29 U.S.C. 2831));
(3) the sponsor has demonstrated success in enrolling,
instructing, advancing, and graduating individuals in the
relevant registered apprenticeship program, and in the
employment of such individuals after completion of the program;
and
(4) the sponsor had not received a payment under subsection
(d).
(c) Use of Funds.--In providing assistance under this section, the
Secretary shall arrange to provide payments for eligible sponsors, as
funds are available under this section. Funds made available through
such a payment shall be used to reimburse an eligible sponsor for the
allowable costs (as determined by the Secretary) of operating the
registered apprenticeship program involved. The maximum total payment
to any one sponsor may not exceed $5,000 or 50 percent of the allowable
costs of operating the program.
(d) Disbursement Through Local Boards.--The Secretary shall enter
into arrangements with the local workforce investment boards described
in subsection (b)(2) to provide the payments to the eligible sponsors.
(e) Evaluations.--Sponsors receiving grants under this section
shall, to the extent practicable, cooperate with the Secretary in the
conduct of evaluations of the activities carried out under this
section.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this section $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2015 and
each subsequent fiscal year.
(2) Reservation.--The Secretary may reserve 5 percent of
the amount appropriated under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year
for distribution to the local workforce investment boards, to
pay for the costs of the boards associated with making
determinations under subsection (b)(2) and disbursements under
subsection (d), and as funds remain available, other costs of
Federal administration and management, technical assistance,
research and evaluation under this section.
TITLE III--CONFORMING AMENDMENTS
SEC. 301. AMENDMENTS.
(a) References.--
(1) Section 3(7) is amended by striking ``section 101 of
the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801)'' and
inserting ``section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1002)''.
(2) Section 101 is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (3)(B)(iv), by striking
``State or local workforce investment board
(established under subtitle B of title I of the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C.
2811 et seq.))'' and inserting ``State or local
workforce development board (established under
subtitle A of title I of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act)''; and
(ii) in paragraph (7)(A), by striking
``performance measures described in section
136(c) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998
(29 U.S.C. 2871(c)) for the local workforce
investment area (designated under section 116
of such Act (29 U.S.C. 2831))'' and inserting
``(before July 1, 2016) performance measures
described in section 136(c) of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2871(c)) for
the local workforce investment area (designated
under section 116 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 2831))
or (after June 30, 2016) performance
accountability measures described in section
116(c) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act for the local workforce
development area (meaning a local area, as
defined in section 3 of such Act)''; and
(B) in subsection (c)--
(i) in paragraph (1)--
(I) in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by striking ``State
and local workforce investment boards''
and inserting ``State and local
workforce development boards'';
(II) in subparagraph (C), by
striking ``section 134(d)(4) of the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29
U.S.C. 2864(d)(4))'' and inserting
``section 134(c)(3) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act''; and
(III) in subparagraph (D), by
striking ``performance measures under
section 136 of the Workforce Investment
Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2871)'' and
inserting ``(before July 1, 2016)
performance measures under section 136
of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998
(29 U.S.C. 2871) or (after June 30,
2016) performance accountability
measures under section 116 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2), in the matter
preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``section 121 of the Workforce Investment Act
of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2841)'' and inserting
``section 121 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act''.
(3) Section 201 is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``local
workforce investment board established under section
117 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C.
2832) located in the same local workforce investment
area (as designated under section 116 of such Act (29
U.S.C. 2831))'' and inserting ``local workforce
development board (meaning a local board, as defined in
section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act) located in the same local workforce development
area (meaning a local area, as defined in that section
3)''; and
(B) in subsections (d) and (f)(2), by striking
``local workforce investment boards'' and inserting
``local workforce development boards''.
(b) Effective Date.--This section takes effect on July 1, 2015.
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