WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate unanimously approved bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) to expand apprenticeship opportunities for veterans. The Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act would increase veterans’ access to financial assistance they can use in connection with an apprenticeship program.
“We owe so much to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line in service to our country,” Senator Capito said. “This bill will ensure that our veterans are aware of and have access to resources like apprenticeship opportunities and empower them to achieve future success in the workforce. I was proud to sponsor this bill with Senator Peters, and I am confident that the passage of this legislation will help more veterans’ transition into civilian life following their service.”
“When I travel across Michigan, one issue comes up regularly in my conversations with businesses, workers and families: and that issue is the need to close the skills gap…That’s why one of my top priorities in the Senate is to expand access to quality skills training programs, like registered apprenticeships, that are connected to today’s in-demand jobs,” said Senator Peters. “Our Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act takes…commonsense steps to expand opportunities for veterans to use their financial assistance for quality training programs that lead to good-paying jobs…Our nation’s returning heroes deserve every opportunity to pursue their professional dreams after their service. By expanding qualified apprenticeships, this bill will make a real difference in the lives of our veterans.”
“The Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act underscores the importance of apprenticeship programs that can provide the skills that will help them earn additional civilian credentials and carve out a path toward good-paying jobs,” said John P. Yori II, President, United Soldiers and Sailors of America. “I am pleased that this bill that would help our veterans take advantage of their GI Bill benefits to cover basic expenses has unanimously passed the Senate, and I appreciate all the efforts Senators Peters and Capito have undertaken to build this bipartisan support.”
The bipartisan bill would take three commonsense steps to expand opportunities for veterans to use financial assistance in connection with a quality apprenticeship program:
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