Bonamici Proposal to Encourage On-The-Job Training in STEM Fields Clears Key Hurdle

WASHINGTON, DC [04/17/18] – Today a proposal by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) to strengthen work-based learning programs was accepted as an amendment to a bill passed by the House Science Committee. The underlying bill creates a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant program for universities to develop or improve apprenticeships for students enrolled in STEM fields.

Bonamici's amendment encourages universities and community colleges to work with industry and sector partnerships in the grant application process.

"More work-based learning programs will help Oregonians and other Americans who still face job insecurity," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. We should expand work-based learning to sectors of the economy that lack established apprenticeship programs, including STEM fields. One way to support these new apprenticeships is through the establishment of industry partnerships, which bring together employers, education institutions, training providers, and community-based organizations to support the creation and expansion of work-based learning programs that benefit workers and the economy as a whole."

Bonamici continued, "Industry partnerships have proven to be a successful model since we passed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. For employers that would otherwise lack resources to establish apprenticeship programs, these partnerships can help. The inclusion of industry partnerships in this bill will encourage continuity in state and local strategies to address worker shortages."

Bonamici previously introduced the PARTNERS Act, bipartisan legislation to boost apprenticeships and work-based learning programs. The PARTNERS Act will help close the skills gap between small- and medium-sized businesses struggling to find workers with appropriate skills, and workers without meaningful pathways to better-paying jobs.