Supporting Apprenticeship Opportunities to Build an Economy that Works for All Americans
Adopted at the in 2022
WHEREAS, financial security is a racial justice issue, with centuries of government policies having systematically deprived communities of color of economic opportunities, leading to a growing racial wealth gap; and
WHEREAS, communities of color face higher levels of unemployment and have historically had access to fewer financial resources; and
WHEREAS, economic instability exacerbates systemic inequalities in our society, intensifying racial and social disparities; and
WHEREAS, reducing income inequality and ensuring economic growth in our nation will require a significant expansion of the skills of American workers; and
WHEREAS, employers around the nation are struggling to find skilled employees to fill the shoes of those leaving the workforce; and
WHEREAS, the increasing automation of our workforce continues to displace and disrupt American workers, impacting people of color at a disproportionately higher rate; and
WHEREAS, apprenticeship opportunities allow workers to learn and train while earning a wage, rather than being forced to choose between education and supporting themselves financially; and
WHEREAS, registered apprenticeships are a cost-effective way for employers to train their employees and build the next generation of their skilled workforce; and
WHEREAS, the United States lags behind other countries in the number of registered apprenticeship opportunities available to Americans;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors reaffirms its strong support for registered apprenticeship opportunities to build our workforce and open up doors to good jobs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors expresses its commitment to building an inclusive and resilient economy for all Americans, including for those in historically underserved communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges mayors to promote registered apprenticeship programs in their cities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges Congress to pass the National Apprenticeship Act, currently part of the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology, and Economic Strength (America COMPETES) Act of 2022 (now known as the Bipartisan Innovation Act), in order to further establish the importance of registered apprenticeship opportunities in the U.S. Department of Labor and fuel equitable economic recovery.