HR-6044 : Still Just a Bill

The "Promoting Apprenticeships through Regional Training Networks for Employers Required Skills Act of 2023" or the "PARTNERS Act of 2023" (H.R. 6044) aims to boost apprenticeships and other work-based learning programs, particularly within small and medium-sized businesses operating in high-demand industries.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Supporting Partnerships: Establishes and supports industry or sector partnerships at the local or regional level.
• Funding: Allocates funding from the H-1B Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account to support the initiatives under this Act.
• State Allotments: Provides allotments to eligible states to support local or regional eligible partnerships and work-based learning programs.
• Eligibility Criteria: States must meet specific requirements, including submitting an application detailing how they will support partnerships, align with industry needs, and serve various populations.
• Grant Distribution: Governors of participating states will award grants to eligible partnerships. These grants can be used to help businesses navigate apprenticeship programs, develop curricula, and provide support services to workers.
• Use of Funds: Funds are to be used for business engagement, support services for workers (including those with barriers to employment), and strategies to enhance the development, implementation, retention, and completion of work-based learning programs.
• Performance and Accountability: Requires local partnerships and states to submit reports on performance indicators, including levels of achievement for workers in the programs, and demographic data.

In summary, H.R. 6044 seeks to strengthen the workforce by promoting apprenticeships and work-based learning, with a focus on partnerships between businesses, educational institutions, and the workforce development system.