AGC to Serve on Federal Apprenticeship Advisory Committee

The ACA is composed of approximately 30 individuals appointed by the Secretary of Labor. The membership includes 10 representatives from each of the following sectors: employers, public and labor.  Members of the ACA have both the experience and background that qualify them to represent the program responsibilities of their sponsoring organizations and are expected to provide a foundation for developing advice and recommendations that are fair and comprehensive. In her invitation, Secretary Solis noted that her “immediate priorities include increasing the use of Registered Apprenticeship to develop career pathways for diverse populations and to address the increasing skilled training demands for traditional and emerging industries such as green jobs, construction and healthcare.” This appointment places AGC on the forefront on any changes to the federal registered apprenticeship system.  The ACA is charged with providing advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Labor matters facing the Registered Apprenticeship System, including how to: • Develop and promote apprenticeship in all sectors of the economy; • Safeguard the economic security of apprentices; • Formulate and promote labor standards for Registered Apprenticeship; • Identify and select research and demonstration projects; • Coordinate the various parts of the national Registered Apprenticeship system; • Expand participation of all segments of the workforce; • Improve cooperation between education and Registered Apprenticeship; • Meet future skill needs in expanding areas of the economy; and • Address broader workforce issues. The ACA meets four times a year.