Promoting Apprenticeships through Regional Training Networks for Employers Required Skills Act of 2025; PARTNERS Act
Summary
The "Promoting Apprenticeships through Regional Training Networks for Employers Required Skills Act of 2025" (PARTNERS Act) aims to bolster registered apprenticeships and work-based learning programs. It focuses on small and medium-sized businesses within in-demand industry sectors. The Act establishes and supports industry or sector partnerships to achieve these goals.
Funding for the Act will come from the general fund of the Treasury, specifically from the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Secretary of Labor will oversee the implementation of the Act, including allotting funds to states based on specific criteria.
States will then award grants to eligible partnerships to carry out activities that support work-based learning programs. The Act also includes provisions for performance evaluation and accountability, ensuring that the programs are effective and achieving their intended outcomes.
Expected Effects
The PARTNERS Act is likely to increase the availability of apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities, particularly for individuals in in-demand industries. This could lead to a more skilled workforce and improved employment outcomes for participants.
Small and medium-sized businesses may benefit from access to a pipeline of trained workers and assistance in developing their own training programs. The Act's focus on industry partnerships could also foster collaboration and innovation in workforce development.
However, the effectiveness of the Act will depend on the successful implementation of the grant programs and the ability of states and partnerships to meet the performance goals.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to registered apprenticeships and work-based learning programs.
- Support for small and medium-sized businesses in developing training programs.
- Enhanced skills development for workers in in-demand industry sectors.
- Improved employment outcomes for individuals participating in the programs.
- Fostering collaboration and innovation in workforce development through industry partnerships.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative overhead associated with managing the grant programs.
- Risk of funds not being allocated effectively or reaching the intended beneficiaries.
- Dependence on the availability of funds from the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- Possible challenges in meeting the performance goals and accountability requirements.
- Limited scope, focusing primarily on apprenticeships and work-based learning, potentially neglecting other workforce development needs.
Constitutional Alignment
The PARTNERS Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the U.S. Constitution (Preamble). This clause allows Congress to enact laws that promote the well-being of the nation's citizens, including workforce development initiatives.
Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes to provide for the general welfare of the United States. The Act utilizes funds available under section 286(s)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(s)(2)).
However, the Act's reliance on funds from the Immigration and Nationality Act could raise questions about the scope of Congress's power over immigration and its relationship to workforce development.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).