Apprenticeships to College Act
Sen. Klobuchar Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Help Apprentices Earn College Credit for Job Training
The Apprenticeships to College Act is currently in the early stages of the legislative process after being referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. The bill is actively moving as it awaits committee review, though no further actions have been scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill creates a formal partnership between the Department of Labor and the Department of Education to build a national network — called the Registered Apprenticeship College Consortium — connecting colleges, employers, and apprenticeship programs so workers can earn college credit while training on the job.
From policy text
“support the establishment of a college consortium of postsecondary educational institutions, related instruction providers, sponsors, qualified intermediaries, and employers (referred to in this Act as the ``Registered Apprenticeship College Consortium'')”
View in full text - Participating colleges would be required to sign agreements that let apprentices earn academic credit for classroom learning and hands-on training completed during their apprenticeship, and to create electronic transcripts that document both academic work and on-the-job training.
From policy text
“create or expand the awarding and articulation of academic credit for related instruction completed and credentials awarded to program participants as part of a program under the national apprenticeship system”
View in full text - The bill directs technical assistance on how apprentices can use federal financial aid — including the Federal Work-Study program — to help pay for the classroom instruction portion of their apprenticeship, potentially making training much more affordable.
From policy text
“provide technical assistance on eligible uses of financial aid, including the Federal work study program under part C of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087-51 et seq.), for related instruction for programs under the national apprenticeship system”
View in full text - A new public website would list all participating colleges, apprenticeship programs, credentials awarded, and available occupations, giving workers a clear view of their options before committing to a program.
- Participation is entirely voluntary — no college or apprenticeship sponsor is required to join the consortium, keeping the program flexible rather than mandatory.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Introduced in Senate
Related News
5 articlesU.S. Senators Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Workers Earning College Credit for Apprenticeships
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Jerry Moran reintroduced the Apprenticeships to College Act to formally codify the Registered Apprenticeship-College Consortium (RACC). The bill facilitates cooperation between apprenticeship programs and colleges to ensure workers earn credit for their training.
The Slow Rise of the Apprentice Degree
Explores the growing movement to blend paid, on-the-job training with rigorous academic instruction. The article highlights how legislative efforts like the Apprenticeships to College Act aim to bridge the gap between vocational training and traditional higher education degrees.
New Effort Adds College Credit to Apprenticeship Programs
Discusses the federal government's push to strengthen the Registered Apprenticeship-College Consortium through the Apprenticeships to College Act. It highlights how the bill helps translate hands-on experience into free college credits, making degrees more accessible for skilled tradespeople.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Apprenticeships to College Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.