The Youth Apprenticeship Advancement Act promotes high-quality apprenticeship programs for teenagers ages 16-22 who remain enrolled in or return to high school while working. The bill establishes standards requiring apprenticeship programs to combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training in high-demand fields, leading to a high school diploma, industry credentials, and college credits. Eligible sponsors—including employers, schools, workforce boards, and nonprofit intermediaries—must create written agreements detailing wages, safety standards, mentoring, and support services, with special attention to recruiting underrepresented groups. The legislation creates a Youth Apprenticeship Advancement Fund, directing at least $100 million annually from H-1B visa fees for fiscal years 2024-2029 to fund eligible partnerships, with the federal government covering 75 percent of program costs while requiring 25 percent matching funds from non-federal sources. The bill requires participating organizations to track and report program outcomes by demographic categories and establishes that the Labor and Education departments must jointly promote alignment between apprenticeship programs and high school graduation requirements.
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