# Summary of H.R. 2851, National Apprenticeship Act of 2023
This bill modernizes the federal apprenticeship system by expanding its scope, improving quality standards, and establishing new funding mechanisms. It takes effect October 1, 2024.
**What the Bill Does:**
The legislation reorganizes and strengthens the national apprenticeship system, which includes traditional apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships (for high school students), and pre-apprenticeships (preparation programs). It establishes a centralized Office of Apprenticeship within the Department of Labor to oversee registration, sets minimum quality standards for all apprenticeship programs, and creates a framework for state apprenticeship agencies to register and monitor programs. The bill emphasizes expanding apprenticeships into emerging fields like information technology, clean energy, healthcare, and early childhood education, while particularly focusing on recruiting women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and other underrepresented populations.
**Who It Affects:**
The bill affects apprentices and job seekers, employers (especially small and medium-sized businesses), education and training providers, state workforce agencies, labor organizations, and the Department of Labor. It creates opportunities for secondary and postsecondary educational institutions to integrate apprenticeship programs into their offerings.
**Key Funding and Timelines:**
The bill authorizes increasing appropriations from fiscal year 2025 through 2029. For state apprenticeship agencies and the Office of Apprenticeship: $75–115 million annually. For a companion interagency agreement with the Department of Education: $10–18 million annually. For competitive grants to expand programs: $400–800 million annually. These grants support creating new apprenticeships, serving underrepresented populations, establishing partnerships between employers and educational institutions, and improving program quality. Grant recipients must provide at least 25 percent in matching funds, and states must develop comprehensive plans addressing program standards, diversity recruitment, performance metrics, and alignment with workforce needs.