Rep. Adam Smith Introduces Package of Bills to Expand Access to Workforce Training and Apprenticeships
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at expanding access to workforce training, pre-apprenticeship, and education programs by addressing the real-world barriers that prevent many Americans from completing them. The Pre-Apprenticeship Wraparound Support Services Fund Act and the Empowering Individuals to Succeed Through Education and Workforce Training Act work in tandem to provide comprehensive supports for individuals pursuing skills training, from pre-apprenticeship to advanced workforce education.
The legislation responds to a growing need across Washington state and the country for skilled workers in the building trades, manufacturing, and other high-demand industries. Both bills establish new grant programs through the Department of Labor to help local training providers, unions, and educational institutions offer wraparound support services such as transportation, childcare, housing, and assistance for lost wages.
"Access to job training and education is about more than tuition," said Rep. Adam Smith. "It’s about whether someone can afford to get to class, care for their children, or keep food on the table while they pursue a better future. These bills help break down those barriers so more people can complete their training and move into stable, family-supporting careers."
Together, these bills provide a continuum of support for individuals pursuing education and workforce training—from entry-level pre-apprenticeships to advanced skills development. They share the same goal: to remove financial and logistical barriers that keep working people from accessing opportunities.
The Pre-Apprenticeship Wraparound Support Services Fund Act
The Pre-Apprenticeship Wraparound Support Services Fund Act would create a new Department of Labor grant program to provide stipends to individuals enrolled in pre-apprenticeship programs. These stipends could be used to cover transportation, lost hourly wages, housing, childcare, and certification costs. The bill is designed to ensure that hardworking Americans can complete pre-apprenticeships and transition into Registered Apprenticeship Programs without facing financial hardship.
Endorsements:
- Machinists Institute
- IAM District 751
"The Machinists Institute proudly supports Representative Adam Smith’s continued leadership in expanding access to pre-apprenticeship programs through the Wraparound Support Services Fund Act. This legislation directly addresses the real-world barriers like transportation, childcare, and lost wages that prevent many individuals from pursuing training and career pathways. By investing in these critical supports, Rep. Smith is not only opening doors to family-sustaining jobs, but also reinforcing the value of inclusive workforce development. We see firsthand how pre-apprenticeship transforms lives, and this bill ensures more people can access that opportunity with dignity and stability."
— Shana Peschek, Executive Director, Machinists Institute
"Training the next generation of skilled workers through pre-apprenticeships is the key to keeping Washington State a workforce leader in innovation. We need allies like U.S. Representative Adam Smith and his sponsorship of bills such as the Pre-Apprenticeship Wrap-around Support Services Fund Act of 2025 to continue this success. This important legislation directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants available to eligible individuals enrolled in pre-apprenticeship programs, eliminating a significant hurdle facing many students enrolled in these programs. Pre-apprenticeships change lives in our communities, often creating pathways to generational, family-wage union jobs. IAM District 751 will always support legislation ensuring future workers have the tools needed to carry on our great state’s legacy of training the next generation of workers."
— Jon Holden, President, IAM District 751
Bill text here. Fact sheet here.
The Empowering Individuals to Succeed Through Education and Workforce Training Act
The Empowering Individuals to Succeed Through Education and Workforce Training Act would create a new Support Services Training Fund under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This competitive grant program would help local and state workforce development boards partner with community organizations to provide wraparound services for individuals enrolled in workforce training and education programs. These services could include assistance with housing, childcare, transportation, health care, and other basic needs.
Endorsements:
- LiUNA Local 242
- ANEW
- Renton Technical College
- Iron Workers Local Union #86
"LiUNA Local 242 strongly supports Congressman Adam Smith’s legislation to expand wraparound support for individuals pursuing careers in the building and construction trades. Access to industry-leading apprenticeship programs gives participants transferable skills and lifelong careers, but too often, barriers like transportation, childcare, or housing stand in the way. This bill helps ensure that those entering our apprenticeship and training programs can complete them and move into stable, family-supporting careers that strengthen our communities and the economy."
— Dale Cannon, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, LiUNA Local 242
"The Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council strongly supports efforts to expand access to education, training, and supportive services that help workers build stable, family-wage careers. The goals of the Empowering Individuals to Succeed Through Education and Workforce Training Act align with our long-standing commitment to creating pathways into the skilled trades and strengthening our state’s workforce."
— Heather Kurtenbach, Executive Secretary, Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council
"As president of Renton Technical College, I am endorsing the Empowering Individuals to Succeed Through Education and Workforce Training Act, a grant to support wraparound supports for students enrolled in education and workforce programs. This act strengthens partnerships between community organizations and colleges and addresses barriers to education and training that impact student success, retention and completion. At RTC, we know how vital investments in workforce programs are and the roles they play in improving social and economic outcomes for individuals and businesses and industries in need of a skilled workforce."
— President Yoshiko Harden, Renton Technical College