Friend of ABC, U. S. Rep. Tim Walberg, Backs Earn-and-Learn Expansion

ABC Florida East Coast applauds House Education and Workforce Committee Chair Tim Walberg (R-MI) for his recent remarks following a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlighting the value of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). Congressman Walberg, a long-standing friend of ABC, visited our offices on March 26, 2024, where he met with ABC-FEC leadership and toured our ABC Institute labs. His genuine interest in workforce development and support for merit shop principles was evident throughout his visit.

The GAO report confirms the value of earn-and-learn programs, showing that RAP participants earn more than associate’s degree holders, take on less debt, and gain relevant, in-demand skills. Nearly 940,000 individuals participated in RAPs in fiscal year 2024 across industries like construction, advanced manufacturing, and energy. However, barriers like administrative burden and employer cost still limit broader participation.

Congressman Walberg emphasized that the federal government must reduce those barriers so more job creators can offer apprenticeships. As Florida’s largest apprenticeship education provider, ABC-FEC could not agree more. We thank Congressman Walberg for his leadership, his visit to our campus, and his continued advocacy for practical workforce solutions that support industry needs and empower the next generation of skilled professionals.