U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, addressed the committee during a hearing focused on supporting apprenticeships to strengthen the American workforce and economy.
During his remarks, Cassidy highlighted a projected shortage in the U.S. labor force over the next decade. He stated that nearly 6 million workers are expected to be lacking as Americans retire at increasing rates without enough replacements entering the workforce. Cassidy emphasized that this shortage is especially acute in health care due to an aging population.
Cassidy called for updates to apprenticeship programs to better connect workers with skills needed for future jobs. He cited Department of Labor data indicating that apprentices typically earn a starting salary of $80,000, which exceeds the median individual income.
He noted bipartisan support for apprenticeships within the committee: “Republicans and Democrats on this Committee strongly support apprenticeships. This is pro-worker, pro-business, and pro-family.”
Cassidy also referenced efforts by President Trump and Secretary Chavez-DeRemer regarding apprenticeship expansion: “By the way, President Trump and Secretary Chavez-DeRemer understand the power of apprenticeships in strengthening our economy and empowering workers.”
He continued: “President Trump set out a bold vision – create 1 million new active apprenticeships. In August, the Departments of Education, Labor, and Commerce published a roadmap outlining how to accomplish this. As HELP Chairman, I am working closely with President Trump and his administration to expand apprenticeship opportunities.”
Cassidy addressed challenges facing current apprenticeship systems such as complex registration processes and inconsistent state laws. He advocated for simplifying these processes so employers can more easily offer apprenticeships.
He urged collaboration among federal agencies, state governments, and private industry to expand apprenticeships into fields beyond traditional trades—including advanced technology sectors. Cassidy stressed that both employees and employers should have greater input in designing apprenticeship programs to lower costs and increase flexibility.
“Apprenticeships should be guided by those actually on the ground, not government bureaucrats,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Cassidy stated: “By implementing these commonsense reforms, we can achieve President Trump’s goal to strengthen the economy and give more Americans a path to the American Dream.”
The hearing included witnesses invited to share their perspectives on improving apprenticeship opportunities.
For additional information about HELP Republicans’ activities or updates from today’s hearing visit their official website or Twitter account at @GOPHELP.
