S. 531 — American Apprenticeship Act

This section defines terms—including "qualified apprenticeship" (a National Apprenticeship Act-registered program concentrated in an industry sector or occupation representing less than 10% of apprenticeable occupations or national apprenticeship programs), "pre-apprenticeship" (an initiative partnering with qualified apprenticeship sponsors to provide aligned training, hands-on experience, and direct entry pathways), "postsecondary educational institution" (an institution of higher education as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1002), "related instruction," "Secretary" (of Labor), and "sponsor"—and incorporates specified definitions from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. This section authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make competitive grants to states to cover the federal share of costs for pre-apprenticeship programs or related instruction associated with qualified apprenticeship programs. Grant applications must include a strategic plan identifying a state entity to administer the grant; collaboration strategies with industry, agencies, postsecondary institutions, and labor-management partners; coordination and leveraging of funds under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; and prioritization of existing federal and state aid (e.g., Pell Grants, veterans' benefits) before using grant funds.

This section directs the Secretary to (1) identify in-demand occupations nationally and regionally that lack the use of apprenticeships in qualified apprenticeship programs, (2) analyze the use of the qualified apprenticeship program model in those occupations, and (3) submit a report containing that analysis to States and Congress.