Former Iowa First Lady and Fourth Congressional District candidate Christie Vilsack has announced a plan she believes will help put Americans back to work by doubling the number of apprentices.
“Right now, there’s $29 million available for apprenticeships for the entire country, out of $4 billion,” she told The Daily Reporter Thursday afternoon. “A study has been done that shows people in apprenticeship programs make $269,000 more over their lifetime than those with just an associate degree. If we know they work, we should put more money behind them and increase those numbers. I think that’s good for everyone.”
“Community colleges have apprenticeship programs already,” Vilsack said. “In many cases, they partner with trade unions. … Some times, businesses come in and want to be a part of apprenticeship programs. there’s a number of ways to do it. I just want it to be a collaboration of business, community colleges and, sometimes, with unions.”
Also speaking of community colleges, Vilsack believes individuals who can take limited courses due to a work schedule should be eligible for Pell Grants.
“People are working hard, but if they’re only taking one credit, or a certification program, then they’re not qualified, no matter what they’re doing,” Vilsack said. “If it’s an apprentice program, on the job working, earning a living and increasing their education, they should have access to the Pell Grant program. (Currently) it penalizes people who are actually working.”
(Click here to read the entire article at spencerdailyreporter.com)
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