; Whereas there are nearly 600,000 registered apprentices in the United States, and there is growing and bipartisan support for expanding quality earn-and-learn strategies to help current and future workers gain skills and work experience; Whereas the federally supported workforce system and partner programs— (1) have helped rebuild the economy of the United States and provide increased economic opportunities; (2) provide a pathway into 21st century jobs that support families while ensuring that businesses in the United States find the skilled workforce needed to compete in the global economy; and (3) have the potential to serve many more if the delivery of such programs is improved; and Whereas workforce development is crucial to sustaining economic security for workers in the United States: Now, therefore, be it