Whereas a highly skilled workforce is necessary to facilitate upward mobility, increase standards of living, create high-wage and high-quality jobs, compete in the global economy, and support economic growth; Whereas the national registered apprenticeship system established by the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act (50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq. ), which has existed for over 80 years— (1) creates career pathways to high-quality careers for working people in the United States; (2) offers a combination of academic and technical instruction and paid on-the-job experience; (3) provides working people with portable, nationally recognized, industry credentials that lead to higher earning careers; and (4) develops a highly skilled workforce; Whereas registered apprenticeships— (1) are increasingly innovative and diverse in their design, their collaboration with local community partnerships, and their use of emerging educational and training concepts, including competency-based learning; (2) will continue to evolve to meet the emerging demands of a 21st century workforce; (3) are critical elements of an effective workforce development system and help individuals attain a recognized postsecondary credential, contributing to their personal economic mobility; and (4) maintain high-quality standards for apprentices; Whereas the national registered apprenticeship system can provide education and training for apprentices in— (1) high-wage and high-growth sectors, including information technology, financial services, advanced manufacturing, green energy, and health care; and (2) traditional industries including the building trades; Whereas, according to the North America’s Building Trades Unions, the national registered apprenticeship system leverages approximately $2,000,000,000 in private investment, largely in the construction industry, which reflects the strong commitment of the sponsors of the national registered apprenticeship system