Heinrich's first bill in new Congress focused on apprenticeship programs

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich is continuing his focus on apprenticeships and workforce development in the 119th session of Congress, putting forth a bill aimed at creating grants for new high school apprenticeship programs.

Heinrich, D-N.M., introduced the bipartisan Apprenticeship Pathways Act in January with Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan. The pair introduced the same legislation in 2023.

The bill, if approved, would direct the secretary of labor to provide grants for the creation and development of apprenticeship programs for high school students — targeting industries like construction, health care, early childhood education, technology and manufacturing.

“Pre-apprenticeship is an essential on-ramp for high schoolers and recent graduates to access in demand, high wage careers,” Mike May, director of workforce learning for the nonprofit Future Focused Education, said in a statement. “It’s a critical step in making our communities more prosperous.”

The bill was referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions subcommittee and has not yet picked up additional co-sponsors.

The health care and social assistance industry in New Mexico anticipates significant growth over the coming decade. The industry is expected to grow by 25% through 2032, with the number of people employed in that field expected to increase by 33,940 workers, according to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.

The construction industry anticipates 11% growth, while educational services are projected to grow by almost 6%. Manufacturing could grow by 13% and professional, scientific and technical services could grow by almost 17%, according to DWS.

“By providing students with more preparation and job skills, we will ensure more New Mexicans have the opportunity to access careers in their own communities that they can build their families around, while strengthening New Mexico’s middle class and growing our state’s economy,” Heinrich said in a statement.