Rep. Schneider Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand On-the-Job Training Program

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) introduced the Learning Educating Achieving and Retraining for the Nation (LEARN) Act today. The bipartisan bill would expand On-the-Job training programs that have proven to be effective at helping to train and retrain American workers who are looking for work.

"As our economy continues to recover and workers adjust to a rapidly changing marketplace, On-the-Job training is a win-win for employers and those who are looking for work," Schneider said. "The LEARN Act expands On-the-Job training programs to help businesses invest in people, hiring and training new employees to grow their business and provide quality jobs to those looking for work. By expanding these public-private partnerships, businesses can train workers with the precise skills they need and our workforce can gain the experience necessary to be competitive in the 21st Century economy. For too many businesses, the cost of hiring new workers is prohibitive, and my bill will help to offset the cost of bringing on and training new workers."

On-the-Job training programs connect unemployed individuals who are looking for work with jobs and employers with funding to help defray the cost of the training. The LEARN Act authorizes the Department of Labor to award competitive grants to support local On-the-Job training programs. Nearly 80 percent of On-the-Job training program participants were still employed at their training sites or in other jobs nine months after having completed the program, according to a 2011 Department of Labor report.

As a member of the House Small Business Committee, Congressman Schneider has been active in working to help small businesses thrive. In February, he introduced the AMERICA Works Act, which would help close the skills gap that exists in today's workforce. He also launched "Brad at Your Business," a series of tours and employee town halls at small and medium-sized businesses across the Tenth District. To date, he has visited more than 40 businesses.

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