SE Atlanta News

Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-GA) has reintroduced the bipartisan PARTNERS Act, aiming to establish a grant program to support small and medium-sized businesses in developing work-based learning programs and offering vital support services for workers. The primary emphasis of the initiative is on job training in high-demand industries, with an overall aim of enhancing opportunities for workforce development and economic growth in the United States.

"Ferguson, Bonamici, and Guthrie Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Apprenticeship Programs", the statement read.

In a press release by Congressman Ferguson's office, he emphasized on the importance of flexibility and resources for communities across America. "In order to stay competitive on the world stage, communities across the country need the flexibility and resources to create work-based learning opportunities catered to their local job markets," said Ferguson. He cited Georgia's success where employers are recognising the value of workplace skills-training programs such as those at Central Education Center in Newnan. He expressed pride in reintroducing the PARTNERS Act as an innovative solution that could empower every American with opportunity.

The press release further mentioned that this program's grants would facilitate job training in high-demand industries without imposing additional expenses on taxpayers. The PARTNERS Act permits allocation of 50% fees generated by certain Department of Labor accounts for workforce training grants.

Eligible community partners could receive state grants amounting up to $500,000 over a three-year period, according to Congressman's office. These funds are intended for helping small and medium-sized businesses develop or expand work-based learning programs while providing essential support services like adult basic education, mentorship, retention support among others for workers.

The bill also includes an obligation on eligible partnerships' part to evaluate performance indicators annually for workers involved in these work-based learning programs based on diverse demographic categories. In addition to this requirement states are also mandated by law to evaluate performance data across all eligible partnerships and submit reports to the Secretary.

According to Congressman's website, Drew Ferguson represents Georgia's 3rd congressional district, covering areas from the southern suburbs of Atlanta to the northern suburbs of Columbus. Before his tenure in Congress, Ferguson served as a mayor in West Point, Georgia.