10/30/2025

U.S. House Committee Approves Apprenticeship Funding

Source: aftermarketNews

The U.S. House Appropriations Committee recently voted 35-28 to advance House Republicans’ Labor, Health and Human Services, Education (LHHSE) and Related Agencies appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026. This bill largely aligns with the strategic workforce development plan articulated in a joint report recently released by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Education and Commerce. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) said it applauds Congress and the Trump Administration for prioritizing the need to resolve workforce shortage and training concerns. 

The FY 26 LHHSE appropriations bill allocates $285 million toward apprenticeship grants, of which $100 million is reserved for state apprenticeship programs. This total allotment maintains the same level of funding provided to apprenticeship programs in 2025. The committee’s decision to keep apprenticeship funding consistent while making significant cuts overall to the Department of Labor’s budget reflects Congress’ commitment to supporting apprenticeship programs. Such funding, ASA states, will be critical to achieving the Trump Administration’s goal of surpassing one million active apprentices in the U.S.

Providing Specialized Support

The committee also approved language strongly encouraging the Department of Labor to provide specialized support to incumbent automotive repair technicians in advanced training to prepare them with the skills needed to handle advances in automotive technology. ASA said it encouraged the committee to include this language in the LHHSE Appropriations bill in 2024, but the legislation that ultimately passed omitted it. ASA added it thanks House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and LHHSE Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) for their leadership and persistent support for the automotive repair community, which they have demonstrated in their actions by reinserting this language in the latest bill.

“The automotive repair community faces a daunting repair technician shortage that makes it harder for us to serve consumers,” said Dan Stander, chairman of the ASA board of directors. “It also undermines roadway safety. The federal government can help ensure that automotive technicians are prepared to handle the future of auto innovation through support for apprenticeships and incumbent worker training programs. Congress’ recent action represents a step in the right direction.”