National Apprenticeship Act Turns 75 Years Old
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the National Apprenticeship Act, which has allowed millions of workers to receive training in a variety of health-related fields, including direct care.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recognizes four apprenticeships for direct-care workers in long-term care:
- certified nursing assistant,
- health support specialist,
- direct support professional, and
- home health aide.
Advocates hope that the apprenticeships will help to boost workers’ wages and career security, while improving the quality of services generally for everyone in the country.
Apprenticeships are also available to workers in fields such as construction, manufacturing, renewable energy, and transportation.
The National Apprenticeship Act — also known as the Fitzgerald Act, after its author, Rep. William Fitzgerald (D-CT) — was signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937.
Earlier this year, DOL Secretary Hilda Solis recognized the law’s 75th anniversary at a Capitol Hill event.
An extensive selection of resources about apprenticeship programs in long-term care can be found at the PHI Workforce and Curriculum Development website.
— by Matthew Ozga
