U.S. Senators Young, Moran introduce legislation to promote and expand apprenticeship programs

Today, on National Apprenticeship Day, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) and U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) introduced the Workforce Apprenticeship Growth and Education Support (WAGES) Act. The legislation would create a refundable payroll tax credit for employers who maintain or participate in a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). The tax credit would offset the cost of wages paid to apprentices and mentors, as well as the cost of other program expenses.

“Apprenticeships equip individuals with sustainable skills to advance their careers and offer employers job-ready workers, but too many businesses still face barriers to launching or scaling these programs. At a time when high-demand industries are struggling to fill open positions, our bill will make it easier for businesses to invest in high-quality apprenticeship programs, strengthening our workforce and expanding pathways to good-paying careers. This is an important step in ensuring Americans are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Senator Young.

“Apprenticeships are one of the most powerful—and underutilized—pathways to prosperity in America,” said Representative Moran. “This legislation changes that by making it easier and less costly for businesses to invest in the next generation of skilled workers through apprenticeship programs. We are making it practical for employers across America to create workforce opportunities from within their organization by utilizing the expertise of their experienced employees to upskill and mentor younger workers, all the while doing so by keeping more of their tax dollars.”

Under the WAGES Act, eligible employers would be required to:

• Maintain a RAP or participate in one through written agreements, like collective bargaining agreements (CBAs);
• Employ at least one qualified apprentice during the calendar quarter; and
• Not have received federal payments for the same qualifying wages/expenses.

Covered program expenses would include:

• Related technical instruction (classroom, distance learning, or other approved format);
• On-the-job learning costs and supervision reimbursement;
• Mentor wages — the amount paid above a journeyworker’s base rate while mentoring an apprentice (capped at $10,000/quarter per mentor);
• Program development, registration, and maintenance costs; and
• CBA contributions to registered apprenticeship sponsors.

In 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order to prepare Americans for high-paying skilled trade jobs of the future, with plans to reach and surpass one million new active apprenticeships. The WAGES Act builds on the Trump Administration's efforts to grow apprenticeship programs across the country. These programs benefit workers by providing them a skills-based education for a sustainable career and offer employers an opportunity to recruit, build, and retain a highly skilled workforce.

The WAGES Act is supported by the following organizations: American Hotel and Lodging Association, American Society for Nondestructive Testing, American Trucking Associations, Associated Equipment Distributors, Associated General Contractors of America, Caliber Collision, National Association of Home Builders, National Restaurant Association, National Roofing Contractors Association, Real Estate Roundtable, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Ascend Indiana, CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership, Indiana Electric Cooperatives, Indiana Manufacturers Association, and the Indy Chamber.

“There’s never been a more exciting time to build a career in the skilled trades. The Wages Act is a meaningful step forward, encouraging companies to invest in apprenticeship programs that create real opportunity for the next generation of talent. At Caliber, we see the impact of these programs every day—building careers, strengthening our workforce, and supporting the future of our industry. We appreciate Congressman Moran and Senator Young for their leadership in advancing this effort,” said David Simmons, CEO of Caliber Collision.

Additional statements of support can be found here.

A summary of the WAGES Act can be found here. Full legislative text can be found here.