What does Preamble of PARTNERS Act do?

This bill aims to promote registered apprenticeships and other work-based learning programs. The programs are targeted towards small and medium-sized businesses. The focus is on in-demand industry sectors. The bill proposes establishing and supporting industry or sector partnerships to achieve these goals.

What does SHORT TITLE. of PARTNERS Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Promoting Apprenticeships through Regional Training Networks for Employers Required Skills Act of 2025.

What does PURPOSE. of PARTNERS Act do?

This Act aims to encourage registered apprenticeships and other work-based learning programs. The focus is on small and medium-sized businesses. The programs are intended to be within industries experiencing high demand. The Act proposes establishing and supporting industry or sector partnerships to achieve these goals.

What does DEFINITIONS. of PARTNERS Act do?

This section defines key terms used within the Act. An 'eligible partnership' is defined as an industry or sector partnership as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that submits and obtains approval of an application consistent with section 5(c). An 'in-demand industry sector' is defined by references to section 3(23) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. A 'registered apprenticeship' is defined as an apprenticeship registered under the National Apprenticeship Act. A 'work-based learning program' provides paid work experience and corresponding classroom instruction, intended to lead to continuing employment. The terms 'Governor', 'individual with a barrier to employment', 'industry or sector partnership', 'local area', 'local board', 'State board', 'outlying area', 'recognized postsecondary credential', 'region', 'State', and 'supportive services' are defined by reference to section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The 'Secretary' is defined as the Secretary of Labor.

What does AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. of PARTNERS Act do?

This section establishes the source of funds for carrying out the Act. Funds will be drawn from the general fund of the Treasury. These funds are specifically those available under section 286(s)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

What does ALLOTMENTS TO STATES. of PARTNERS Act do?

This section outlines allotments to states from funds available under section 4 of the Act. The Secretary may reserve up to 5% of available funds for technical assistance and Federal administration, 2% for evaluations, and 0.25% for outlying areas. Remaining funds are to be allotted to eligible states to support local or regional partnerships focused on work-based learning programs, following formulas in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Specific clauses within the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act's allotment formulas are modified for the first few years after enactment. If a state fails to meet allotment requirements, unallotted funds may be redistributed to other eligible states using a formula from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. An 'eligible State' must meet requirements outlined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and this Act's subsection (c). States must submit applications detailing planned activities, including industry partnerships, workforce plans, and services offered. Applications must describe how partnerships will engage businesses and support individuals with barriers to employment. The Secretary will review applications in consultation with the Secretaries of Education and Health and Human Services.

What does GRANTS TO PARTNERSHIPS. of PARTNERS Act do?

This section establishes a grant program for partnerships. State governors, receiving allotments under section 5, are responsible for awarding grants to eligible industry or sector partnerships. Grants can be used to assist, establish, or expand these partnerships to carry out activities described in section 7. Grants may be awarded for a period of up to three years and in an amount not exceeding $500,000. Funds from an allotment under section 5 can be used during the year received and the two subsequent fiscal years. Partnerships seeking grants must submit an application to the state and designate a fiscal agent. States may award grants to entities participating in multiple partnerships, subject to certain conditions. States must ensure geographic diversity in the areas where grant activities are carried out. States can reserve up to 5% of an allotment for grant administration.

What does USE OF FUNDS. of PARTNERS Act do?

This section outlines how eligible partnerships receiving grants under section 6 must use those funds. Funds are intended to support registered apprenticeships and other work-based learning programs, including participant retention and completion. Eligible partnerships can use funds to establish or expand partnerships. Funds can be used to engage businesses in work-based learning programs, assisting with tasks like navigating registration and developing curriculum. Specific business engagement services include connecting businesses with education providers, providing career awareness activities, and assisting with the employment of workers in a transitional period. Recruitment efforts can target individuals receiving assistance from programs like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Support services for workers include connecting individuals with adult basic education, mentorship, and necessary tools or attire. Transportation and childcare services are also permitted, but limited to a maximum of 5% of grant funds. Support services must be provided for at least 12 months after an individual's placement in a work-based learning program, encompassing pre-training, transitional employment, and continuing employment.

What does PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY. of PARTNERS Act do?

This section establishes performance and accountability requirements for eligible partnerships receiving grants under section 6. Eligible partnerships must conduct evaluations and submit local reports to the State within one year of receiving a grant, and annually thereafter. Local reports must include information on performance indicators for all workers in the work-based learning program, disaggregated by specified populations, race, ethnicity, sex, and age. Local reports must also include information on performance indicators for individuals with barriers to employment, disaggregated similarly. States must conduct evaluations and submit reports to the Secretary within 24 months (but no less than 18 months) after receiving initial local reports, and annually thereafter. State reports must contain information from the local reports and the State-level performance, aggregated across all eligible partnerships.

What does CONFORMING AMENDMENTS. of PARTNERS Act do?

This section makes conforming amendments to existing legislation. Section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 is repealed. Section 286(s)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act is amended. The amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act specifies that 50 percent of amounts deposited into the H-1B Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account shall be available to the Secretary of Labor to carry out the PARTNERS Act.

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PARTNERS Act

Last updated: 9/11/2025 · Introduced: 9/11/2025

Author: Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)

TL;DR (AI)

The PARTNERS Act establishes a grant program to support industry or sector partnerships focused on expanding registered apprenticeships and other work-based learning programs, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.
States will receive allotments of federal funds, with a portion reserved for technical assistance, evaluations, and support for outlying areas, to distribute as grants to eligible partnerships.
Grants, up to $500,000 for a three-year period, can be used to establish, assist, or expand partnerships and provide support services like transportation and childcare to program participants.
Eligible partnerships must use grant funds to support work-based learning programs, engage businesses, and recruit individuals facing barriers to employment, including those receiving assistance from programs like SNAP and WIOA.
The Act requires partnerships to conduct evaluations and submit performance reports, disaggregated by demographic factors, to track program effectiveness and outcomes.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 4393(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 8 more.

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