AWFS® Backs PARTNERS Act

Anaheim, CA – February 12, 2019 – The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS®) is in support of the Promoting Apprenticeships through Regional Training Networks for Employers’ Required Skills (PARTNERS) Act, recently introduced by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1) and Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-GA-3). The bipartisan bill expands apprenticeship, work-based learning, and training opportunities to small and medium sized businesses.
 
“The most significant challenge in the woodworking industry today is the lack of skilled workers,” says AWFS Public Policy Chair Rob Howell. “This bill can directly benefit companies in our industry, and will help us build the skilled workforce that we need.”
 
The PARTNERS Act would help small business by creating a grant program to develop industry partnerships, work-based learning programs, and mentoring and support services for workers. As the authors state: “Stronger investments in apprenticeships and work-based learning programs will get more people into better paying, stable careers and provide our nation’s businesses with a workforce that will improve productivity and efficiency.”
 
AWFS will focus on advocacy for the PARTNERS Act during their upcoming DC fly-in (March 27) and will solicit letters of support from member companies in the coming weeks.
 
To learn more about the PARTNERS Act, go to: https://bonamici.house.gov/sites/bonamici.house.gov/files/documents/171025Summary_PARTNERS.pdf