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U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today toured the UAW-Ford Technical Training Center facility to highlight a new economic agenda called “A Better Deal: Better Jobs, Better Wages, Better Future” and met with leaders to discuss their one of a kind apprenticeship program. The UAW-Ford Joint Apprentice Program prepares individuals to become certified Skilled Tradespersons, and upon completion, provides a way for new graduates to achieve higher pay and additional career opportunities.

“We need to do everything we can to address the challenges facing working men and women and ensure they’re getting the skills they need to succeed in the 21^st century economy,” said Dingell. “This joint effort by the UAW and Ford is a model for how apprenticeship programs can grow opportunity for American workers and close the jobs and skills gap that workers and businesses are facing, and it is my hope that similar programs are implemented across Michigan and the rest of the country. Michigan is home of much of the modern labor movement, and we know how critical these programs are to strengthening our workforce and growing opportunity for all Americans.”

“A Better Deal” agenda centers on three key goals: raising the wages and incomes of American workers and creating millions of good-paying jobs, lowering the cost of living for families and building an economy that gives working Americans the tools to succeed in the 21^st century economy, including through expanded apprenticeship programs. Over 5 million Americans don’t have a job but want one, and another 5 million people are working part-time jobs instead of good-paying, full-time jobs. Training workers for jobs that are available and giving employers a role in job training ensures that workers are prepared with the tools and skills they need to get a job in our changing economy.