Cortés appointed chairman of national Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship

PROVIDENCE – Andrew Cortés has been appointed chairman of the national Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship, U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez said this week.
The committee advises Perez on the Labor Department’s Registered Apprenticeship program, a training system that combines technical instruction with on-the-job learning.

Cortés is director of the Rhode Island-based organization Building Futures, which helps prepare low-income citizens, between the ages of 18 and 35, for careers in commercial construction in registered apprenticeships.
“I am excited and privileged to lead such a phenomenal group of experts, which includes employers, labor and the public, around the table that provide a variety of expertise with diverse perspectives,” said Cortés in prepared remarks. “We are looking forward to providing meaningful contributions to the current movement, helping our nation to expand the use of the highly effective Registered Apprenticeship model.”
U.S. Sens. Jack F. Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse heralded the appointment of Cortés.
“Apprenticeships can equip young people with the skills to succeed in good-paying careers,” Whitehouse said. “I’m proud Andrew Cortés will bring his considerable experience helping Rhode Islanders develop jobs skills to the national effort to promote apprenticeships.”

Along with Cortés’ appointment as the new chairperson, Perez announced seven new members of the national Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship, as well as the reappointment of 23 current members.
Members of the advisory committee receive no compensation for their work. They are responsible for providing advice and recommendations as it relates to registered apprenticeship.

“Across the nation, more and more companies are discovering that the Registered Apprenticeship model works as an innovative and effective way to prepare workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Perez in prepared remarks. “The department welcomes the committee’s new members and congratulates its incoming chairman. With fresh ideas and the leadership of our new chairperson, we look forward to the important contributions of the committee as we continue to expand and enhance the role of apprenticeships and open career pathways to good jobs and a brighter future.”

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The advisory committee is authorized by the National Apprenticeship Act and is comprised of 27 to 30 individuals. The committee also includes representatives of system partners such as the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors, the National Association of Government Labor Officials, and the U.S. departments of Commerce, Education, Energy, and Health and Human Services.
In addition, David Casey of CVS Health Corp. in Woonsocket is serving on the committee as an employer representative.

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