Proclamation 9363-National Apprenticeship Week, 2015
Issued 2015-10-30 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation to designate National Apprenticeship Week in 2015. The proclamation recognizes Americans participating in apprenticeship programs—over 430,000 people at that time—and encourages more employers, unions, educators, and government officials to support these training opportunities. According to the proclamation, 87 percent of apprentices find employment after completing their programs, with average starting wages above $50,000.
The proclamation highlights several federal actions taken to expand apprenticeships. The administration awarded $175 million in grants to 46 apprenticeship programs, intended to provide training for 34,000 new apprentices over five years. It also notes that 55,000 more apprenticeship positions became available between early 2014 and the time of this proclamation. The President called on Congress to create a $2 billion Apprenticeship Training Fund and asked businesses to offer more apprenticeships and educational benefits to employees.
This proclamation is a ceremonial observance that draws public attention to apprenticeship programs. It does not create new laws or require anyone to do anything. Instead, it expresses the President's support for apprenticeships as a way to help workers gain skills and secure better-paying jobs in fields like advanced manufacturing, information technology, and health care.
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Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9363-National Apprenticeship Week, 2015" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to apprenticeship. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 Proclamation 9363—National Apprenticeship Week, 2015 October 30, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation At the heart of our Nation's promise lies a simple truth: If you work hard you can get ahead, earn a decent-paying job, and secure a brighter future for yourself and your family. To make this promise real, our economy has to work for everyone, and that begins with providing all our people with the tools and resources they need to utilize their unique talents to contribute to our country's success. Apprenticeships offer this opportunity, and over 430,000 Americans participate in these programs today. During National Apprenticeship Week, we recognize the ways apprenticeships foster innovation and prosperity, and we recommit to encouraging and supporting those who offer and partake in them. Without the skills to get new, higher-wage jobs, and without the knowledge to adapt to new machinery, systems, technology, and techniques, the American worker could fall behind. Apprenticeships help people upgrade their skills and keep pace with the demands of the 21st century. Today, in part thanks to strong cooperation between labor and management, 87 percent of apprentices find employment after comple