On March 13, a bipartisan group of ten U.S. Representatives visited the ABC Metro Washington Chapter’s CraftMasters Training Trust (CTT). House Education and Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) and Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-Va.) led the delegation to the 10,000-square-foot facility in Beltsville, Md., and met with Chapter President Debbie Livingston, instructors and enrollees in the programs. The tour highlighted the industry-recognized and registered programs at CTT, which trains 300 apprentices annually in 21 different trades.

The visit came at a time of increasing awareness of the skills gap and the need for workforce development on Capitol Hill. Members of both parties recognize that America needs to equip the next generation of craft professionals with the skills that allow them to build careers in construction.

“Workforce development is at the heart of everything we’re doing at the Education and Workforce Committee,” said Chairwoman Foxx after the visit. Americans having what they need to build the successful lives they want for themselves should never be a partisan issue, and working families should know that we’re working together for innovative ways to build skills. Our hosts have been so gracious to share their first-hand experience and expertise with us today.”