IFA Applauds Trump Administration for Expansion of Apprenticeship Programs

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Jenna Weisbord, 310-995-0839

jweisbord@franchise.org

@franchising411


IFA Applauds Trump Administration for Expansion of Apprenticeship Programs


WASHINGTON, June 15—As President Trump plans to make the expansion of apprenticeship programs through an executive order in coordination with workforce week, America’s 733,000 franchise businesses are helping close the skills gap, creating more middle-class jobs by drawing back Americans who had previously left the workforce.


“The story of franchising has been one of opportunity, job creation and community support. Americans from all walks of life turn to franchising to find first jobs, start new businesses and learn skills that lead to successful careers in many highly-skilled industries,” said IFA President & CEO Robert Cresanti. “Franchise businesses have apprenticeship and workforce development programs in place and continue to work hard to address an emerging shortage of skilled workers. We stand ready to work with the Trump administration and Congress and create a pathway for Americans to have robust and successful careers. IFA is committed to creating new partnerships with government and universities to achieve these goals.”


IFA members, including apprentices from ServiceMaster, Merry Maids, The UPS Store and Rainbow International will be attended an event yesterday at the Department of Labor today with Secretary Alexander Acosta to discuss the need for expanding apprenticeship programs and steps to removing obstacles to apprenticeship growth that may be present in current regulations or practices. Learn more about those apprentices here.


In a study of 1,600 new franchise concepts that started in the last five years, 25 percent of the founders of these businesses had previously worked in franchising either as a franchisee, employees of franchisees or employees of franchisors. “With a record number of open jobs to fill, franchising offers workers a pathway to gaining skills, high-paying jobs, and an opportunity for business ownership,” stated Cresanti.


Franchising is a critical component of the U.S. economy, supporting 733,000 franchise establishments and nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, including $674.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  


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About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating 56 years of excellence, education and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 733,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, $674.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology and business development.

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