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HONORING RICARDO PERRY AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
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HON. CYNTHIA AXNE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Laborers Local 177 Journeyman Ricardo Perry as Iowan of the Week. I am especially proud to recognize Ricardo, a recent graduate of the Iowa Laborers' Education and Training Fund Registered Apprenticeship Program, during the 2021 National Apprenticeship Week.
This annual observance offers Americans an opportunity to reflect on how Registered Apprenticeship Programs are critical for creating jobs, bolstering the economy, addressing workforce challenges, supporting communities, and providing equitable opportunities for men and women to succeed. Folks from different backgrounds and at different stages in their careers can engage in these programs to gain skills, make a career change, or get a competitive edge in their industry. Registered Apprenticeship Programs, in Iowa play a key role not only in filling our states talent pipeline, but also in helping keep families here as they establish roots in the areas where apprentices are working and learning their trade.
Ricardo Perry is a wonderful example of how a Registered Apprenticeship Program can benefit an individual, their industry, and the community where they settle. Ricardo recently graduated from the Iowa Laborers' Education and Training Fund Registered Apprenticeship Program to become a Journeyman. He went through a three-year journey of on-the-job work, training hours, and mentorship to become a Construction Craft Laborer.
The pathway for an apprentice can be grueling; no two days are the same, you're constantly presented with challenges, and standards and technology are ever-evolving. While the journey was difficult, Ricardo quickly earned a reputation as an extremely hard worker, skilled laborer, and uniquely positive presence. His colleagues knew him to excel in training and could always rely on him to look at the bright side of any challenge. Their respect and admiration for Ricardo is immediately apparent, and his work ethic, skill set, and strong Iowa values will no doubt benefit the greater Des Moines area for years to come.
There are many reasons I was proud to vote for the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) earlier this month, one among them being the huge opportunity the bill provides for states like Iowa to train the workforces required to undertake initiatives like building out broadband infrastructure, repairing our roads and bridges, and much more. We're going to need more skilled workers than ever before, and robust Registered Apprenticeship Programs to adequately prepare them for the work at hand.
That's why I was grateful for the opportunity to host United States Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh in Iowa earlier this year. During his visit we met with brothers and sisters in labor, many of whom graduated from Registered Apprenticeship Programs, to hear about filling the jobs pipeline in our state. I was proud to show him the massive, new training facility for the Missouri Valley Line Constructors Apprenticeship and Training Program in Indianola: a shining example of a multi-year, in-depth training program turning out quality lineman across the nation. These conversations helped elevate the amazing work organizations in Iowa are doing to train skilled workers through apprenticeship programs and help those individuals establish prosperous lives in our communities.
Madam Speaker, it is programs like the Iowa Laborers' Education & Training Fund Registered Apprenticeship Program and the efforts of Journeymen like Ricardo Perry that are going to help carry our state into the future. These trained professionals who have the knowledge and skills to safely, effectively improve upon and further build out Iowa's infrastructure will bring additional opportunities to our communities. I am grateful Ricardo has chosen to live and work in my district, and for his contributions to keep Iowa growing. It is my pleasure to name him, during this National Apprenticeship Week, Iowan of the Week.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 211(1), Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 211(2)
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