"..apprenticeships requires federal provision of resources to fund the apprenticeships." And therein lies the fundamental difference between tax-and-spend liberal Democrats and fiscally conservative Republicans.  It might be a surprise to those on the left that the federal government doesn't have to fund and run everything.  What a concept!  With a little guidance (aka leadership) the private sector is more than capable of developing their own programs without Fed assistance (aka interference).  

Newsflash...even socialist Europe uses apprenticeships and they are privately funded. How?  Apprentices get paid less than minimum wage. Companies train more people than they need and only hire the best.  But even those not hired, still can get a job someplace else. This system creates a highly skilled workforce. The problem with apprenticeships...they limit lateral mobility.  Once trained to do X, it is really difficult to get a job doing Y--unless you can get another apprenticeship for Y.