Lawmakers introduce bill to promote infrastructure workforce development

Reps. Paul Mitchell (R-MI) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), as well as CTE caucus co-chairs Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), recently introduced legislation to encourages partnerships to prepare the American workforce to modernize and expand the country’s infrastructure systems.

H.R. 2831, the Building U.S. Infrastructure by Leveraging Demands for Skills (BUILDS) Act, would promote industry partnerships consisting of local businesses, industry organizations, workforce boards, and education and training providers to support workforce training programs in certain infrastructure industries.

“Any successful infrastructure package will require investments into a well-trained and educated workforce,” Thompson said. “We need skilled workers who can carry out the mission from design, through construction and completion, and beyond. When Congress passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, we made it clear that career and technical education programs, including apprenticeships, are proven workforce development strategies. We must ensure that we provide resources to individuals who stand ready and able to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure. The BUILDS Act will help achieve this and put Americans back to work.”

The bill would provide grants to industry or sector partnerships, help connect businesses and education providers to develop classroom curriculum, and prepare managers and front-line workers to serve as mentors to people in the work-based learning programs. It would also offer resources and career awareness programming to recruit and retain individuals for workforce training programs and provide support services like skills training, adult basic education, work attire and tools, child care, transportation and mentoring to help ensure workers are successful from pre-employment to placement in a full-time position.

According to a study by the Center of Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University, a $1 trillion infrastructure investment would create 11 million new jobs. Approximately half of these jobs would require more than a high school diploma but not a four-year degree.

Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.