U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) on July 29 sponsored a bipartisan bill that aims to expand career counseling programs and raise public awareness about skilled trade programs for adult learners.
“I fully support programs that provide learners with career-ready skills,” the lawmaker said. “We must be able to tell the public about the resources available to them. Increased awareness into career choices and programs will lead individuals down the pathway of success and into high-quality, family-sustaining jobs.”
Thompson, alongside U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), his fellow co-chair of the bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus, introduced the Creating Opportunities to Thrive and Advance (COTA) Act, H.R. 4825, which would specifically amend Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to bolster career guidance for adult learners.
H.R. 4825 also would allow Title II funds to be used – for the first time – to create public outreach through Public Service Announcements (PSAs), social media campaigns, job fairs, and other means to educate the public on workforce development programs and high-quality career counseling, according to a bill summary provided by the representatives.
WIOA, which was enacted in 2014, is the primary law governing federal workforce development programs and is designed to enhance the nation’s public workforce system, get Americans into good jobs, and help employers hire and retain skilled workers.
Title II of WIOA authorizes education services to assist adults in improving basic skills like literacy, completing secondary education, and transitioning to the workforce or postsecondary education.
“Increasing access to skills and career opportunities is a good investment,” said Bonamici. “I’m introducing the bipartisan Creating Opportunities to Thrive and Advance Act with Rep. GT Thompson to raise awareness about the workforce development programs and career opportunities that are available to … Americans throughout their lives.”
The bill has been endorsed by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Advance CTE, YouthBuild Global, and the National Association of Workforce Boards.
“Clear and seamless communication with learners about career opportunities is essential. This legislation gives adult education leaders the tools to better connect learners to high-quality CTE programs that lead to in-demand, high-wage careers,” said LeAnn Curry, ACTE’s executive director. “Expanding public awareness of CTE is vital to building strong communities and meeting the workforce needs of our local economies.”
Advance CTE Executive Director Kate Kreamer agreed, pointing out that learners of all ages must have access to clear and timely information about education and training pathways that lead to in-demand, high-skill, and high-wage careers.
“If enacted, COTA would strengthen the WIOA by taking important steps to improve awareness of available workforce resources and empower learners to make more informed decisions as they navigate the future,” said Kreamer.
John Valverde, president and CEO of YouthBuild Global, said that when young adults have clear access to career counseling and credentialing programs, they’re better equipped to support their families, contribute to their communities, and help bolster the economy.
“The Creating Opportunities to Thrive and Advance Act will help more individuals find the resources they need to take the next step in their careers,” he said, “and in doing so, power the industries that keep America strong.”
The National Association of Workforce Boards President and CEO Brad Turner-Little added that the proposed bill will help strengthen the talent pipeline, as well.
“There is perhaps no greater investment the government can make than to help people develop in-demand skills and find an achievable career pathway,” said Turner-Little. “Workforce Boards, and the America’s Job Centers they oversee, applaud the opportunity to maximize labor force participation by publicizing the vital services they provide to both jobseekers and employers.”