One industry association representing senior living has thrown its full support behind a bill that would expand skill development opportunities for American workers.
A Stronger Workforce for America Act, introduced last week by House Education and Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Ranking Member Robert “Bobby” Scott (D-VA), would expand upskilling and job training opportunities.
The act updates the 2014 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which streamlined federal workforce development programs. Foxx and Scott said the act was introduced in response to employers struggling to fill jobs and meet the upskilling needs of workers. The bottom line, according to a fact sheet on the bill, is that it would strengthen the workforce development system, encourage innovation and offer more career opportunities.
LeadingAge noted that the act “reflects the realities of the modern workplace, balancing the needs of employers and committed job seekers.” The association said the act expands training for direct care professionals through expanded flexibilities for allied healthcare training.
Specifically, the bill would dedicate 50% of federal worker funding to upskilling, support employer-led upskilling initiatives, provide increased access to skill development services, streamline the eligible training provider list and enhance workforce education programs at community colleges.
The measure also would establish a critical industry skills fund for states to reimburse employers for upskilling workers in priority industries selected by the state.
Calling the legislation the “foundation of federal support for workforce development,” Society for Human Resource Management Chief of Staff and Head of Public Affairs Emily M. Dickens said that the group supports external credentialing, improved credential transparency, facilitation of skills-based hiring and employer-led upskilling efforts.
The US Chamber of Commerce added that the proposed bill improves alignment with industry and the economy and would allow more workers to gain necessary skills to meet career goals.
“With millions of unfilled jobs, a shrinking workforce, and rapidly changing skill needs, it’s imperative that our nation provide more opportunities and on-ramps for those seeking to develop the skills necessary for in-demand jobs,” US Chamber Vice President of Education and Workforce Policy Cheryl Oldham said in a statement. “Talent drives the competitiveness of our nation, our local economies, and of individual employers.”
The legislation follows another bipartisan effort expanding Pell Grants for short-term job training programs. The needs-based education grants for low-income and working students currently can only be used to cover expenses at colleges and universities. The bill would allow Pell Grants to be used for high-quality, short-term programs to provide participants opportunities to learn new skills quickly.
The Workforce Pell Grant would be available beginning in 2025.
