Mitchell, Thompson offer strategy to meet nation’s infrastructure workforce demands

U.S. Reps. Paul Mitchell (R-MI) and Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would award federal grants to promote industry partnerships encouraging worker training, retention and advancement as part of an infrastructure investment.

“The American workforce must be ready to meet our nation’s expanding infrastructure needs,” Rep. Mitchell said. “Upgrading our country’s aging infrastructure is a national priority and we need to prepare Americans to fill the millions of jobs that will be created by a major rebuilding of our infrastructure.”

“Any successful infrastructure package will require investments into a well-trained and educated workforce,” added Rep. Thompson, a co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus. “We need skilled workers who can carry out the mission from design, through construction and completion, and beyond.”

Rep. Mitchell on May 17 sponsored the Building U.S. Infrastructure by Leveraging Demands for Skills (BUILDS) Act, H.R. 2831, with original cosponsors Reps. Thompson and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), which would prepare American workers to update and expand the nation’s aging infrastructure systems.

H.R. 2831 is the companion bill to the same-named S. 1517, which U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) unveiled on May 16.

“With a background in workforce development, I’ve seen how these programs can change someone’s life,” added Rep. Mitchell. “It’s time to upgrade our nation’s infrastructure, close the skills gap, and get Americans back to work.”

If enacted, H.R. 2831 also would permit businesses and education providers to develop classroom curriculum that complements on-the-job learning; prepare workers to serve as mentors for work-based learning program participants; and offer support services, including skills training, adult basic education, child care, and transportation, among other provisions.

“Career and technical education programs, including apprenticeships, are proven workforce development strategies,” Rep. Thompson said. “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.”