Bipartisan Thompson bill raises awareness about skilled trade programs for adult learners

To raise public awareness for America’s skilled trade programs, U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) on June 23 sponsored a bipartisan bill to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), enacted in 2014 as the primary law governing federal workforce development programs. 

“Adult learners should be made aware of their options,” said Rep. Thompson, who is co-chair of the bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus. “This bill will promote workforce development programs and high-quality career counseling.”

The Creating Opportunities to Thrive and Advance (COTA) Act, H.R. 8195, which is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), would expand career counseling programs for adult learners and allow for public outreach, including via public service announcements, social media campaigns, job fairs, and other means to educate the public about workforce development programs.

Under H.R. 8195, WIOA specifically would be amended to provide guidance and raise awareness about career options in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations in current or emerging professions, including skilled trades, the text of the bill states.

“Increased awareness of career choices will open doors to success and help workers land high-wage, family-sustaining jobs,” Rep. Thompson said.

H.R. 8195 has garnered support from the Association for Career and Technical Education, Advance CTE, the National Skills Coalition, the National Association of Workforce Boards, Jobs for the Future, the National Career Development Association, and the Association of Woodworking and Furnishing Suppliers.