Thompson’s bipartisan bill ramps up transportation-related workforce development

U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) introduced bipartisan legislation to create Community and Technical College Centers of Excellence in Transportation Workforce Training, which would help address the nation’s shortage of skilled infrastructure workers.

“This bill will help us meet infrastructure demands, close our nation’s skills gap, and reward schools who have gone above and beyond by establishing Centers of Excellence,” the congressman said.

Rep. Thompson on Feb. 28 cosponsored the Transportation Workforce Centers of Excellence Act, H.R. 6032, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI). The lawmakers are co-chairs of the Congressional Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus.

If enacted, H.R. 6032 would authorize $50 million in competitive grants aimed at bolstering education and training programs in targeted industries via grants that would be distributed to two-year colleges designated as Centers of Excellence in Transportation Workforce Training.

“A highly skilled workforce is necessary to revitalize our national transportation system,” said Rep. Thompson. “With more than six million open jobs, the demand for qualified workers is greater than ever.”

Rep. Langevin said that investing in these institutions of higher education and their programs “is a direct investment in the future of our nation. We must support these programs now to close the workforce gap and rebuild our national infrastructure.”

For instance, the bill would authorize investments to develop career pathways that lead to credentials in transportation-related industries ranging from manufacturing to operation, design, and engineering of infrastructure, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Thompson’s office.

The legislation also would prioritize providing on-the-job training and work-based learning; developing dual enrollment programs to train high school students; and promoting training related to new technologies and outreach and career counseling to increase participation in the transportation sector, according to the summary.

H.R. 6032 has been referred to the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for consideration.