Public Workforce System Rulemaking Addressed in Comments
As part of a coalition, ABC submitted comments June 15 to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and U.S. Department of Education (DOE) on proposed rules for the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). ABC and the coalition offered their input on areas where the public workforce system under WIOA can be better […]
Greater Michigan Construction Academy Receives The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation Grant
The Greater Michigan Construction Academy (GMCA) is excited to announce it is the recipient of a $317,000 grant to construct a welding lab within the GMCA Midland Training Center to support Midland County high school students. With the demand for quality, certified welders increasing not only in Michigan but across the United States, the need […]
Key Workforce Development Bill Signed Into Law
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today praised the signing of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), H.R. 803, into law and released the following statement: “WIOA is an important step toward addressing the shortage of qualified workers in the construction industry; this is a big win for our members,” said ABC Vice President of […]
Curriculum Improvements in Michigan Will Boost CTE Access
Michigan high school students can now get a jump start in rewarding careers while in high school, thanks to legislation signed into law today by Governor Rick Snyder. The improved standards, which incorporate House Bill 4465 sponsored by Rep. Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan) and House Bill 4466 sponsored by Rep. Joel Johnson (R-Clare), result in greater […]
OpEd: Construction Career Training is Essential to Economic Growth
In today’s edition of The Hill, Dan Brodbeck, the National Chairman of Associated Builders and Contractors calls attention to the construction industry’s expected skills gap and the efforts being made by both Congress and the industry to train the workforce of tomorrow. In particular, Mr. Brodbeck highlight’s the recently introduced Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which makes […]
Bipartisan Deal Announced to Improve Federal Workforce System
Yesterday, a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers announced they have reached a deal to improve the nation’s workforce development system through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The bill, which will now be considered by both the House and Senate, modernizes and improves existing federal workforce development programs, helps workers attain skills for 21st century […]
Maintaining American Competitiveness Through Improved Workforce Training: A Guest Post By Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC)
In order to maintain American competitiveness, we must ensure that our 21st Century workforce includes the highly skilled and trained craftsmen and professionals that our economy requires. Over the years, federal workforce training and workplace development programs have been added and existing programs have been modified in order to address spikes in unemployment. While these […]
Apprenticeship Tax Credit Introduced in Senate
A bipartisan bill was announced in the U.S. Senate yesterday that will provide a federal tax credit for employers hiring new apprentices. The Leveraging and Energizing America’s Apprenticeship Programs Act (LEAP Act) was introduced by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) to increase employer participation in registered apprenticeship programs and provide skilled […]
Career and Technical Education Popular Among US Governors
Workforce development, career and technical education, and job readiness have become some of the most talked about issues as states kick off their 2014 legislative calendars. One reason these topics have become so popular is because many of our state governors have made them top legislative priorities for their administration. The most compelling evidence of […]
Construction Training Programs Could Get Federal Tuition Assistance
For students interested post-secondary education, money often weighs heavily in the decision. While federal tuition assistance programs provide support for students interested in pursuing 4-year degree programs at the post-secondary level, they do not offer the same for industry-recognized credentials. It’s no wonder career-specific training programs have no chance at competing. But if a new bill introduced […]