Workforce Legislation Takes Aim At Closing the Skills Gap, Misses.
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) and Rep. George Miller (D-CA) have introduced a bill that would create a fund to provide “eligible entities” with the resources to develop workforce development programs (H.R. 2560, S. 1269). One of the significant provisions of this bill that promotes partnerships between industry and community colleges would give priority to applicants who, “enter into a partnership with a labor organization or labor-management training program.” This fund will prevent the 86% of the construction industry who choose not to belong to a union from accessing valuable funds to train a sustainable construction workforce. Here at WF_C, we believe that any funds being targeted for workforce training efforts should be available to any construction industry training program that deliver industry-recognized, nationally portable credentials that lead to a sustainable career.
Contributor since July 2013
Mike is the Director of Workforce Policy at Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
