Federal grants would support workers’ training for advanced manufacturing jobs

Federal officials would fund pilot and demonstration projects for advanced manufacturing training through grants or contracts. Projects would focus on communities expecting advanced manufacturing growth and give priority to the worker groups listed above. Training would prepare people for available or expected jobs and lead to industry-recognized or employer-recognized skills and credentials. Industry-recognized credentials must be portable nationwide; employer-recognized credentials are a separate option. Projects would also explain opportunities for career advancement.

Eligible providers would apply for grants or contracts in partnership with manufacturers employing workers with advanced manufacturing skills. Eligible providers in states and territories include community colleges and their systems, two-year technical colleges, local workforce boards, manufacturing support centers, local school agencies, and other groups serving people underrepresented in education. Local workforce boards must partner with job service centers and identify community colleges where training would occur. Groups of eligible partnerships using substantial funding from outside the federal government would receive preference.

Federal officials would agree on performance measures with each funded provider and arrange ongoing project evaluations. Performance measures must help providers meet the program’s goals and include a way to track results. Evaluations would begin no later than one year after the first payment under the program. The report to Congress would be due no later than two years after that payment.