The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation this week that prioritizes Department of Energy grant programs on education and training for manufacturing and energy-related jobs.
The bill (H.R 338), sponsored by U.S. Rep. Dan Donovan (R-NY) is designed to build a stronger 21st century manufacturing and energy workforce.
“We can’t go back in time to fix what happened to American industry. But we can help prepare our workers now for the jobs of the future to ensure that we’re competitive,” Donovan said. “The bill I voted to support last night capitalizes on the ingenuity of American workers by delivering the education and training programs they need to adapt to the 21st century economy.”
Approximately 3.4 million manufacturing jobs will become available over the next decade, but the skills gap could result in 2 million of those jobs going unfilled, according to the Manufacturing Institute. A recent Department of Energy jobs report found that the United States does not have enough skilled workers to fill the approximately 1.5 million new energy jobs – which includes opportunities in the renewable and traditional energy sectors – by 2030.
The bill directs the Secretary of Energy to encourage schools to equip students with technical skills and expertise and establish a database with information on training and workforce development programs. It would also increase outreach to minority, displaced, and unemployed energy and manufacturing workers as well as enhance collaboration between school, workforce training organizations and federal agencies.
This bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.