Skilled Trades Workforce Recovery Program Act
The Skilled Trades Workforce Recovery Program Act addresses rural labor shortages by expanding access to training, apprenticeships, and support for high-demand trades. The legislation reduces financial and logistical barriers for workers pursuing skilled careers while incentivizing employer-led training programs. Its goal is to rebuild the skilled trades pipeline and connect rural residents to stable, well-paying jobs.
Key Provisions
Tuition-Free Technical Training for Priority Trades: Covers full tuition at public community colleges or technical schools for rural residents enrolled in eligible trade programs.
Rural Apprenticeship Incentive Fund: Provides grants to employers in rural areas who sponsor registered apprenticeships in high-demand fields such as welding, CDL, electrical, and HVAC.
Tools and Transportation Assistance Program: Offers stipends to students and trainees for purchasing required tools or commuting to job sites and training facilities.
Skilled Trades Education and Outreach Campaign: Funds a statewide campaign to promote trades careers to high school students, parents, and jobseekers.
Fast-Track Credential Recognition Initiative: Establishes a program to expedite recognition of prior work experience and military training toward trade certifications.
Model Language
Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the “Skilled Trades Workforce Recovery Program Act.”
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to increase workforce participation in high-demand skilled trades by expanding access to affordable training and incentivizing employer-based apprenticeships, especially in rural and economically distressed areas.
Section 3. Definitions.
(a) “Eligible program” means a trade certification program in fields identified as high-need by the administering agency.
(b) “Rural area” means a jurisdiction designated as rural based on population thresholds and distance from major urban centers.
(c) “Department” means the state agency responsible for workforce development or labor.
Section 4. Tuition-Free Technical Training for Priority Trades.
(a) The Department shall reimburse public community colleges and technical schools for tuition costs incurred by students enrolled in eligible programs who reside in rural areas.
(b) Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and complete the program within three years.
Section 5. Rural Apprenticeship Incentive Fund.
(a) The Department shall establish a fund to provide grants of up to $5,000 per apprentice to rural employers who: (1) Sponsor registered apprenticeships recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor or a state apprenticeship agency; (2) Employ the apprentice for at least one year.
(b) Grants may be used for wages, training materials, or program administration.
Section 6. Tools and Transportation Assistance Program.
(a) Students enrolled in eligible trade programs may apply for stipends of up to $1,000 for: (1) Required tools and safety equipment; (2) Reliable transportation to job sites or training centers.
(b) Funds shall be distributed based on financial need and distance from the training site.
Section 7. Skilled Trades Education and Outreach Campaign.
(a) The Department shall design and implement a statewide campaign to: (1) Promote awareness of skilled trades careers; (2) Highlight pathways through community colleges, apprenticeships, and credentialing programs.
(b) Materials shall be distributed through high schools, career centers, and digital platforms.
Section 8. Fast-Track Credential Recognition Initiative.
(a) The Department shall work with credentialing bodies to develop a system for recognizing: (1) Prior work experience; (2) Military occupational training; (3) Related non-degree credentials.
(b) The program shall offer accelerated pathways to trade certification based on documented prior learning.
Section 9. Severability. If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect.
Section 10. Effective Date. This Act shall take effect on July 1 of the year following its enactment.