Minnick, other freshmen Democrats, propose rehaul to workforce training

Rep. Walt Minnick, D-Idaho, has introduced a bill that he says would bring major reform to federal job-training programs by prioritizing training and education that helps workers become certified for a new career.

"We must do a better job of aligning education and job training to the career pathways available in the 21st century economy," Minnick wrote in a letter to colleagues. "The best way to prepare today’s students for the reality of the modern workforce is to offer training in industry-recognized skills.”

Minnick wrote that the billions of dollars invested each year in workforce training must be spent effectively. As employers, particularly manufacturers, continue to report skills gaps, Minnick says a more focused approach is necessary.

An industry-recognized credential, according to Minnick's office, "would be something that is recognized by a national group, for example the National Association of Manufacturers. They can point to a certain set of credentials that fit their members best, thereby creating an almost automatic fit between the employer and employee."

Minnick announced his authorship of H.R. 4072 in a news release Tuesday; the bill was introduced Monday. Minnick's shorthand for the bill is the "AMERICA Works Act," for American Manufacturing Efficiency and Retraining Investment Collaboration Act.

The measure has three original cosponsors, all freshmen Democrats, Bobby Bright of Alabama, Debbie Halvorson of Illinois and Frank Kratovil of Maryland. Minnick, Bright and Kratovil are among the 52 members in the moderate and conservative Blue Dog Coalition of Democrats.

The bill would amend three job training laws, the Trade Act of 1974, the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.

“American workers are the best in the world,” Minnick, a former CEO, said in the release. “They are resilient, innovative and hardworking, as is made so clear by the success of many great companies in my home state of Idaho. We need to make sure that those American workers, many of whom are retraining, are given every opportunity to achieve certifications, degrees and qualifications for the jobs American industry needs to fill.”

Minnick said he has spent nearly eight months crafting the bill, consulting including leaders in manufacturing, business, labor and education.

In the news release, North Idaho College President Priscilla Bell praised the measure, saying it would "ensure students get the skills needed to obtain good jobs....At North Idaho College, and at community colleges across the nation, the AMERICA Works Act will strengthen the cooperation we have with our business and industry partners.”

Emily DeRocco, senior vice president at the National Association of Manufacturers, said, “True economic reform means not only righting our economic ship, but also pursuing the strategies that will ensure we maintain our manufacturing competitiveness and provide the best possible pathways to employment in high-quality, middle-class jobs for all workers. We commend Congressman Minnick and his colleagues for introducing this bill, which will help ensure both new and transitioning workers have the education and skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century manufacturing economy."

John Littel, a senior executive with the Northwest Carpenters, said, “The AMERICA Works Act provides critical resources to vocational and technical education at a time when many Americans are searching for the skills that will provide them and their families with high-wage careers. The AMERICA Works Act also recognizes the importance of industry partnerships, such as apprenticeships, that provide workers with transferable, industry-recognized certifications.”

Dan Popkey: 377-6438