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A bipartisan congressional group that includes Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., has introduced a bill to promote workforce development in industries tied to infrastructure design and construction.

The Building U.S. Infrastructure by Leveraging Demands for Skills (BUILDS) Act, was unveiled by Bonamici and Rep. Paul Mitchell, R-Mich., as well as Career Technical Education caucus co-chairmen Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., and Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa. The bill promotes industry partnerships between local businesses and industry organizations, workforce boards, labor groups, education institutions and training providers to build workforce training programs in targeted infrastructure industries.

A study by the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University estimated that a $1 trillion investment in infrastructure could create up to 11 million new jobs 鈥� up to around half of them would require training in the skilled trades.

鈥淎s we address our nation’s deteriorating infrastructure and transition to a clean energy economy,聽we must make meaningful investments in our workforce,鈥� Bonamici stated in a press release. 鈥淭his bill is one piece of the greater need to invest in apprenticeships and paid, on-the-job training programs. The BUILDS Act will get more people back to work and meet the demands of our local employers.鈥�

The bill, if ultimately signed into law, would provide grants to industry partnerships that: improve worker training, retention and advancement; connect businesses and education providers; and provide support services including skills training, adult basic education, work attire and tools, child care, transportation and mentorships.

Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Rob Portman, R-Ohio, introduced companion legislation in the Senate.