Norcross Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Promote Infrastructure Job Training

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and David McKinley (R-WV) introduced the 21st Century Energy Workforce Act to direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to incentivize training for skilled energy industry jobs.

"Investing in America's energy infrastructure is vital to our country's growth. We need to build a 21s-century energy grid that is safe, reliable, and secure, and that brings abundant power to our homes and businesses using multiple sources," Congressman Norcross said. "To accomplish these goals, we need to begin training workers for tomorrow's skilled jobs, today. This is an investment in our country and our workers."

The legislation calls for the establishment of a competitive grant that gives priority to programs with qualified job training services at universities, community colleges and registered apprenticeship programs. Additionally, the program would work to identify active-duty service members transitioning to the civilian workforce and veterans for a career in the energy sector, as well as a mentorship program for elementary and high school students.

"I went to the other four-year college, an IBEW apprenticeship program, where I learned how to work with my hands to power South Jersey," Congressman Norcross said. "This legislation will utilize existing apprenticeship programs, like the one I graduated from, that allow young men and women to earn while they learn."

This legislation also creates a DOE advisory board to ensure the workforce can meet current and future labor needs in the energy sector, which is expected to add more than 1.5 million jobs over the next 15 years. The board would include representatives from the federal government, energy industry, labor organizations, local governments, and education.

The bipartisan bill is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), which in partnership with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) through the electrical training ALLIANCE, sponsors apprenticeships across the United States, including the program Congressman Norcross completed.

"Building a skilled energy workforce to meet the needs of a modernized electrical grid must be one of our nation's top priorities," said IBEW International President Lonnie R. Stephenson. "I commend Reps. Norcross and McKinley for reaching across the aisle and taking leadership in calling on Congress to support programs that are training the next generation of energy industry workers."

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