Bill Overview
Title: Community-Based Workforce Development Act
Description: This bill provides grants to expand workforce training programs for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors.
Sponsors: Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals seeking enhancement in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The bill aims to expand workforce training programs, which are generally utilized by individuals seeking employment or those needing to upskill.
- High-skill and high-wage sectors typically include technology, finance, healthcare, engineering, and advanced manufacturing, among others, which are industries that are expanding globally.
- In many regions, such sectors are critical to economic growth and development, meaning individuals participating in these industries may see significant benefits.
- Both employees and employers in high-skill industries could be impacted by enhanced workforce development programs due to increased competency and skill levels of new and existing employees.
- Millions of people globally work or aim to work in high-skill, high-wage industries, and those who are underemployed, students about to enter the workforce, or unemployed individuals could gain from such an initiative.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to affect individuals who need workforce development, are currently unemployed, underemployed, or anticipating entering high-skill markets. This includes recent graduates, people pivoting careers, and those in jobs unlikely to see pay growth without new skills.
- The budget constraints and the strategic focus on high-wage sectors suggest a targeted approach rather than a broad one. This means that while many could be eligible, the policy impact may be significant for a smaller, more defined group.
- Not everyone in high-skill industries will be affected, as some have stable employment without the need for retraining. Therefore, the impact varies based on personal circumstances, industry dynamics, and regional economic factors.
Simulated Interviews
Recent College Graduate (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could be really helpful for someone in my position. I've been trying to get into the tech industry, but it's hard without hands-on experience.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think workforce development is important, but personally, I don't see much impact on my day-to-day life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Manufacturing Operator (Detroit, MI)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could provide training that helps me move up within my company or find a better job elsewhere, given the shrinking situation here.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Health IT Specialist (Austin, TX)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Expanding my skills into cybersecurity could open up new career pathways. This policy seems like it could offer the upper hand I need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Unemployed (Cleveland, OH)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel left behind by the pace of change. Workforce development sounds like it might bridge some gaps.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
IT Consultant (New York, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Certification programs can be costly. Grants from this bill could make them accessible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Biomedical Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm curious about entrepreneurial training integrated with technical fields. If the policy supports these angles, it could be beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Construction Worker (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Shifting to sustainable construction seems like a smart move, but I need proper training. This policy sounds like it could help me get there.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Hospital Administrator (Chicago, IL)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support the growth of training initiatives, but my position isn't likely to feel the effects directly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Truck Driver (Miami, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Automation worries me. Training could be my way into managing roles, which this policy might provide.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1800000000)
Year 2: $1450000000 (Low: $1150000000, High: $1750000000)
Year 3: $1400000000 (Low: $1100000000, High: $1700000000)
Year 5: $1350000000 (Low: $1050000000, High: $1650000000)
Year 10: $1300000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1600000000)
Year 100: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Key Considerations
- The scalability of existing training programs and partnership with private and public sectors will be crucial to effectively utilize grants.
- Balancing the distribution of funds across regions to ensure equitable access to training resources in both urban and rural areas.
- Ensuring alignment with future industry demands to maintain the relevance and effectiveness of the training programs.