Advanced Manufacturing Jobs in America Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 15, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to strengthen the advanced manufacturing workforce by funding targeted education and training initiatives through partnerships between educational institutions and manufacturers, prioritizing diverse and underserved populations.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to establish a new program for demonstration and pilot projects. These projects will facilitate education and training programs specifically in the field of advanced manufacturing, targeting skills development and career advancement opportunities for various populations, including incumbent, dislocated, unemployed, rural, and underrepresented workers.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this legislation is crucial for addressing the existing skills gap in advanced manufacturing, ensuring the United States maintains its competitive edge globally. They contend that by focusing on specific training for high-demand jobs and prioritizing underserved communities, the bill will create pathways to stable, high-wage careers and bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that the bill creates a new, potentially redundant federal program when existing WIOA frameworks could be adapted or streamlined. They may also raise concerns about the efficiency of federal demonstration projects versus state-led or private sector initiatives, or question the administrative burden of establishing new, highly specific grant programs.
The bill is concise and clearly structured, making it straightforward for an informed reader to understand its core provisions and implications within a short timeframe.
Section 2, amending Section 169 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3224) by adding subsection (d)(1)
Establishment of Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development Program
This provision directs the Secretary to create demonstration and pilot projects through grants or contracts to facilitate education and training programs in advanced manufacturing. These projects must focus on skills development in communities with anticipated growth in the sector, provide training leading to recognized credentials, and educate individuals about career advancement. Priority is explicitly given to incumbent workers, dislocated workers, unemployed individuals, workers from rural areas, and underrepresented individuals.
Supporters argue
Supporters contend that this program directly addresses a critical national need for a skilled workforce in advanced manufacturing, boosting U.S. economic competitiveness and providing high-quality job opportunities for diverse populations, particularly those often overlooked in economic transitions.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that creating a new, highly specific program could lead to fragmentation of workforce development efforts or that existing WIOA programs could be more efficiently leveraged to achieve similar outcomes without additional administrative overhead.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the need for targeted skills development to meet specific industry demands with the goal of ensuring equitable access and opportunities for a broad range of workers, including those from historically underserved communities.
Section 2, amending Section 169 of WIOA by adding subsection (d)(2) and (d)(3)
Eligible Entities and Application Requirements
This provision specifies which entities are eligible to receive grants or contracts, including technical colleges, community colleges (public, nonprofit, or tribally controlled), community college systems, local boards, manufacturing extension centers, and local educational agencies. These entities must partner with manufacturers. Priority is given to consortia that leverage substantial non-Federal funding. Applications must detail the entity's capacity, proposed training activities, local economic benefits, use of evidence-based models, and coordination with State and local workforce development boards.
Section 2, amending Section 169 of WIOA by adding subsection (d)(5)
Performance Goals and Measures
This section establishes specific performance goals for the program, including enhancing skill sets, developing competencies, strengthening partnerships between educational institutions and businesses, and increasing earnings for participants. The Secretary is mandated to negotiate performance measures with each grant recipient, which may include indicators such as the number of individuals receiving credentials, attaining basic skills, improving employer operations, and experiencing earnings growth.
This subsection defines 'covered credential' as an industry-recognized and nationally portable credential (such as an educational certificate or degree, occupational license, industry-sponsored certificate, or registered apprenticeship certificate) or an employer-recognized credential. It also defines 'covered skill set' as an industry-recognized or employer-recognized skill set.
Section 2, amending Section 169 of WIOA by adding subsection (d)(7)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to place definitions at the conclusion of a section to provide clarity for terms used throughout the preceding text.
Case for: Supporters argue that these definitions are fundamental to the program's success, ensuring that the education and training provided lead to qualifications that are genuinely valued by employers and enhance the career prospects of participants, whether through broad industry recognition or specific employer needs.
Case against: Critics might express concern that the inclusion of 'employer-recognized credential' or 'skill set' without further standardization or oversight could lead to variability in the quality or portability of qualifications, potentially limiting their long-term value compared to nationally recognized standards.
Estimated impact: These definitions directly shape the quality and recognition of the training outcomes for all participants, influencing their employability and career advancement in advanced manufacturing.