Summary#
The BUILDS Act would create a competitive grant program at the Department of Labor to support industry or sector partnerships working with businesses, labor groups, education providers, and others. Grants would fund planning and implementation of training, work-based learning (including registered apprenticeships), and support services for workers in targeted infrastructure industries such as transportation, construction, energy (including renewable energy and storage), information technology, and utilities. Grants may be implementation grants (up to $2,500,000) or renewal grants (up to $1,500,000) for periods up to 3 years. Applications must describe the partnership, the local labor market, targeted workers, credentials to be used, strategic objectives, performance measures, and a timeline. Funded activities include convening stakeholders, aligning curricula, helping businesses register apprenticeships, providing pre-employment and early-employment supports (including wages for up to 6 months while partnerships serve as employer of record), and annual reporting.
What it means for you#
- Workers: The program would fund paid work-based learning and training and could provide supports such as skills training, assessments, work attire, child care, transportation, case management, and mentorship. The bill specifically mentions recruiting and supporting individuals with barriers to employment.
- Employers: Businesses in targeted infrastructure industries could join partnerships, get help setting up apprenticeships or work-based learning programs, receive curriculum support, and access shared recruitment and training services.
- Education and training providers: Colleges, technical schools, and apprenticeship sponsors would be asked to align curricula and credentials with industry needs and participate in partnerships.
- State and local agencies: The bill requires partnerships to share information with state employment service staff to inform unemployment compensation recipients about training and job opportunities.
Expenses#
- Authorization: $500,000,000 is authorized for fiscal year 2026 and for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years (a total of five fiscal years covered by the authorization).
- Grant limits: Implementation grants may not exceed $2,500,000; renewal grants may not exceed $1,500,000. Each grant may run up to 3 years.
- Planning funds: Up to $250,000 of an implementation grant may be used for planning in year one.
- Administrative limits: Eligible partnerships may use up to 5% of grant funds for administrative costs. The Secretary of Labor may use up to 10% of the annual appropriation for administration, technical assistance, and oversight.
Proponents' View#
The bill states its purpose is to promote industry or sector partnerships that engage in collaborative planning, resource alignment, and training across businesses in targeted infrastructure industries to encourage industry growth and competitiveness and to improve worker training, retention, and advancement.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.