WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) recently introduced the Promoting Opportunities in Skilled Trades (POST) Act. This bipartisan legislation would allow for existing funds through the Perkins Grant Program to be used to attract, inform and bolster awareness of skilled trades programs for prospective students and employees.

Reps. Marianette Miller Meeks (R-IA) and David Trone (D-MD) joined as original cosponsors.

“Skilled trades programs are critical in shaping the workforce of our next generation. These programs provide students and prospective employees the opportunity to adequately prepare and learn, often on the job, from professionals in the industry they will eventually be employed in. Unfortunately, students and parents alike are often uninformed or have misconceptions about the benefits of these programs,” said Rep. McClain. “This bipartisan legislation will bolster the attractiveness of these programs by tailoring to prospective students’ interests and passions. I thank my colleague, Representative Houlahan for co-leading this pivotal legislation, and look forward to continuing to find ways to help prepare and strengthen our next generation of workers.” 

“To continue building back our economy, we need to ensure our workforce has the skills they need for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Our bipartisan POST Act will help not only bridge that skills gap but also create ample new work opportunities for countless Pennsylvanians. Skilled trade programs are an excellent but often underutilized resource for new workers. I am proud to be working with Rep McClain on this legislation. Together, we will continue to focus on our next generation of workers to ensure that our economy grows and works for everyone.”

“The POST Act will provide the financial flexibility needed at the local level to highlight essential occupations and inform students and families about the possibilities available to them,” said Melissa Robbins, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Workforce Development Professionals.

“The Promoting Opportunities in Skilled Trades Act represents an opportunity to bolster workforce development in the trades, providing additional visibility to the postsecondary education options that exist and can provide paths to long, fulfilling careers. I want to thank Rep. Lisa McClain for sponsoring this legislation which, if passed, could provide usable resources to fight an ongoing workforce shortage across the skilled trades,” said Marco A. Giamberadino, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, National Electrical Contractors Association.

“Junior Achievement USA endorses the POST Act, as it aligns with our approach to exposing young people to work and career opportunities that inspire and prepare them to be successful. The expansion of JA’s pathway approach to building work and career-ready competencies will ultimately impact more young people, especially those representing underserved populations. We strongly believe in economic empowerment for all,” said Jack E. Kosakowski, President & CEO, Junior Achievement USA.

“The POST Act is common sense legislation to allow existing funds provided to States via the Perkins Act to be tailored and utilized to attract, inform, and bolster awareness of CTE programs to prospective students and employees,” said Duane L. Musser, Vice President Government Relations, National Roofing Contractors Association.

The POST Act is endorsed by The National Electrical Contractors Association, the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, Junior Achievement USA, the National Roofing Contractors Association, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Jobs for the Future and the Associated Builders and Contractors.