This bill would direct the Dept. of Energy (DOE) to prioritize education and training for energy and manufacturing-related jobs to increase the number of skilled workers in those fields.

Included in this effort would be businesses in those industries, educational institutions, state and local workforce development organizations, and other federal agencies. The sectors of the energy and manufacturing industries covered by this bill include energy efficiency, pipelines, utilities, oil and gas, coal, renewable sources, advanced manufacturing, and construction.

The Secretary of Energy would collaborate with schools, energy and manufacturing industries, state agencies, and national laboratories to better understand the regional workforce needs of those industries.

Job training and workforce development opportunities for workers from underrepresented communities including minorities, women, and veterans would be prioritized. The DOE would collaborate with industry and community-based workforce organization to identify students and candidates from these groups to participate in training and apprenticeship programs. It would also seek to promote STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math) at all levels of the education system.

The DOE would increase outreach to employers and job trainers who work with unemployed energy and manufacturing workers. It would also preemptively provide assistance to workers employed at facilities scheduled for closure.

Five years after this bill’s enactment, the DOE would report to Congress with a national outlook for the energy and manufacturing industries, which includes a summary of jobs created by this legislation.

No additional funds would be authorized by this legislation, so all required activities must be carried out using existing funds.