Panhandle Times

Congressmen Nathaniel Moran and Lloyd Smucker have reintroduced the Building Youth Workforce Skills Act, a legislative proposal aimed at expanding workforce training opportunities for eligible in-school youth. The bill seeks to allow local workforce development boards to utilize their Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds to provide Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) for students aged 16 to 21.

"By investing in young people, we can empower the next generation with the tools they need to succeed as productive, thriving members of the future workforce," stated Congressman Moran. He emphasized that this legislation would enable students to access high-quality skills training programs, advancing their careers and preparing them for professional challenges.

Congressman Smucker highlighted the importance of expanding access to skills training and workforce development programs. "Expanding students’ access to skills training and workforce development programs will give the next generation of workers the opportunity to live their American Dreams," he said. He noted that these programs would equip students with necessary skills for in-demand and high-paying jobs.

The bill builds on existing WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker programs that offer ITA vouchers for accessing training services from state-approved providers. Currently, only out-of-school youth are eligible for ITAs under existing law. This new proposal aims to extend eligibility to in-school youth without increasing current spending levels under WIOA, instead offering flexibility in using existing resources.

Presently, 19 states, including Texas, have waivers from the Department of Labor allowing them to use ITAs for in-school youth training. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, "30 percent of in-school-youth enrolled in postsecondary training programs used ITAs to help fund their training."