March 19, 2013
Rep. Takano Introduces “Job Skills For America’s Students” Act
Washington, DC – Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced the “Job Skills for America’s Students” Act, which encourages partnerships between employers and educational institutions by providing employers with a $2,000 tax credit per student participating in a qualified technical training and skills program, with a total credit amount cap of $10,000 per year.
The legislation would promote partnerships like those that Riverside Community College District’s Nursing Program has with local healthcare providers. The nursing program’s extensive partnerships allow students to train in real-life settings, learn to use the most up-to-date equipment and nursing methods, and be recruited by local healthcare providers after graduation. These partnerships have contributed to the RCC Nursing Program being recognized as the top program in California.
Rep. Takano commented on the bill saying, “Many of America’s fastest growing industries, like advanced manufacturing and clean energy, require a highly-skilled workforce and are struggling to find workers that possess the technical training to meet their needs. With one study showing that 600,000 manufacturing jobs remain unfilled due to a lack of qualified candidates, we must address the growing skills-gap in our country.
“This legislation partners these industries with community colleges and other programs to offer students the opportunity to gain the skills needed. In order to get Americans back to work and create an economy for the future, we must close the skills-gap.”