WASHINGTON, D.C. (WDNews) — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) have introduced legislation to expand access to advanced workforce training through immersive technology.
The Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act would create a Department of Labor grant program to support the use of new tools like virtual reality in training and education. The grants would assist programs at community colleges, technical schools, and organizations that serve individuals with barriers to employment, including people with disabilities and those in rural areas.
“As technology becomes more integrated in our everyday lives, we must ensure we’re harnessing its capabilities, like groundbreaking, immersive technology, to strengthen our labor force and equip American workers to meet increasing workforce needs,” Britt said. “Proud to join Senator Blunt Rochester in this commonsense bill to help modernize workforce training for the 21st-century and ensure American innovation continues to lead the world.”
Blunt Rochester, who previously served as Delaware’s Secretary of Labor, emphasized the importance of preparing workers for the future. “We must be forward thinking as we confront both longstanding and developing workforce challenges. Immersive technology, such as virtual reality, can be a powerful tool for training and career visualization. I am proud to be introducing the Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act alongside Senator Britt to support the development of innovative skills training programs that utilize this technology and, most importantly, connect Americans with jobs.”
The senators noted that the United States expects about 192 million job openings over the next decade, a sharp increase from the previous 10 years.
The legislation is endorsed by groups including the American Association of Community Colleges, the Association for Career and Technical Education, the National Association of Workforce Boards, and companies such as HTC VIVE and Qualcomm.
