The “Digital Skills for Today’s Workforce” Act introduced in Congress on April 17, 2024, by Senator Kaine (D-VA), Representative Spanberger (D-VA-07), and Representative Valadao (R-CA-22), addresses the pressing need for digital skills training to bridge the digital divide. The bipartisan, bicameral bill aims to equip workers with the digital skills necessary to access and succeed in in-demand jobs and will help small and mid-sized businesses meet their hiring needs.
The bill specifically facilitates opportunities for career advancement for workers on the job and provides crucial reskilling opportunities for displaced workers. If passed, the bill will create quality career opportunities for individuals, strengthen businesses, and drive economic growth.
Why WIOA? The bill builds on the success of the Digital Equity Act, while recognizing that the Digital Equity Act alone cannot supply all the digital skills learning opportunities needed to close the digital divide. Instead, Congress must also embed digital skills across landmark federal programs like WIOA. Further, the bill recognizes that additional funding is needed to support the work of organizations and businesses across the country helping people to build digital skills.
To receive grants, entities must submit to the state their plan for Digital Skills at Work grants to align with industry need, plans for partnerships, and alignment with state economic plans, among other requirements.
The bill addresses the critical need for digital skills training highlighted by National Skills Coalition research indicating that 92% of jobs require digital skills, yet only two-thirds of works have foundational digital skills. This divide disproportionately affects people of color, low-income individuals, rural residents and other communities.
NSC played a pivotal role in advocating for the bill’s introduction. Leveraging its extensive network and partnerships, NSC identified digital equity as a significant policy issue and launched the Digital Equity @ Work campaign. Through groundbreaking research and collaboration with stakeholders, NSC developed the framework for the bill, aligning with the core campaign principles of reskilling and upskilling for all workers. The network then continued to advocate for the introduction of the bill through letters of support to Congress, Congressional briefings, and Capitol Hill meetings.
The bill’s introduction marks a significant milestone in addressing the digital skills divide and advancing access to good jobs. Moving forward, NSC will continue its advocacy efforts, urging Congressional co-sponsorship and pushing for inclusion of key policy priorities in WIOA reauthorization. Contact your legislators, today!
