WASHINGTON, D.C. — WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) have introduced the Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act, a bipartisan bill designed to create more opportunities for quality workforce training that leads directly to employment. The legislation seeks to ensure that Americans have the skills needed to meet the growing demands of the modern labor market.
Over the next decade, the United States is expected to see approximately 192 million job openings, a notable increase compared to the previous ten years. The bill aims to address this challenge by leveraging immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and simulation-based platforms to enhance workforce education.
“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,” said Senator Britt. “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.”
The legislation would establish a new grant program at the Department of Labor to support workforce training initiatives at community colleges, technical education schools, and programs serving individuals with barriers to employment, including those with disabilities and individuals living in rural areas.
“As Delaware’s former Secretary of Labor, I have spent my career working to empower and prepare the workforce of today and tomorrow,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “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.”
Immersive technology is viewed as a cost-effective, adaptable tool that can expand access to training for learners who may otherwise face barriers, while helping to prepare workers for jobs across diverse sectors of the economy.
The bill has received endorsements from organizations across education, workforce development, and technology, including: Advance CTE, American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Association of Community College Trustees (AACT), CareerViewXR, CM&D, Delaware Technical Community College, Delaware Tech Council, HTC VIVE, Jobs for the Future (JFF), National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), Oberon Technologies, Qualcomm, SIMVANA, Transfr, and the XR Association (XRA).
