The "American Workforce Act" establishes a new American Workforce Program within the Economic Development Administration of the Department of Commerce. This program aims to provide a structured alternative to college education by supporting workforce projects through American workforce contracts. It is designed for individuals who are U.S. citizens, have a high school diploma, and have not earned a bachelor's or higher degree.

The program is administered by a Director, appointed by the President, who is responsible for approving contracts, maintaining records, investigating complaints, and coordinating with state and local governments. The Director also collects extensive data on trainee completion rates, employment retention, earnings, and demographics to evaluate the program's effectiveness. Employers participating in the program must have significant private sector experience.

Under the program, employers enter into an American workforce contract with a prospective trainee, outlining a paid, full-time position involving structured on-the-job work and educational workforce training. These contracts must specify the term (at least 6 weeks), a detailed work and training plan, and the trainee's wage or salary, which must meet minimum wage requirements. They also disclose expected long-term outcomes, potential credentials, and any costs to the trainee.

Employers receive workforce education subsidies, up to $1,500 per month for a maximum of $9,000, to cover the cost of educational training, not trainee wages. These subsidies are paid in installments after training completion and cannot be used for diversity, equity, and inclusion training or political spending. Employers must use E-Verify and comply with non-discrimination laws.

Additionally, employers receive a $1,000 bonus for hiring a trainee as a full-time, regular employee upon successful completion of a workforce project, provided the position offers a wage of at least 80 percent of the county's median household income. The educational training must enable trainees to obtain progressively advancing and portable skills, and employers can partner with various third-party training entities.

The Director has authority to investigate complaints from trainees and conduct compliance reviews, with powers to issue warnings, temporary suspensions, or civil penalties against non-compliant employers. Whistleblower protections are in place to prevent discrimination against trainees who file complaints or participate in inquiries. Employers must also provide public disclosure documents detailing project costs, expected wages, and completion rates.

The Act mandates 5-year and 10-year reports to Congress, comparing the American workforce program to other federal career and technical education initiatives based on completion rates, earnings, and employer satisfaction. The program and the Director's position are subject to a sunset clause, ceasing to exist 11 years after enactment or upon submission of the 10-year report, whichever comes first.