This legislation aims to address the needs of workers in industries significantly impacted by rapidly evolving technologies, particularly automation, by establishing a new competitive grant program. It highlights that current federal training funding is insufficient and that automation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, potentially displacing millions of jobs by 2030, underscoring the necessity of federal investment to prepare the workforce for technologically oriented occupations.

Administered by the Secretary of Labor, this grant program funds demonstration and pilot projects for eligible partnerships to provide training services to workers dislocated or likely to be dislocated by automation, preparing them for in-demand, technology-oriented occupations. Grant applications must detail training plans, including technology-based skills like coding and IT security, and how they will support covered populations with barriers to employment.

Priority for these grants will be given to partnerships in areas with high percentages of covered populations or industries heavily impacted by automation. Other priorities include incumbent worker training to avert layoffs, providing worker benefits like childcare or stipends, and developing shared training curricula. Funds can be used for training services, employer assistance, equipment, job search support, and training stipends.

Additionally, the bill amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to expand existing worker training services. It specifically includes programs for individuals dislocated by automation, preparing them for technology sector occupations, within WIOA's Adult and Dislocated Worker Employment and Training programs. The legislation also adds "advances in automation technology" as a trigger for National Dislocated Worker Grants, authorizing $40,000,000 annually for these grants from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.