Tim Kaine: “The U.S. Infrastructure system is in critical need of an upgrade. In February 2021, the American Society of Civil…”

“The U.S. Infrastructure system is in critical need of an upgrade. In February 2021, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) graded 11 of 17 infrastructure categories a D+ or worse. Systems across the Nation are in dire need of repair, including our bridges, public transit, roads, and schools. A recent study by the Center of Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University estimated that a $1.5 trillion infrastructure investment would create 15 million new jobs. Nearly half of these would require training past the high school level. Even without a significant investment, though, infrastructure industries are already struggling to meet workforce demands. Though the need to invest in infrastructure goes back decades, there's renewed momentum today, especially as more than 10 million people remain unemployed across the country as a result of COVID-19, exacerbating the already historic inequities that have limited women and people of color from accessing these jobs. Investments in infrastructure skills training must serve people of color, women, and other communities who have historically been excluded from good careers in infrastructure. Industry and sector partnerships are a proven strategy for helping workers prepare for jobs that lead to strong career pathways and helping businesses find skilled workers.…”