The construction industry in New Mexico and much of the country continues to struggle to hire enough skilled workers to meet the demands of new projects — a problem that’s caught the attention of many in Congress. With that in mind, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-NM, filed legislation last week that would help shore up such workforce shortages in the building and construction trades by expanding pre-apprenticeship programs.

The “Pre-Apprenticeships to Hardhats Act” (PATH Act) is designed to prepare trainees — high school students and underrepresented populations — for skilled jobs in roofing, carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing, painting, masonry, electrical, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and more. The program also covers basic literacy, math skills, and soft skills such as communication and time management.

If passed, the PATH Act will provide $20 million in competitive grants each fiscal year for employer’s training costs, curriculum development, assessments and evaluations. The bill requires employers — whether unions, school districts, small businesses or  veterans’ service organizations — to focus on hiring racial minorities, tribal members, veterans, women, and those in low-income communities.

“By expanding access to quality pre-apprenticeship programs, the PATH Act will help connect New Mexicans to these new opportunities, address workforce shortages, build the middle class, grow our economy, and provide more New Mexicans with the careers they can build their families around,” Heinrich said in a statement. 

The industry is trying to head off further workforce shortages over the next decade. Construction industry trade association Associated Builders and Contractors estimates that the sector will need 342,000 new workers in addition to normal hiring demands in 2024 alone. 

“We strongly believe in the investment in pre-apprenticeship as a pathway for young people into apprenticeship and great careers,” Courtenay Eichhorst, business manager of the United Association Local 412 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union in Albuquerque and the president of New Mexico Building Trades, said in a statement. “The United States is facing a critical shortage of skilled trades people … we must provide workforce development to achieve the most out of those investments. Pre-apprenticeship is a crucial stepping-stone … and provides a pathway out of poverty.”

Congress has proposed various legislation in recent years, like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, to help address workforce shortages, not only in the building and construction trades, but in sectors like computer science, health care, manufacturing, technology, telecommunications and early childhood education.

The PATH Act’s companion bill, which has bipartisan support, has been filed in the House of Representatives. If approved by both chambers of Congress, the bill will be sent to President Joe Biden for consideration.

The full text of the PATH Act is here.