New Bipartisan Bill Could Cover 50% of HVACR Workforce Training
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) announced its support for the Employer-Directed Skills Act, bipartisan legislation introduced in Congress on Feb. 11 that would reimburse employers for workforce training costs.
The bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) and in the House by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY). It would allow employers to receive reimbursement for up to 50% of training expenses, helping contractors expand in-house workforce development efforts.
ACCA said the legislation aligns with its 2025-2026 policy priority of strengthening the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) workforce by making federal workforce development funds more accessible to employers.
“Our members consistently tell us that attracting and retaining skilled workers is their top priority,” said Barton James, ACCA president and CEO. He noted that the bill would make Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds more flexible for both employers and workers.
Under current workforce programs, government agencies typically determine which individuals receive training and what programs they attend. ACCA said this structure can lead to gaps between training outcomes and employer needs. The Employer-Directed Skills Act would shift more control to employers, allowing them to select candidates and direct training toward critical skills.
The legislation would reimburse companies with 50 or fewer employees for 50% of training costs, with scaled reimbursements for larger businesses. Participating employers would work with local workforce boards to establish training accounts and receive reimbursement after training is completed.
ACCA is encouraging contractors to support the legislation by urging lawmakers to co-sponsor the legislation. Click on the link above to sign a letter through ACCA. The association said it will continue monitoring the bill as it moves through Congress.
Note: This piece was created with the help of generative AI tools and edited by our content team for clarity and accuracy.