S. 189 — CONSTRUCTS Act of 2025

This section establishes a competitive grant program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) administered by the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to award grants of up to four years to junior or community colleges (as defined in the Higher Education Act of 1965), area career and technical education schools, or WIOA training service providers. Grants support expansion of evidence-based training, education, and outreach for residential construction careers (e.g., carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, construction management) targeting incumbent workers, rural residents, in-school or opportunity youth, and underserved populations (i.e., demographic groups underrepresented in construction, low-income individuals, those with employment barriers, or veterans); required activities include partnerships with construction businesses or developers (ensuring fair wages/benefits), alignment with performance indicators under WIOA sec. 116(b)(2)(A), and demonstration of impacts on local affordable housing supply. The Secretary must prioritize applicants serving rural areas or underserved populations and require grant applications to detail programs, served populations, partnerships, outcomes (e.g., credentials, credits, degrees), and sustainment plans.