HR338: To promote a 21st century energy and manufacturing workforce.

This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE), in awarding grants, to prioritize education and training for energy and manufacturing jobs, including by encouraging state and local education agencies to equip students for those jobs and strengthening DOE programs and labs carrying out workforce development initiatives.

DOE must prioritize educating and training workers from underrepresented groups such as minorities, women, and veterans. DOE may encourage, but not incentivize or require, any state or school district to adopt a curriculum to equip students with the skills and training necessary to fill employment opportunities in the energy and manufacturing industries.

DOE must establish a clearinghouse for information and guidance on job training and other workforce development programs. Additionally, DOE must work with the energy and manufacturing industries, educational institutions, and other governmental agencies to identify areas of workforce need and develop guidelines to implement the best practices for effective job training programs.

The bill requires DOE to consider increasing outreach to institutions that serve minority populations. DOE must also give special consideration to dislocated energy and manufacturing workers.

The bill does not authorize additional funding to carry out its requirements or authorize the creation of a new workforce development program.