CONSTRUCTS Act Pours $20M into Building Trades Training: New Grants Target Rural and Underserved Areas Starting 2026

The "Creating Opportunities for New Skills Training at Rural or Underserved Colleges and Trade Schools Act of 2025," or, thankfully, the CONSTRUCTS Act, is all about boosting job training in residential construction. It's not just throwing money at the problem; it's setting up a competitive grant program specifically for junior colleges, community colleges, and trade schools to expand their construction training programs.

Building the Future Workforce

The core of the CONSTRUCTS Act is a grant program run by the Secretary of Labor, along with the Secretary of Education. Think of it as seed money for schools to either start or beef up their training programs in areas like carpentry, framing, and electrical work – all the skills needed in homebuilding. These grants can last up to four years, giving programs time to take root and make a real difference. (SEC. 2)

Real-World Impact: From Classroom to Construction Site

Imagine a recent high school grad in a rural town who's always been good with their hands. This bill could mean their local community college now offers a top-notch carpentry program, complete with hands-on training and connections to local builders. Or picture an experienced construction worker who wants to upgrade their skills – this bill helps fund programs that let them do just that, maybe even leading to a promotion or better-paying job. The Act specifically mentions helping "incumbent workers," meaning those already in the field, to level up their skills. (SEC. 2)

It's not just about individual workers, either. The bill wants these schools to partner with local construction businesses, especially those that hire folks from underserved communities. This creates a direct pipeline from training to jobs, boosting the local economy and potentially increasing the supply of affordable housing. (SEC. 2)

Laying the Foundation: Funding and Flexibility

To make all this happen, the bill authorizes $20 million each year from 2026 through 2030. That's a serious investment. The money can be used for things like hiring experienced instructors, setting up training clinics in rural areas (where access to this kind of education might be limited), and even providing scholarships to help students cover costs. (SEC. 2)

This bill acknowledges that many people who are interested in construction careers can't always attend full-time classes. That's why it requires these training programs to be flexible, offering options that work for people with busy lives. And once someone completes the program, the bill mandates job search and placement support to help them land that first job. (SEC. 2)

Challenges and Accountability

While the CONSTRUCTS Act has a lot of potential upsides, it's also worth noting that it puts a lot of emphasis on following all existing labor laws, at every level – federal, state, and local. This is a good thing for worker protection, but it might also add some administrative burden to the schools and businesses involved. (SEC. 2)

To make sure the money is being used effectively, the bill requires grant recipients to report back on their progress. The Secretary of Labor then reports to Congress, so there's a built-in system of accountability. (SEC. 2)