H.R. 2697

21st Century Transportation Workforce Development Act

This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a task force on developing a 21st-century surface transportation workforce.

The task force must develop and submit recommendations and strategies for DOT to

• evaluate the current and future state of the surface transportation workforce;
• identify factors influencing individuals pursuing careers in surface transportation;
• address barriers to retaining individuals in surface transportation careers;
• identify and address potential impacts of emerging technologies on the surface transportation workforce;
• increase access for vulnerable or underrepresented populations;
• facilitate and encourage elementary, secondary, and postsecondary students in the United States to pursue careers in the surface transportation sector; and
• identify and develop pathways for students and individuals to secure pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities in the U.S. surface transportation sector.

The task force shall terminate upon submitting to Congress a report containing the recommendations and strategies.