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The TRAIN Act would create a new competitive grant program to help community colleges build and expand job training programs in high-demand industries. Community colleges, vocational schools, and consortiums of these institutions would be eligible to apply for grants of up to four years to establish partnerships with employers, develop industry-recognized credentials, and provide training aligned with actual job market needs. The bill prioritizes serving individuals facing employment barriers, low-income people, dislocated workers, and incumbent workers needing skill upgrades. Grant recipients would be required to spend at least 15 percent of funds on supportive services like childcare, transportation, mental health services, and career coaching to help students complete their programs. The bill also allows funds for additional activities such as creating articulation agreements with four-year universities, developing competency-based education programs, purchasing specialized equipment, and reducing students' unmet financial needs. The Secretary of Labor would conduct annual performance reviews and a comprehensive evaluation within five years to assess program effectiveness and outcomes. The legislation authorizes funding starting at $110 million in fiscal year 2024 and increasing to $176 million by 2029. Administrative costs cannot exceed 10 percent of grant funds, and no more than 2 percent of total appropriations may be reserved for program administration, technical assistance, and evaluation.

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