Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Biennial Report on the Skills Gap Act of 2015”.
Biennial Report on the Skills Gap Act of 2015
A BILL
To require the Comptroller General of the United States to develop and submit to Congress a biennial report on the current state of the skills gap in the United States, as of the date of the report, that includes an analysis of the effectiveness of efforts to close the skills gap and policy recommendations to improve such efforts, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Definition of skills gap
In this Act, the term skills gap means the difference or gap between the specific skills set of employees and the skills that are desired by employers in the workforce.
Sec. 3 Biennial report
In general— Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and every other year thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall develop and submit to Congress a report on the current state of the skills gap in the United States, as of the date of the report, that includes—
an analysis of the effectiveness of efforts to close the skills gap; and
policy recommendations to improve such efforts.
Content of report— Each report required under subsection (a) may include the following:
An analysis of employer participation in apprenticeships and on-the-job training in the United States.
An assessment of the Registered Apprenticeship program of the Department of Labor (Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the “National Apprenticeship Act”; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.)) to determine if the program can be better utilized.
An analysis of the prevalence and portability of recognized postsecondary credentials, including industry-recognized credentials, that align with occupations that are in demand.
A comparison of policies and strategies addressing the current skills gap in the United States, as of the date of the report, with the policies and strategies employed by other large countries.
An analysis of the specific barriers preventing the United States workforce from acquiring the skills desired by United States employers, including an assessment of opportunities to reduce those barriers.