# CONSTRUCTS Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary

## What This Bill Does

The CONSTRUCTS Act creates a new federal grant program to help community colleges and trade schools expand their training programs for residential construction careers. The Department of Labor would award competitive grants (up to 4 years each) to eligible schools to develop or expand courses, training services, and outreach activities that teach construction skills like carpentry, framing, and other trades. The bill aims to increase the number of trained workers available for the residential construction industry.

## Who Benefits

The program prioritizes serving rural areas and underserved populations—including low-income individuals, people facing employment barriers, veterans, women, and racial/ethnic groups that are underrepresented in construction work. The bill also targets "opportunity youth" (young people not in school or work) and incumbent workers looking to upgrade their skills. Schools in rural or underserved areas would receive priority consideration for grants.

## Key Provisions

- **Eligible recipients**: Community colleges, technical schools, and training providers can apply for grants
- **Required focus**: Grant funds must support construction skills training aligned with local housing needs and workforce demands
- **Partnership requirements**: Schools must partner with construction employers and ensure partners offer fair wages and benefits
- **Sustainability**: Schools must demonstrate plans to continue programs after federal funding ends
- **Outcomes tracking**: Schools must measure success through credential completion rates and other performance metrics