# Aviation WORKS Act: Plain Language Summary

The Aviation WORKS Act extends and expands federal funding for programs that train people to work in the aviation industry. Right now, the government already has some programs that help prepare pilots, aircraft mechanics, and other aviation workers. This bill keeps those programs going and adds new ones focused specifically on manufacturing aircraft and aircraft parts. If you're thinking about a career in aviation or you work in that industry, this bill could affect your opportunities for training and education.

The bill creates two new grant programs on top of the existing ones. The first new program gives money to aviation companies and schools to develop training for people who make aircraft, engines, propellers, and their components. This includes everything from teaching technical skills in classrooms to offering scholarships and internships for people entering the manufacturing field. The second new program funds partnerships between aviation companies, schools, and workforce organizations to plan and run training programs together. These partnerships would help coordinate training across multiple employers so workers can move between jobs more easily and companies can find skilled employees.

To make this happen, the bill authorizes $80 million per year from 2024 through 2028—that's $20 million for each of the four programs (the two existing ones plus the two new ones). The money goes to grants that schools, aviation companies, and workforce partnerships can apply for. For example, a high school could get funding to start an aviation manufacturing program, or a group of aircraft suppliers could partner together to train workers in their region. The bill also specifically encourages these programs to reach out to underrepresented communities, veterans, and people in economically disadvantaged areas who might not otherwise know about these career opportunities.

Aviation WORKS Act

Larsen, Rick

Aviation Workforce, Opportunity, Recruiting, Knowledge, and Supply Act or the Aviation WORKS Act This bill extends through FY2028 and expands aviation workforce development programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Specifically, the bill directs DOT to establish an aviation manufacturing development grant program to develop the aviation manufacturing and supplier workforce. It also requires DOT to develop and support the education of workers who design or produce any aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance, or a component, part, or system thereof, that (1) is produced under a production approval issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), (2) has been issued a design approval by the FAA, or (3) has an active application for a design approval. Additionally, DOT must establish a program to provide grants for eligible projects to plan, establish, and expand workforce development partnership programs in the aviation and aerospace industry sector.