WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., and Suzanne Bonamici D-Ore., co-chairs of the bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus, introduced the Creating Opportunities to Thrive and Advance (COTA) Act, which would expand career counseling programs and allow for public outreach.

Specifically, the bill amends Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to bolster career guidance for adult learners. Importantly, the bill allows Title II funds to be used – for the first time – to create public outreach through public service announcements, social media campaigns, job fairs and other means to educate the public on workforce development programs.

“I fully support programs that provide learners with career-ready skills,” Thompson said. “We must be able to tell the public about the resources available to them. This bill allows public service announcements and other advertisements to inform adult learners about workforce development programs and high-quality career counseling. Increased awareness into career choices and programs will lead individuals down the pathway of success and into high-quality, family-sustaining jobs.”

LeAnn Curry, ACTE executive director, said, “Clear and seamless communication with learners about career opportunities is essential. This legislation gives adult education leaders the tools to better connect learners to high-quality CTE programs that lead to in-demand, high-wage careers,” said “Expanding public awareness of CTE is vital to building strong communities and meeting the workforce needs of our local economies.”

WIOA, which was enacted in 2014, is the primary law governing federal workforce development programs. The law is designed to enhance our nation’s public workforce system, get Americans of all ages into high-quality jobs, and help employers hire and retain skilled workers. Title II of WIOA authorizes education services to assist adults in improving basic skills like literacy, completing secondary education and transitioning to the workforce or postsecondary education.