Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3829-3830)
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Apr 18, 2005
Workforce Investment for Next-Generation Technologies Act - WING Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary of Labor to carry out up to twenty pilot projects to establish a system of industry-validated national certifications of skills in: (1) up to sixteen high-technology industries; and (2) up to four cross-disciplinary national certifications of skills in homeland security technology.
Includes among the high-technology industries: biotechnology, telecommunications, highly automated manufacturing (including semiconductors), advanced materials technology, nanotechnology, and energy technology (including technology relating to next-generation lighting).
Directs the Secretary to make three-to-four year grants for such projects to eligible entities with one or more of the following as a primary participant: (1) an institution of higher education; (2) an advanced technology education center; (3) a local workforce investment board; (4) a representative of a business in a target industry for the certification involved; or (5) a representative of an industry association, labor organization, or community development organization.
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Requires each certification program to be: (1) offered at the completion of, and in addition to, a training and education program related to the industry competencies involved and offered in a flexible manner that meets the needs of those seeking certification; and (2) consistent with the requirements for a two-year associate degree.
No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 15, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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