Workforce and Education Partnership Act of 2026

H.R. 8039, the Workforce and Education Partnership Act of 2026, would amend federal workforce law to encourage closer collaboration between educational institutions and employers. The bill aims to develop partnerships that create or improve workforce development programs designed to address identified education and skill gaps in the workforce, as well as employment needs of employers in their regions. This would include partnerships involving career and technical education schools, colleges and universities, and private employers working together to align training with actual job market demands.

The bill is currently under consideration by the House Committee on Education and Workforce. If enacted, it could help workers gain skills that match what employers are actually seeking, potentially improving job placement and reducing skills mismatches in the labor market. The legislation has bipartisan sponsorship, with support from both Republican and Democratic representatives.