HR7242-119

What This Bill Does

The Homebuilders Corps Act of 2026 uses Job Corps to build a residential construction workforce pipeline. It amends WIOA section 148 so the Labor Secretary must prioritize expansion of Job Corps training in residential construction trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, masonry, and HVAC. Within one year, Labor, consulting Treasury, must create a grant program for residential construction firms that hire a graduate of a Job Corps residential construction program within six months of completion and keep the graduate employed for 12 consecutive months. Each grant is $5,000, and firms must document eligibility with a W-2, payroll tax filings, or other Labor-required proof. A new section 162 directs Labor to facilitate agreements with large residential construction trade associations so graduates can enter registered apprenticeship programs. Every 24 months, workforce councils must review and update residential construction curricula to include new construction technologies. Section 164 authorizes $200 million for fiscal year 2026 for the grants, training priority, and partnership and curriculum work.

Who Benefits and How

Job Corps residential construction graduates, young workers entering skilled trades, residential construction firms, homebuilders, registered apprenticeship programs, trade associations, and communities with housing shortages benefit from subsidized hiring, stronger construction curricula, and apprenticeship pathways. Employers that retain graduates for a year can receive $5,000 per hire.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Labor Department, Treasury consultation staff, Job Corps centers, workforce councils, residential construction firms, trade associations, and federal taxpayers face new grant administration, documentation, curriculum review, apprenticeship coordination, payroll verification, and appropriations burdens. Employers must retain graduates for 12 consecutive months and provide records before receiving the grant.

Key Provisions

• Requires Labor to prioritize Job Corps training expansion in residential construction trades.
• Creates $5,000 grants for residential construction firms that hire and retain Job Corps graduates.
• Requires W-2, payroll tax filing, or similar documentation of 12 consecutive months of employment.
• Directs Labor to facilitate agreements with residential construction trade associations for registered apprenticeships.
• Requires workforce councils to update residential construction curricula every 24 months for new technologies.
• Authorizes $200 million for fiscal year 2026.