Immersive Technology for the US Workforce Law: Legislation to Provide Equitable Access to XR Technology
Immersive Technology for the 2023 U.S. Workforce Act was written by Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) with support from organizations like XR Association (XRA), Talespin, Unity, Association for Vocational and Technical Education, Transfr, and HTC VIVE, among others.
“Emerging technologies, such as XR, can help meet people where they are and expand access to cutting-edge technologies and training resources,” noted Elizabeth Hyman, CEO of XRA, in a statement. release shared with ARPost. “Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Rep. Tim Walberg’s bill recognizes the importance of equitable access to skills training and workforce development programs and the key role immersive technology plays in get better results.
What is Immersive Technology for the US Workforce Act of 2023?
One of the benefits of integrating immersive technologies for workforce training is that they are cost effective and safer. They can also provide expanded training to underserved communities, as well as workers with disabilities.
The Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act aims to create a five-year program that provides support to various institutions, enabling them to use immersive technologies in their education and training programs.
Additionally, it aims to promote the development of inclusive technologies while prioritizing underserved communities, such as rural areas and areas of high unemployment. It aims to foster partnerships between private and public entities to fill skills gaps, meet workforce needs and help people who face barriers to employment.
“We are thrilled to be able to work with Rep. Blunt Rochester, a congressman who cares deeply about ensuring underserved populations are able to take advantage of next-generation technology and skills training,” said said Joan, senior vice president of public policy at XRA. O’Hara.
Nearly a quarter of Americans living in rural communities face unique labor challenges. Additionally, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that at the start of 2023, the country had 10.5 million unfilled jobs. The bill aims to fill these gaps by providing Americans from underserved communities and diverse backgrounds with access to effective, high-quality training programs.
“XR technologies can dramatically change the way the American workforce is recruited, trained, qualified and developed. Scalable solutions are needed to meet the diverse needs of today’s undiscovered talent to meet the needs of our complex workforce,” said Transfr CEO Bharanidharan Rajakumar.
What will be the impact of the legislation on the future of work?
The Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act follows in the footsteps of “recent legislative successes,” such as the Access to Digital Therapeutics Act of 2023, which effectively expands “the coverage of digital prescription therapies.” It aims to provide support, in the form of grants, to community colleges and vocational and technical education centres.
The grants will enable them to leverage XR technology for purposes such as workforce development and job training. Additionally, Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act will enable these organizations and facilities to use XR technology to enhance their training, which, in turn, can help address the rate at which American businesses respond to the needs of workforce.
