Veterans to Advanced Manufacturing Plan Act

Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop and publish an action plan to be known as the Veterans to Advanced Manufacturing Plan.

In developing the Veterans to Advanced Manufacturing Plan, the Secretary shall—

(1) identify—

(A) barriers that veterans face when searching for employment, during the hiring process, or in training to become advanced manufacturing employees;

(B) challenges advanced manufacturing employers face when recruiting, hiring, or retaining veterans;

(C) regulatory burdens such employers face in the hiring of veterans as such employees;

(D) regions of the United States that have the greatest need for advanced manufacturing employees; and

(E) barriers and industry trends that directly or indirectly discourage veterans from pursuing, obtaining, and maintaining employment in advanced manufacturing;

(2) highlight—

(A) the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities that veterans possess that are critical for advanced manufacturing and any competency gaps that should be addressed;

(B) opportunities to expand or enhance existing initiatives for veterans to become advanced manufacturing employees; and

(C) ways to improve advanced manufacturing employer outreach programs and enhance existing training, mentorship, education, and advancement programs that would increase the participation and engagement of veterans in the advanced manufacturing workforce;

(3) recommend specific short- and long-term actions the Secretary can take to help veterans become advanced manufacturing employees; and

(4) consult with advanced manufacturing employers, institutions of higher education, and organizations representing advanced manufacturing employees.