The changing global economy has hit low-income communities the hardest. As America builds toward a new green energy economy, however, the opportunities for reinvestment in these communities are significant.

By training low-income residents for crucial “middle skill” jobs in construction, energy, and infrastructure-related projects and by ensuring these government-supported projects employ and benefit residents of low-income communities, we can create a true opportunity ladder.

Workers in the 21st century economy will require a host of new skills to compete.   Many of these jobs will require technological expertise to reconstruct roads, fortify transit and water systems, and expand alternative energy sources and telecommunications networks.

This new, more demanding economy won’t automatically set aside space at the table for low-income people, many of whom are people of color. That is why job training programs, apprenticeships, and other workforce development efforts are vital to expanding economic opportunity to all people.

Some of this key work has already begun. Trade unions are extending their on-the-job training programs and traditional apprenticeships into the classroom as equipment and tasks become more sophisticated.  Likewise, community colleges—an historic bridge to opportunity for disadvantaged groups—are ramping up their own training programs.

But the government must step up to ensure all people have access to the skills they need to compete in the new global economy. Job training must be near the top of the national priority list for the American workforce to regain its footing—and for the economy to improve and expand in the years to come.