WASHINGTON, D.C.: The White House has begun a summer-long initiative, entitled the "Talent Pipeline Challenge" to encourage labor unions and industry to work together in training more workers for "good jobs" in the electric vehicle, broadband and construction sectors.

The move is akin to the program seen last December in which more truck drivers were trained to reduce supply chain logjams.

Employers, state and local governments will receive $800 million in job training funds from the $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Also, the American Rescue Program will add billions more to this program.

U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, National Economic Council Director Brian Deese, National Domestic Policy Council Director Susan Rice and other top officials will meet at the White House with executives from AT&T, Bechtel, Siemens AG, union leaders and workforce experts to discuss how to train more workers.

"This is a nationwide call to action for employers, education and training providers, states, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and philanthropic organizations to make tangible commitments that support equitable workforce development" in the three sectors, the White House stated.

The White House is moving to counter growing fears about a possible recession and high inflation. Through showcasing employment gains - especially for young people and minority workers - over the past year, the White House has been seeking to promote creation and expansion of apprenticeship and skills certification programs. It has also encouraged firms, along with state and local governments, to aid workers by providing greater access to childcare and transportation.

Meanwhile, the Labor Department is set to host its own jobs summit on June 21 and a White House workforce event on June 27.