(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- Sen. Kay Hagan has introduced a bill that aims to increase job creation and improve partnerships with community colleges. The America Works Act would also build a nationwide workforce development strategy.

"This bill will give workers in certain job training programs an industry recognized credential that qualifies them for employment actually in any state in the country and this credential doesn't require the cost or time commitment of a two-year degree program," said Hagan

She added that the legislation aims to overcome the challenge faced by many people who leave community college programs and still are not qualified for jobs. Training in areas from machinery to biotechnology will count toward a degree program.