On April 23, the White House issued an executive order supporting efforts to boost the U.S.’s skilled employee pipeline. The order directs government agencies to examine current federal programs and integrate them into a new workforce development roadmap.

The president gave the secretaries of Labor, Commerce, and Education departments 90 days to develop a report “setting forth strategies to help the American worker.” Those reports must examine “alternative credentials and assessments to the four-year college degree that can be mapped to the specific skill needs of prospective employers.” Each agency’s strategy should examine ways to “integrate systems and realign resources to address critical workforce needs and in-demand skills of emerging industries,” based in part on input from prospective employers.

Specifically, the order directs the agencies to submit plans to surpass one million ne active apprenticeships in the United States. Those plans must include:

(a)  Avenues to expand Registered Apprenticeships to new industries and occupations, including high-growth and emerging sectors.

(b)  Measures to scale this proven model across the country, improve its efficiency, and provide consistent support to program participants.

(c)  Opportunities, including through the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (Perkins V) Act and Federal student aid, to enhance connections between the education system and Registered Apprenticeships.

“It is the policy of the United States to optimize and target federal investments in workforce development to align with our country’s re-industrialization needs and equip American workers to fill the growing demand for skilled trades and other occupations,” the order said.

ARSA is coordinating with its industry and trade association allies regarding the order and resulting opportunities for industry career development. To review the order, “Preparing Americans For High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs Of The Future,” click here.

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