The Senate passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) to encourage investment in education and training for American workers by designating September as “National Workforce Development Month.” The resolution supports federal programs that promote workforce development and recognizes the crucial role they play in growing our economy.
“In Indiana, manufacturing jobs account for almost 1 in 5 Hoosier jobs,” said Senator Young. “During a time when our workforce is facing unprecedented challenges, I’m glad the Senate passed our resolution to designate September as National Workforce Development Month. We must continue working to equip Americans with the training and skills needed to secure jobs in manufacturing and other industries that are vital to our economy.”
Access to effective workforce education and training programs are critical to supporting workers and expanding access to living wage jobs. Federal programs and funding provide the foundation for these programs. The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act supports the development and implementation of high-quality CTE programs and has served 12 million high school and college students from 2016 to 2017.
“We must continue to invest in training and education to help American workers,” said Senator Feinstein. “This is particularly true as millions of workers are left without a job due to the coronavirus pandemic. As we continue to rebuild our economy, our resolution will support workforce development programs to help put more Americans back to work.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented effect on jobs and employment across the country. Now more than ever, it’s important to ensure that folks have access to and are qualified for good-paying jobs,” said Senator Enzi. “I’m pleased to join Senators Feinstein, Young and Baldwin in emphasizing the crucial role that workforce development plays in our economic security and providing quality training and education to our workers.”
“Wisconsin workers are the backbone of our economy, but are experiencing some really tough times during this economic crisis,” said Senator Baldwin. “National Workforce Development Month recognizes that we must invest in our workers now more than ever. As our nation continues to combat the coronavirus, we need to ensure our workers have the skills to succeed, and businesses have the skilled workers they need to move our economy forward.”
Programs authorized under the bipartisan Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act served nearly 6 million young people and adults in 2018 and exceeded employment targets across all programs. Nationwide, there are more than 550 workforce development boards and 2,500 American Job Centers that work with job seekers and employers across industries ranging from healthcare and information technology to manufacturing and construction.
