Trump Signs ‘Pledge to American Workers’ EO

Upgrading work proficiencies can bring more unemployed people back into the workforce, he said.

July 23, 2018

WASHINGTON – President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the National Council for the American Worker, which is charged with developing a strategy for training and retraining employees for high-demand industries, according to The NY Times.

The council will be made up of government officials and an advisory board of industry leaders and experts, according to Trump.

Speaking to corporate leaders at the White House last week, Trump said two dozen companies and trade groups have agreed to sign his new “Pledge to America’s Workers” to provide skill-focused, employee training over the next five years through apprenticeships and work-based learning, continuing education, on-the-job training, and reskilling. He has challenged more U.S. organizations to sign the pledge and do the same.

Most labor economists agree that there are plenty of middle-skill jobs that don't require a college degree but do require post-high school education or training. These include positions in advanced manufacturing that call for knowledge of software and robotics, and many health care jobs, such as radiology and physical therapy.

A lack of skills is a major reason some Americans give up their job search. The administration wants to bring millions of Americans who are not working or searching for work, and therefore aren't included in the nation’s unemployment rate, back into the workforce.

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