Executive Order Advances Workforce Development, AI Skills Training
On April 23, President Donald Trump issued Preparing Americans For High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future to better align workforce policies with employer needs and technological change.
Pursuant to the order, within 90 days, the secretary of Labor must deliver a plan to:
- Streamline workforce development policies.
- Restructure or eliminate underperforming programs.
- Promote innovation.
- Support AI-related upskilling.
- Expand use of alternative credentials.
- Improve workforce data systems.
The goal is to strengthen American competitiveness, particularly in industries shaped by emerging technologies such as AI.
The administration also committed to strengthening registered apprenticeships. The order instructs that within 120 days, the secretaries of Labor, Commerce, and Education submit a plan to surpass 1 million new apprenticeships.
In addition, the executive order mentions AI education, aiming to equip students and teachers with foundational AI knowledge and tools to thrive in a digital economy.
SHRM welcomes efforts to modernize workforce systems but continues to advocate for policies that balance innovation with the needs of small and midsize businesses.
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