Executive Order Focuses on Job Creation

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Last week President Trump issued an Executive Order establishing the President’s National Council for the American Worker. The Order looks to foster an environment of lifelong learning and skills-based training, and cultivate a demand-driven approach to workforce development. The Order is intended to show a national commitment to job creation over the next five years.

Under the Order, more than 15 companies and associations have signed a pledge to train and educate 3.8 million American students and workers for in-demand job skills. The companies committed to expanding apprenticeships, increasing on-the-job training, and provide people with opportunities to develop skills with the goal of being hired.

The Order also establishes the President’s National Council for the American Worker (Council) which is co-chaired by the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Labor, the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, and the Advisor to the President overseeing the Office of Economic Initiatives (Co-Chairs). The Co-Chairs will work to develop ongoing recommendations for the President on policy and strategy related to the American workforce. Within the first 180 days of this Order, the Council is expected to help shape a national approach to train Americans for the skills they require to fill open jobs now and in the future.

Additionally, the Order created the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board (Board) that will work to bring together business executives and educators. In particular, the Board is tasked with encouraging the private sector and educational institutions to combat the skills crisis by investing in and increasing demand-driven education, training, and re-training, including through apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities.