Monitoring Federal Workforce Policy Changes: The Executive Order on Skilled Trade Jobs

You may have read about the Executive Order (EO) titled “Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future, CJC is monitoring its developments, and in this blog, we outline what we are looking out for as this continues to develop. At first glance, this initiative appears to promise significant advancements in workforce development, focusing on the skilled trades and streamlining federal programs. However, in light of recent developments—including the skinny budget proposal and ongoing conversations surrounding federal funding cuts in Washington, DC—it’s crucial to assess this EO outlining report critically and strategically. 

Key Areas CJC is Monitoring

The Chicago Jobs Council (CJC) is committed to equipping our audience with insights on the evolving workforce development landscape. As leaders in advocacy for equitable workforce practices, we are closely monitoring the following areas highlighted by this EO and related federal policy discussions:

1. Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships: Building Diverse Pipelines

The EO outlines goals to expand registered apprenticeships and enhance skilled trade opportunities. While these efforts could create pathways to stable careers, history has shown that such opportunities are not always equitably distributed.

Black workers remain underrepresented in registered apprenticeships, with only 9% of apprentices identifying as Black, despite making up 12.3% of the workforce, according to a 2023 report by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Similarly, women represent just 4.4% of construction trades apprentices nationally, according to Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT).

CJC is advocating for policies that ensure diverse pipelines in apprenticeships, addressing systemic barriers that have historically excluded marginalized groups. We urge policymakers to prioritize equity by investing in inclusive outreach, recruitment, and supportive services that enable underrepresented individuals to succeed.

2. Consolidation and Streamlining: What It Means for Workforce Programs

In the immediate term, this EO calls for a 90-day report to assess current systems and recommend pathways for implementation. The EO cites creating efficiencies to streamline information, data collection, and performance measures as the reason for consolidation.  Proposals for consolidation raise concerns about potential funding cuts or program eliminations that disproportionately impact job seekers reliant on public services. 

While CJC supports the creation of an aligned workforce ecosystem and finding opportunities for systemic reforms that would create fair outcomes for employment in Illinois, we will be closely monitoring recommendations in the report. For instance, programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and child care subsidies play a critical role in enabling individuals to participate in workforce training. Cuts to these programs could undermine the very goals of the EO by creating additional barriers to entry.

CJC will continue to monitor these developments, advocating for a workforce system that maintains robust support services essential for equitable access and success in training programs.

3. Strategic Advocacy Amid Budget Conversations

The skinny budget proposal presents challenges for workforce development funding. Rather than reacting with panic, CJC is approaching these conversations strategically. Our recent visits to Washington, DC, have reinforced the importance of engaging policymakers with actionable recommendations that reflect the needs of our sector.

Over the next few months, we will focus on:

• Advocating to protect workforce programs and education investments 

• Promoting policies that preserve supportive services that help people persist in training programs and maintain employment.

• Strengthening partnerships with business and industry leaders to create meaningful opportunities for all job seekers.

Remaining Vigilant and Proactive

As the federal government embarks on a 90-day review of workforce programs under the EO, we must remain vigilant in advocating for effective programming. CJC works to improve the policies in workforce development that increase job access, provide wraparound workforce and employment benefit services, improve skill-building programs, and foster quality job creation that benefits those who need it the most. Data collection and transparency, emphasized in the EO, are not new concepts. Workforce providers extensively track workforce data and provide valuable insights into participant outcomes and demographic trends.  Access to workforce data enhances our ability to advocate for workforce equity. By receiving comprehensive data on the state's workforce, we can better identify areas of improvement, advocate for policies that benefit all residents, and measure our progress.  Existing efforts must be leveraged and expanded to address gaps in access and representation.

CJC’s Commitment to Workforce Equity

At CJC, we are guided by the principle that a fair workforce development system works for everyone. This means advocating for policies that prioritize historically excluded communities and create pathways to stable, high-paying careers in skilled trades and beyond.

As workforce policies evolve, CJC is committed to providing trusted insights and actionable strategies for our sector. We will continue monitoring developments around skilled trades, program consolidation, and federal budget discussions, ensuring that equity remains at the forefront of our advocacy efforts. Let’s work together to advance a workforce development system that truly leaves no one behind.