Strategic Goal 1: A Prepared Workforce

Develop a prepared workforce by providing effective training and support services to new and incumbent workers and supplying high-quality information on the economy and labor market.

Other Information:

Resources: DOL Agencies supporting A Prepared Workforce are the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Office of Job Corps, Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), and the Women’s Bureau (WB). In FY 2009, the Department proposes to dedicate $2.5 billion of its discretionary budget authority for agency-specific strategies supporting the Prepared Workforce strategic goal, including $593 million for labor statistics programs, $1.7 billion for employment and training programs (ETA $113 million and Job Corps $1.6 billion), and $216 million for veterans’ programs. Strategic Direction: A strong national economy depends, in part, on preparing new and returning entrants to the workforce with the right skills for today’s jobs. Many industries and sectors of the economy will be adding new jobs or transforming their business processes, requiring new and different worker skills. Service-providing, rather than goods-producing, industries will account for most of the new jobs created. Employment in the largest two occupational groups, professional and related occupations and service occupations, is expected to increase the fastest. Individuals entering the workforce need current and reliable information on occupations to identify growth industries, earnings potential, and skill requirements and will need access to educational opportunities to qualify for those jobs. Public officials, business owners, and individuals need up-to-date, high-quality labor market information to formulate public policy, negotiate a purchasing agreement, or decide what field to pursue as a career. The Department plays a crucial role in public and private decision-making processes by producing statistics that are timely, accurate, and relevant. Through the FY 2009 Budget, the Department continues to maintain America’s competitive position in the global economy. This requires a workforce with postsecondary education and training, the capacity to work in high-technology environments, and the opportunity to engage in life-long learning to keep pace with change. While employers and workers bear ultimate responsibility for adapting to the challenges of a global economy, the Department has a responsibility to help them by identifying and fostering emerging industries that provide employment opportunities. DOL recognizes that particular groups of returning and new entrants to the workforce face unique challenges. These groups include at-risk and out-of-school youth, veterans returning from service to their country, people with disabilities, women making a significant work-life transition, and ex-offenders re-entering the workforce. Through targeted training and outreach programs and partnerships, the Department provides comprehensive services that enable these groups to achieve their employment goals. As workforce growth slows, every participant’s contribution becomes vitally important for a healthy economy. The needs of the 21st century labor market are radically different from the past. As a result, America faces a shortage of skilled workers. One key predictor of economic success is education. As educational attainment levels increase, the unemployment rate decreases. The Department makes a meaningful investment in at-risk teenagers and young adults to help them become productive and self-sufficient members of the nation's workforce. Currently there are nearly one and a half million youth who are not in school, do not have a diploma and are not working. To meet these challenges, the workforce system has developed several strategies to ensure services go to the neediest youth, with particular emphasis on out-of-school youth, and to develop demand-driven strategies that will equip young workers with skills for the 21st century economy. DOL is committed to developing innovative strategies and programs for women, who often experience several transitions during the course of their careers. The Department is continuing a multi-regional demonstration project that serves women who are making a significant transition in their work lives. Each region focuses on a different target population of women in transition representing a spectrum of work-life needs, such as incarcerated women in a pre-release program, Native American and rural women, and single mothers and displaced homemakers.

Objective(s):

DOL-09/08-1A: Labor, Price, and Productivity Information

DOL-09/08/07-1B: Job Corps

DOL-09/08/07-1C: WIA Youth Program

DOL-09/08-1D: Apprenticeship System

DOL-09/08/07-1E: Veterans Employment

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