SE North Carolina News

Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the Employer-Directed Skills Act on July 11, 2024. The legislation aims to streamline the process for businesses to assist job seekers in accessing skills development programs through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity (WIOA) Act.

The bill proposes several measures:

- Allowing employers to offer skills development programs tailored to their specific needs.

- Providing partial reimbursements to employers for costs associated with employer-directed skills development programs.

- Establishing performance indicators to ensure trainees receive quality training and are well-prepared for employment.

- Encouraging local workforce development boards to connect with employers offering such programs.

Senator Budd stated, “As technology continues to transform our industries, it’s incredibly important that we help workers get the skills they need to compete and succeed in today’s economy. At the same time, we should help job creators be able to provide skills development programs for their employees. That’s what this bill aims to do.”

The Skills First Coalition expressed support for the bill: “The Skills First Coalition welcomes the introduction of the Employer-Directed Skills Act. This is a critical step in realigning the nation’s public workforce system to work more closely with employers, prioritize high-quality work-based learning and on-the-job training programs, and prepare Americans for in-demand jobs. We encourage the Senate to incorporate this critical bill as part of any WIOA modernization legislation advancing this year.”

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