Departments of Education and Labor streamline federal programs to boost skills training and job readiness
In a move to reshape federal workforce development, the U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Labor (DOL) announced on Monday they are taking the next steps in their partnership to integrate education and job training programs. This initiative positions the Department of Labor as the primary hub for federal workforce programs, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and streamline services for states.
The partnership, formalized through an interagency agreement in May, will centralize key programs under DOL’s administration. ED will detail staff and transfer program funds for its career and technical education (CTE) and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title II programs, which include adult education and family literacy. While DOL will handle day-to-day administrative tasks, the Department of Education will maintain all statutory and oversight responsibilities for these programs.
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A new, integrated state plan portal is also being launched to simplify the process for states to create and manage their four-year workforce development plans. By aligning grants and payment systems, the initiative seeks to make it easier for states and grantees to administer programs and receive funding.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized the administration’s commitment to preparing Americans for fulfilling careers. “I am confident that the Department of Labor is well-positioned to cooperatively administer, implement, and streamline these critical career and adult education programs,” she said, highlighting the benefit of more efficient administration for states.
Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer echoed this sentiment, stating the initiative is a decisive action to “streamline unnecessary bureaucracy and advance the skills needed to fill jobs of the future.” She underscored the importance of connecting workers with the training needed for “in-demand, mortgage-paying jobs.”
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The partnership is aligned with President Trump’s Executive Order Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future, reflecting a broader administration effort to create a more coordinated federal education and workforce system. Both departments will continue to provide guidance to state partners and grantees as these changes are implemented.
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