By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose.
To capitalize on my Administration’s groundbreaking investments in America’s reindustrialization and economic expansion, we will fully empower the American worker to create top-tier products and leverage cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, my Administration aims to consolidate and simplify the disjointed Federal workforce development programs that currently fail to effectively connect workers with stable, lucrative job opportunities in critical sectors.
Sec. 2. Policy.
The United States is committed to optimizing Federal investments in workforce development, ensuring they align with our nation’s reindustrialization objectives, and preparing American workers for the rising demand in skilled trades and other professions. My Administration will also bolster and safeguard Registered Apprenticeships, leveraging their success to harness the boundless potential of the American workforce.
Sec 3. Comprehensive Worker Investment and Development Strategy.
Within 90 days from the issuance of this order, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Education are tasked with reviewing all Federal workforce development programs. They will submit a report to the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, outlining strategies to enhance support for American workers. The report will include:
(a) Identification of opportunities to integrate systems and realign resources to meet critical workforce needs and in-demand skills in emerging industries, as indicated by prospective employers, to the extent permitted by law. This should encompass:
(i) administrative reforms to agency policies and programmatic requirements;
(ii) process enhancements aimed at improving participant experiences;
(iii) recommendations for restructuring and consolidating programs.
(b) An evaluation of Federal workforce development and education programs, pinpointing those that are ineffective or fail to achieve their intended objectives. Each identified program should be accompanied by suggestions for reform, redirection of funding, or elimination.
(c) Available statutory authorities to foster innovation and system integration in pursuit of improved employment and earnings outcomes for program participants.
(d) Opportunities for investing in upskilling incumbent workers to adapt to rapidly changing skill requirements in their industries, particularly regarding the integration of Artificial Intelligence in the workplace.
(e) Strategies for identifying alternative credentials and assessments that can replace the traditional 4-year college degree, tailored to the specific skill sets demanded by prospective employers.
(f) Efficiencies aimed at streamlining information collection, including:
(i) harmonizing performance measures;
(ii) reducing the burden on grantees; and
(iii) ensuring that performance outcomes are assessed using the most reliable data sources.
Sec 4. Expanding Registered Apprenticeships.
Within 120 days of this order, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Education shall present a plan to the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, aiming to surpass the milestone of 1 million new active apprentices. This plan should cover:
(a) Methods to broaden Registered Apprenticeships into new industries and occupations, particularly in high-growth and emerging sectors.
(b) Strategies for scaling this proven model nationwide, enhancing its efficiency, and providing consistent support for participants.
(c) Opportunities, leveraging the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (Perkins V) Act and Federal student aid, to strengthen connections between education systems and Registered Apprenticeships.
Sec 5. Delivering Unprecedented Transparency and Accountability.
The Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Education are directed to enhance transparency regarding the performance outcomes of workforce development programs and credentials funded by Federal investments, including data on earnings and employment across all Federal workforce development initiatives.
Sec 6. General Provisions.
(a) Nothing in this order shall be interpreted to limit or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or its head; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget related to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented in accordance with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order does not intend to, and does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other individual.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
April 23, 2025.
