Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future

2025-04-28Executive Order 14278
Signed by: Donald Trump
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Headline: Federal Agencies Must Expand Apprenticeships and Reform Workforce Programs

What it does: Agencies must review and restructure federal workforce programs, expand Registered Apprenticeships to reach over one million, and publish program performance and earnings data.

Real World Impact:
  • Creates plans to add over one million apprenticeships nationwide.
  • May shift federal funding toward in-demand trade training and alternative credentials.
  • Requires agencies to publish earnings and employment outcomes for workforce programs.
Topics: workforce development, apprenticeships, skills training, education, economic growth

Summary

This order directs federal leaders to overhaul and better-target workforce development so American workers can fill growing skilled-trade and technology jobs. Within 90 days, labor, commerce, and education officials must review all federal workforce programs and recommend reforms; within 120 days they must propose a plan to create and exceed one million new active apprentices. The order also requires clearer public reporting of earnings and employment outcomes and emphasizes upskilling, alternative credentials, and the use of AI in training.

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