Reflections on a Year of Labor Progress
It’s hard to believe a year has gone by since Donald Trump was inaugurated as president. Over this time, his administration has been incredibly active in delivering results for Americans. As the Deputy Secretary of Labor, I’ve seen quite a bit firsthand. Looking back, I feel proud that we are fulfilling President Trump’s commitment to prioritize American workers.
A highlight of my role is connecting with hardworking individuals across various sectors. I’ve had the chance to visit places like the Hoover Dam, where I engaged with interns in electrical and hydroelectric operations. My travels took me everywhere—from NASCAR shops to biopharmaceutical companies, absorbing the nuances of different jobs. I also met students in high school who are training for their futures, and military personnel in San Diego discussing their transitions to civilian life. Each encounter has provided invaluable insights into how our policies actually affect people and the obstacles they encounter.
One persistent challenge is the skills gap. For years, there has been a disconnect between the training workers receive and the qualifications employers need. Alarmingly, data shows that in some states, only about 34% of those in workforce training programs end up in jobs related to their training.
The Department of Labor is actively working to address this. Last year, we launched America’s human resources strategy, which aims to transform the federal government’s approach to workforce development. The main idea is to not just let training programs function independently of what employers actually require—workforce training shouldn’t be a shot in the dark. We’re establishing new standards that put employers front and center in the training process. This is why we set a goal to create one million new apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are vital for cultivating skills that align with future job demands. They offer a quicker, debt-free route compared to traditional university paths, plus provide essential work experience that meets employer needs.
To reach this goal, we’ve modernized the apprenticeship system by cutting through bureaucratic red tape and making it adaptable to new industries. We’re also dismantling the barriers that have limited how the U.S. has prepared its workforce. Last year, we entered into a significant partnership with the Department of Education. This collaboration allows us to manage a wider variety of workforce programs previously scattered across federal agencies. The result? Less duplication, streamlined processes, and greater state flexibility—leading to better outcomes for workers and businesses alike.
Another pressing topic for many Americans is the rise of artificial intelligence and how it’s reshaping the job market. Our goal is to assist workers in harnessing AI as a tool for achieving better-paying jobs, increasing productivity, and finding more satisfaction in their work. Introduced in July, the AI action plan lays out how we intend for the U.S. to maintain a leadership role in AI. Through this strategy, we aim to help workers expand their skills, test innovative methods for rapid upskilling, and evaluate the impacts of AI on employment. While we can’t predict every twist and turn in AI’s evolution, we are committed to ensuring that we can adapt as needed.
Moreover, we’re enhancing our support for veterans, aiding their transition into the civilian workforce. I’m particularly enthusiastic about our new integration program aimed at making that shift smoother. We recently rolled out the Veteran Accommodation Toolkit, which provides resources to better recruit, train, and support disabled veterans. Additionally, we’ve collaborated with the Small Business Administration to streamline hiring veterans and military spouses, particularly in the manufacturing sector. Through these initiatives, we are focused on equipping military members with the skills necessary to thrive in a fast-changing economy.
As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, I look back on the progress made by the Department of Labor under the Trump administration with pride. We are investing in our workforce, bolstering our economy, protecting American jobs, and cutting down on excessive bureaucracy. More importantly, I’m proud of the individuals I’ve met who embody talent and determination. Regulations matter, but ultimately, it’s the drive and creativity of everyday Americans that truly make this country great. And those very qualities will fuel our future successes.
That’s certainly something to celebrate.
