Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the Employer-Directed Skills Act.

 The legislation would help businesses streamline the process for assisting job seekers in accessing skills development programs through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity (WIOA) Act. 

The bill would also:

• Allow employers to offer skills development programs that meet their specific skill needs.

• Provide partial reimbursements to employers for the costs of employer-directed skills development programs.

• Establish performance indicators that guarantee trainees are receiving quality training and are set up well for employment.

• Encourage local workforce development boards to connect with employers who offer employer-directed skills development programs.

   

Senator Budd said in a statement: 

“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 said: 

“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.”