America's labor market presents a paradox. Although the unemployment rate is just 3.9%, there are more jobs open than people who can fill them. Nationwide, there are roughly 68 workers for every 100 open jobs. Many factors contribute to this workforce shortage, but one of the most significant is a growing skills gap -- millions of workers across…

The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) American Apprenticeship Initiative (AAI) supported 46 grantees across the country to expand registered apprenticeship into new sectors, such as healthcare, and to populations historically underrepresented in apprenticeships. DOL commissioned an evaluation of the AAI grants to build evidence about the…

Apprenticeship is a job training strategy that combines on-the-job training with related instruction, typically provided in a classroom setting. This report answers frequently asked questions about apprenticeship and the federal activities that support this training approach. This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) report focuses on the Registered…

A growing number of U.S. companies across a range of industries are designing apprenticeship programs to give workers access to on-the-job learning opportunities that allow them to transition into in-demand jobs and careers. This discussion paper provides a snapshot of the current state of apprenticeship in the United States based on interviews…

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), previously named the Veterans Administration, has been providing veterans educational assistance benefits, including GI Bill benefits, since 1944. The benefits have been intended, at various times, to compensate for compulsory service, encourage voluntary service, prevent unemployment, provide…

The Australian education and training system offers a range of education options for young people. This publication provides a summary of statistics relating to young people aged 15 to 19 years who participated in education and training during 2017. Information on participation is presented for school students, VET in Schools students, higher…

The Australian education and training system offers a range of options for young people. This publication provides a summary of the statistics relating to young people aged 15 to 19 years who participated in education and training during 2016. Information on participation is presented for school students, VET in Schools students, higher education…

The ethnic and racial diversity of the residents of the United States of America is one of the country's unique strengths; however, Black, Latinx, Pacific Islander, Native, and certain Asian American workers face wide racial inequities in educational attainment, employment, and income. Additional workforce policies are needed now to counter…

Discusses the Navajo Tribe's joining with the AFL-CIO building and construction trades unions to develop an apprentice job training program geared to the special employment problems of Navajos and to the projected labor needs for construction projects on or near the reservation. Focus is on the Navajo Construction Industry Manpower Program…

Several factors, including decentralized organization and local autonomy, have resulted in the United States having 27 different training and education programs to meet national needs and functions of the central government; however, the public schools are the chief source of such formal job training. Vocational education is an integrated part of…

This document provides a variety of material on the Australian training systems. Section 1 summarizes apprenticeship and traineeship training and administration in Australia and provides a broad overview of the responsibilities and roles of industry, government, and trade unions. It also outlines the financial support provided by the state and…

Problems in the Canadian system of vocational training are addressed in this presentation to a special parliamentary committee by the chief executive officer of Pacific Vocational Institute (PVI). After introductory remarks on the purposes and objectives of PVI, two approaches to occupational training in Canada are discussed. The Manpower Demand…

Specific areas that form the core of the "Marshall Plan" (for U.S. Secretary of Labor Ray Marshall) are described as offsite training for unemployed apprentices and allied craftworkers; reimbursed employment and training cost grants; apprenticeship-school projects; and apprenticeship innovations. Some statistical data on the number of…

In Ireland, funding of vocational education and training (VET) has been affected by economic change, changes in government vocational training policy, and legislation. Expenditure on initial VET is considerable and has been growing as young people stay longer at second-level school and a greater proportion attend post-school training.…

The perception that the United States is falling behind in the skills race has prompted experts to look abroad for policy ideas. Of particular interest has been the German "dual system," which alternates 2 to 3 years of highly structured work-based training with classroom teaching for young people, beginning at age 16. Buoyed by the success of the…