The Trump administration wants not only to see federal agencies work together to streamline their various job training programs but also to better coordinate and collaborate on services designed to help individuals overcome barriers, such as housing, hunger, childcare and mental health.
That was a key message on Monday from John Pallasch, assistant secretary for employment and training at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), who spoke at the 2020 Community College National Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. The annual event is sponsored by the Association of Community College Trustees in collaboration with the American Association of Community Colleges.
Pallasch echoed a well-stressed point among education and job training officials that federal agencies must better align their job training programs, noting that it is frustrating for state and local officials when a federal agency issues guidance that is confusing or contradictory. He also encouraged local officials to take the lead on creating innovative workforce solutions, adding that the federal government’s role is to provide resources, facilitate relationships and “get out of the way.”