Provide job training so workers have the necessary skills to get jobs, enabling employers to grow their workforce and rural people to stay in their communities.
Offer Job Training for Good Jobs
- Support job training, apprenticeships, career and technical education, develop a rural workforce, and strengthen high-quality career pathways. Increase access to programs by providing financial support for students’ out-of-pocket expenses such as tuition, resources, and certifications1. Reinstate and grow programs, such as AmeriCorps and the Civilian Conservation Corps.
- The 2021-2022 Congress expanded work-based learning and apprenticeships that will help prepare more rural students for today’s in-demand jobs.
- The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act diverts billions from public schools to private schools. The voucher tax credit could cost taxpayers up to $51 billion a year, more than the federal government spends on all public K–12 education.
- Invest in career and technical education programs to grow the workforce in key fields such as health care, advanced manufacturing, traditional trades, auto repair, and technology.
Notes
- See 2023 Department of Education Memo on the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, as amended by the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21 st Century Act (Perkins V).