Authors Joseph Fuller and Kerry McKittrick argue in their latest Op-Ed in Work Shift that the U.S. public workforce system often channels individuals into low-wage jobs with limited prospects for advancement, thereby hindering economic mobility and national competitiveness. They highlight that over 40% of participants in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs earn less than $25,000 annually post-training, frequently entering roles like medical assistants and nursing aides, which offer median incomes as low as $20,200 per year and scarce growth opportunities. This issue disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic women, perpetuating occupational segregation and economic instability.
To address these challenges, the authors advocate for a shift in the public workforce system's focus from immediate job placement to fostering long-term career mobility. They recommend holding training providers accountable for participants' wage growth over time, with transparent reporting of outcomes by race and gender to identify and address equity gaps. They also emphasize the need for accessible, clear labor market information and personalized career coaching and call on Congress to seize the opportunity presented by the new session to reform the workforce system.
Read the full article in Work Shift.