Millions of Americans remain unemployed, but on average three million jobs go unfilled because employers cannot find workers with the skills and experience they need. In addition, over 800,000 people aren’t counted in monthly unemployment reports because they have given up looking for jobs. Addressing the skills gap and getting people back to work through workforce development programs is – and has long been – a national priority. Yet far too frequently, current efforts fail for multiple reasons – from inconsistent funding and one-shot training programs to an over-reliance on local programs to solve a national problem.Professional associations are on standby and ready to train, educate, and motivate workers across career fields and industries to take charge of their own careers.
