Number: RL33811
Title: The President's Demand-Driven Workforce Development Initiatives
Authors: Ann Lordeman and Linda Levine, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: Since the current Bush Administration came into office, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has developed and implemented three initiatives referred to as market- or demand-driven that are designed to address the workforce challenges thought to impede the nation's competitive advantage in the global economy. The High Growth Job Training Initiative (HGJTI) is likely the most well-known of these employer-focused activities, which aim "to prepare workers to take advantage of new and increasing job opportunities in high growth, high demand and economically vital sectors of the American economy." The other two are Community-Based Job Training Grants (CBJTG) and Workforce Innovation and Regional Economic Development (WIRED). This report begins with an overview of each of the initiatives, which is followed by an analysis of the quantity and quality of jobs the targeted sectors might afford workers, and an examination of the relationship between the initiatives and WIA. The report closes with a series of policy questions for potential congressional oversight.
Pages: 29
Date: January 10, 2007