JFF’s Federal Policy Blueprint for the Trump Administration

One thing is clear after this election: Millions of voters want change because the economy is not working for them. At Jobs for the Future (JFF), we believe that the country can move from division to unity. But as a nation, we have work to do, and that means going beyond the status quo to enact policies that transform our education and workforce systems and help more people gain access to good jobs.

In this memo, JFF provides our federal education and workforce policy recommendations for President-Elect Donald Trump, Vice President-Elect JD Vance, and their transition team. The memo offers a unifying, practical, bipartisan plan for fixing the outdated education and workforce development systems that are leading to dead ends at school, at work, and in life for millions of people in this country. Our policy blueprint focuses on concrete steps that the Trump Administration can take in their first 100 days in office to create more opportunities for workers and learners. 

The memo is organized into four major sections, with policy recommendations covering the following key topics: 

1. Prepare every young person for success by expanding access to high-quality work-based learning experiences and “intentional” dual enrollment and by providing targeted supports to young adults who are disconnected from school and work. 
2. Invest in skills as the new currency for career advancement by transforming the workforce development ecosystem so that it’s worker-centric and industry-driven; improving access to high-quality skills training and apprenticeship opportunities; strengthening career navigation supports; and prioritizing skills-first and fair-chance hiring practices.  
3. Adapt postsecondary education to the needs of today’s learners and workers by encouraging the development of more affordable and accelerated alternatives to traditional higher education, including competency-based approaches and stackable credentials; enhancing program quality; and promoting the development of innovative financing models that make education more affordable and accountable to labor market demands. 
4. Realize the potential of untapped talent by encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting caregivers, enhancing re-employment and training assistance, and strengthening pathways to good jobs for people with records. 

As we move into the months ahead, we look forward to working with the Trump Administration to put these priorities into action.