New Workforce Development Portal Announced
The Ministry of Education (ED) revealed on Monday plans to introduce a new portal aimed at enhancing federal workforce development programs, with oversight shifting to the Ministry of Labor (DOL).
In this transition, the ED will allocate funds and staff to the Department of Labor to help establish a state planning portal. This initiative seeks to position the DOL as a central hub for federal workforce initiatives as the Trump administration gradually restructures the education sector.
“The Trump administration is committed to making sure every American is ready for a fulfilling career,” said Education Secretary Linda McMahon in the announcement. “The Department of Labor is in a great position to collaborate on, implement, and streamline these essential career and adult education programs.”
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez Deremar emphasized the importance of this initiative, asserting that “the Department of Labor plays a crucial role here. We’re eager to work closely with Secretary McMahon and state partners to better connect workers with training and good-paying jobs.”
In March, President Trump signed an executive order promoting the closure of the Department of Education, aiming to transition its responsibilities to local communities as fully as the law allows.
Following this move, the department quickly began reallocating duties, transferring student loan oversight to the Small Business Administration and nutrition programs to the Department of Health and Human Services.
A federal court ruling in June overturned certain related decisions, yet the ED had already reduced its staff by nearly half in March as part of these changes.
The partnership between the ED and DOL announced in July focused on workforce development with the intention of creating a cohesive federal education and workforce system.
“This Workforce Development Partnership is a significant step in shifting the management of select ED programs to partner institutions,” the ED stated at the time. This action was part of Trump’s response to an earlier presidential order aimed at consolidating fractured federal workforce development programs.
Ultimately, this initiative aims to streamline access for Americans to skilled labor opportunities, enhancing the effectiveness of the program. “The Workforce Development Partnership will facilitate more efficient program management at the state level,” McMahon noted, expressing pride in the collaboration with Secretary Chavez Deremar to continue implementing meaningful reforms for students and families.
