Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio) has announced his support for the Employer-Directed Skills Act, a bill designed to improve access to skills training for American workers. The legislation is led by Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and aims to connect workers with training programs that meet the needs of today’s job market under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
The bill would enable businesses to identify prospective employees for participation in employer-selected training programs. It also proposes partial reimbursements for employers covering the costs of these skills development initiatives. Additionally, it would establish performance indicators to ensure high-quality instruction and encourage local workforce boards to collaborate with businesses offering such training.
“As Ohio continues to attract new employers and investment, we must make sure our workers are ready to step into these opportunities. Businesses need skilled workers, and this bill would help connect Americans with the training they need to land good-paying jobs. The Employer-Directed Skills Act would help Ohioans build the skills that lead to better jobs and higher wages. It’s a win for our workers and our businesses—strengthening our workforce and competitiveness without spending any additional taxpayer dollars,” said Husted.
Senator Budd commented, “The stability of America’s workforce depends upon investing in a modern approach to employee development, but outdated rules and red tape in the workforce system discourage businesses from accessing federal resources to close the skills gap to fill in-demand jobs. As companies continue to innovate, we cannot afford to delay providing our workforce with the necessary training to compete in today’s rapidly changing economy. The Employer-Directed Skills Act would unlock access for American businesses to take advantage of valuable skills development programs to recruit and retain qualified personnel to strengthen our workforce.”
Senator Cassidy added, “Washington bureaucrats need to stop blocking good job opportunities. This bill cuts red tape and empowers workers with skills to succeed in a 21st century economy.”
Currently under WIOA, many unemployed Americans do not have adequate access to needed training programs, which affects both job seekers and employers looking for skilled staff.
Husted’s support for this bill aligns with his previous efforts as lieutenant governor of Ohio, where he expanded career technical education programs and initiated projects like TechCred and the Individual Microcredential Assistance Program. These initiatives aimed at providing more students with career-ready skills before graduation. Recently, Husted also contributed toward passing Workforce Pell Grants into law this summer, making short-term high-quality training programs eligible for federal financial aid.
The full text of the Employer-Directed Skills Act can be accessed online.
