We are already seeing the impact that changing talent requirements are having as they contribute to the skills gap that U.S. employers are experiencing. While employers maintain they cannot find skilled workers for millions of unfilled jobs, there are 6 million Americans who are unemployed and 4.8 million employees who work part time even though they would like full-time work. And over 65 million U.S. workers are in jobs with a median wage of $15 an hour or less—not enough to support a family of four in most parts of the country.
We have an untapped workforce that can play a significant role in filling these vacant and future jobs, if provided with the right education, skills, and supports. It is essential that we stand ready to provide these individuals, as well as current workers, with the skilling and transition assistance that will be needed to fill these new roles and careers.
To do this, JFF urges policymakers to consider the following policy ideas during this congressional session that we believe are critical to addressing the needs of the U.S. workforce as we prepare for the future of work.