Apprenticeships and Labor (E.O. 14119)

Summary

Creates a plan for the federal government to use more job training programs, called apprenticeships, and to improve talks between managers and workers.

What problem does this solve?

The country needs more skilled workers for new building projects and government jobs, but it can be hard for some people to get these jobs. This order helps by creating more paid training programs within the government and for companies that work with the government.

What does this order do?

Establishes a new working group for apprenticeships

Creates the Registered Apprenticeship Interagency Working Group to lead and coordinate the government's efforts to expand these job training programs.

Re-establishes labor-management forums

Cancels a 2017 executive order and brings back forums where managers, employees, and union representatives can discuss and solve workplace issues together.

Promotes apprenticeships in federal contracts and grants

Requires government agencies to look for ways to encourage or require companies receiving federal money to hire people from apprenticeship programs.

Expands apprenticeships within government agencies

Directs federal agencies to create more apprenticeship programs to train both new and current employees for jobs the agency needs to fill.

Requires agencies to create plans for labor forums

Mandates that agencies with union employees must create and submit a plan for how they will set up and use their Labor-Management Forums.

Who does this affect?

Federal government employees and job applicants
Labor unions representing federal workers
Companies with federal contracts or grants

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens the federal workforce

Creates new ways for people to get federal jobs through paid training, helping the government hire for important roles and keep good employees.

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Supports major infrastructure projects

Ensures there are enough skilled workers for projects funded by the 'Investing in America' agenda by encouraging companies with federal contracts to use apprenticeship programs.

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Promotes collaboration with labor unions

Re-establishes forums for managers and employee unions to work together, giving workers a voice in workplace matters and aiming to improve how the government runs.

When does this start?

This order is effective as of March 6, 2024, and sets several deadlines for government agencies.

Working group initial report

Within 180 days of the order (by September 2, 2024), the new Working Group must give the President its first report with findings and recommendations.

Labor-management forum plans

Within 180 days of the order (by September 2, 2024), agencies must submit their plans for creating Labor-Management Forums to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Review of labor-management plans

The OPM must review each agency's plan within 60 days of receiving it and decide if it meets the requirements.