Labor secretary calls for end to unnecessary career barriers

U.S. Department of Labor Secretary R. Alex Acosta referenced two statistics to illustrate his point that excessive regulatory barriers exist for employment across the United States. One is that there are now some 6 million job openings in the nation, a record high. The other is that “not long ago, fewer than one in 20 Americans required a license to work. Today, one in four Americans require a license to work. Think about that.”

Speaking before thousands of veterans at the 99th National Convention of The American Legion in Reno, Nev., Tuesday, Acosta said more than 1,100 career fields require a license in one state or others. “Most licenses simply limit competition, bar entry and create a privileged class,” he said. “Veterans and their families are some of the hardest-hit by these licensing requirements.”

He said inconsistent state requirements across the country continue to stand in the way of productive employment for well-trained veterans. “Servicemembers learn important skills in the military. Veterans have a proven ability to lead under pressure and deliver results. These are valuable skills. Yet, when service men and women transition to civilian life, states often fail to recognize the credentials and skills gained while in service to our nation.”

Active-duty spouses are also adversely affected by the inconsistency, he said, frequently moving from state to state due to military assignments and finding that one state’s license won’t be accepted at a different location. “A teacher in one state should not be prohibited from teaching in another simply because they moved in support of our nation,” Acosta said.

He explained that the Trump administration is working with governors to improve the situation but called for a re-examination of licenses and credentials in general. “If licenses are unnecessary, eliminate them. If licenses are needed, streamline them. And if they are honored in one state, honor them in all states. And finally, credit the skills and credentials earned by the men and women in service to their nation.”

The secretary said veterans are especially attractive candidates for apprenticeship programs in a variety of industries, from Wall Street to the construction site. He said the Department of Labor and the Department of Defense are working closely to help military personnel develop skills and earn credentials that can transfer into well-paying jobs.

He also explained that 60 percent of students do not finish degrees within six years of enrolling in college. They mount debt or exhaust GI Bill benefits and come away without a degree that leads to a rewarding career.

“Americans are hard-working,” Acosta said. “Americans are dedicated. Americans, however, need an education system that focuses on the skills required by the modern workplace. Demand-driven education empowers students with the skills demanded by the modern workplace. Apprenticeships are an important part of demand-driven education.”

He said President Trump’s executive order to expand apprenticeships will help students “earn while they learn” and “avoid the burden of student debt.” Those who use apprenticeships have better job prospects and higher starting salaries in general than those who do not, Acosta said, adding that employers with apprenticeship programs know what they’re usually going to get with military-trained candidates. “They see veterans as an untapped pool of incredible talent.”