Summary
U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has announced that most Department of Labor employees have until April 18 to opt into early retirement or deferred resignation programs, raising concerns about potential mass layoffs. This decision particularly affects the Women’s Bureau and its Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) program, both vital for supporting women in skilled trades.
In Oregon, the funding received from WANTO has been instrumental in bolstering the state's economy and addressing the skilled worker shortage in high-demand industries like construction and plumbing. Maintaining and expanding support for these programs is crucial for ensuring a diverse workforce and fostering career pathways for women in nontraditional occupations.
Why this matters for apprenticeships
This situation underscores the importance of sustaining programs like WANTO that promote registered apprenticeships for women in trades. By preserving these initiatives, we can help ensure a robust pipeline of skilled workers and enhance opportunities for underrepresented groups in the workforce.
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