CEOs Tell Congress: America Needs New Approaches to Employee Learning

Government Help? Pointing to “unprecedented competitive challenges” wrought by the modern global economy, a Washington-based business group wants Congress to take a more active role in preparing U.S. citizens for work. The Business Roundtable, an association of CEOs of large U.S. companies, proposes a two-step approach “to help American workers who feel unprepared” for rapid changes taking place in the job market. The centerpiece is America 21, defined as “a 21st-century approach to lifelong learning for workers, as well as assistance for job dislocation.” As envisioned, America 21 “would channel funding from the myriad of existing initiatives into a modernized, streamlined system” that uses a best-practices approach culled from training techniques used at private companies and public-sector organizations. The idea is to enable American workers to access ongoing education and skills training and also provide assistance with health coverage in case workers lose their jobs.

To advance the America 21 concept, the 160-member Business Roundtable is urging Congress to establish a bipartisan National Commission on Workforce Competitiveness that would recommend “design and funding mechanisms” aimed at more effective use of an estimated $5 billion in federal money targeted at displaced workers. In a report titled “Prospering Together: America’s Citizens, Communities and Companies,” the Business Roundtable cites other critical factors Congress should address to ensure that U.S. firms remain competitive globally, including improving the flow of intellectual capital, health care reform, environmental stewardship and strengthening