Multiple Employment Training Programs

By GAO's count, at least 154 programs run by 14 federal agencies provide $25 billion in employment training assistance to persons out of work. Although well intended, these programs, when taken collectively, tend to confuse and frustrate their clients and administrators, hamper the delivery of services to those in need, and potentially duplicate efforts and run up unnecessary costs. In addition, some programs lack basic training and monitoring systems needed to ensure efficient and effective service. Past efforts to fix the system have fallen short. As a result, more programs evolve every year and the problems inherent in the system loom even larger. GAO testified that a major structural overhaul of consolidation and employment training programs is needed. The goal should be a customer-driven employment system guided by four principles: simplicity, tailored services, administrative efficiency, and accountability. The administration's draft proposal to consolidate programs serving dislocated workers seems to be step in the right direction; however, this consolidation needs to be part of a larger restructuring of employment training programs. GAO also has some questions about the proposal's implementation.