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Apprenticeships offer a path to success for young workers of all abilities The earliest stages of a young American’s career can often be the most formative. Our first experiences with paid work and job training help us build skills, courage, and the know-how to navigate the working world.  I, too, began my career with early, […]

Making America Skilled Again through Registered Apprenticeship On April 26 week, we proudly kick off a record-setting National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), a nationwide celebration of the Registered Apprenticeship programs, partnerships, organizations and people who are strengthening our workforce. Under President Trump’s leadership, this Administration is committed to putting American workers first and equipping them with […]

Celebrating 5 years of support for transitioning service members As the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service marks the five-year milestone of the Employment Navigator and Partnership Program (ENPP), the initiative continues to support the Trump Administration’s goal of empowering transitioning service members and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce.  Launched […]

One year of delivering for the American worker Today marks one year since I was confirmed as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Labor. When I took my oath of office, I committed not only to upholding my Constitutional duties but to delivering for the American worker. That mission has guided my work every day […]

Impactful film “City of Dreams” ignites a productive discussion Hundreds of thousands of people work in exploitative conditions in the United States. Most never see them or have any idea how many people toil without pay, how many children are employed illegally, how many workers are denied the rights to which they are entitled to […]

5 questions when choosing a retirement plan for your small, faith-based organization New guidance from the Employee Benefits Security Administration and Center for Faith offers tailored information to help faith-based employers select retirement plans that meet the needs of their organizations.  Small, faith-based organizations play an important role not only in their communities, but also […]

Building career pathways and economic opportunities for veterans As a retired Staff Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps, combat veteran, Navy Cross recipient, and a committed advocate for America’s veterans, I am honored to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Labor Department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS). VETS’s mission is to prepare America’s veterans, […]

6 employer best practices for FMLA compliance This February marks the 33rd anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), a law that protects Americans from losing their jobs when they take leave from work to welcome a new child, for their own or a family member’s health reasons, or related to a family […]

Help for employers on pay and leave laws Late this July, the Department of Labor relaunched the Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program. In a recent blog, Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling explained how self-audits, “enable you to identify and fix potential violations, reduce the likelihood of litigation, and demonstrate a good-faith commitment to following the […]

Unleashing the value and talent of all Americans Julie Hocker With deep gratitude and great anticipation, I am embarking on my new role as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy. I am honored to lead the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and a team that has already earned a reputation for […]