Washington – Business Roundtable, representing CEOs of leading U.S. companies from every sector of the economy, today urged reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and called for an increased focus on education and training that lead to credentials valued by employers.

“A workforce grounded in the skills employers need is central to national and individual prosperity, as well as American competitiveness,” said Eric Spiegel, President & CEO, Siemens Corporation, and Vice Chair, Business Roundtable Education and Workforce Committee. “The Workforce Investment Act is critical to preparing all American workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and we urge lawmakers to reauthorize this legislation without delay.”

Although 12 million U.S. workers are unemployed, businesses report close to four million open jobs, jobs that cannot be filled by previously displaced workers because of gaps in skills and training. An August 2012 survey of Business Roundtable member companies showed the skills gap to be significant and persistent among respondents and within their industries.

Reauthorizing WIA to align workforce training programs with employer needs is key to helping address the skills gap, as is revamping the Carl D. Perkins Act to ensure equitable access to high-quality career and technical programs that are guided by rigorous standards, aligned with employer needs and help prepare students for success in postsecondary education and careers. 

“The skills gap is real, and it’s holding back American workers and preventing America from prospering,” Spiegel said. “Business Roundtable CEOs are dedicated to doing their part to help train workers, and we look forward to working with Congress and the Administration this year on reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act and other meaningful, bipartisan education and workforce solutions.”