The Trump administration has moved career and technical education programs from the U.S. Education Department to the Labor Department. The change shifts day-to-day control of more than $1 billion in funding for high school and community college programs. Officials say the goal is to better connect students to jobs. Critics warn it could narrow opportunities and reduce oversight.Career and technical education, or CTE, gives students skills they can use in the workforce and exposes them to different careers. Programs include health care, manufacturing, information technology, and other sectors. CTE programs also allow students to earn college credit while still in high school, providing a head start on associate or bachelor’s degrees, according to Chalkbeat.
What the change means
The Labor Department will now manage the daily operations of CTE programs. This includes distributing Perkins funding, overseeing compliance, and providing technical guidance to states and schools. The Education Department retains formal oversight but will no longer handle day-to-day management.The administration has said the shift is intended to reduce administrative burdens on states and increase participation in the workforce, particularly among young adults not in school or employment. A federal interagency agreement allows the Labor Department to lead operations while keeping the Education Department involved in oversight.Experts note that the change could cause short-term disruption but may improve alignment between education programs and workforce needs.
Concerns about staff and oversight
Critics argue that federal staffing is insufficient to manage the transition effectively. Federal CTE offices previously provided guidance to states and schools on compliance, program design, and support for students with disabilities. With fewer staff at the Education Department and much of the work shifted to the Labor Department, schools may face challenges in accessing guidance or implementing new initiatives.There is concern that states may have difficulty understanding how to apply rules, manage programs, and develop new courses without sufficient federal support.
Focus on short-term jobs
Some advocates fear that the Labor Department will focus programs on short-term job credentials rather than long-term career pathways. Federal law requires CTE programs to prepare students for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand jobs. An emphasis on short-term credentials could steer students toward roles such as nursing assistants or home health aides that provide immediate employment but limited long-term career growth.CTE programs, including health care and phlebotomy classes, allow students to earn industry certifications and college credit while still in high school, giving them a head start on higher education, according to Chalkbeat. Experts emphasize that these programs should be stepping stones to further education and not viewed as final career destinations.
Lessons from Alabama
Alabama has aligned its education and workforce programs in recent years. According to a 2019 Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas report, the state had the highest share of young people not in school or employed. Alabama developed a system to identify valuable credentials and career pathways and established a state apprenticeship agency.The federal move to the Labor Department may provide more funding for training programs and help states streamline workforce development. CTE programs in Alabama allow students to earn college credit while still in high school, giving them a head start on associate or bachelor’s degrees while gaining job-ready skills, according to Chalkbeat.
Legal and political debate
Some Democrats in Congress argue that the transfer of funds and responsibilities is illegal and should have been approved by Congress. Other experts say that the Education and Labor Departments already collaborate on CTE programs, and the move is not necessary.The Education Department did not respond to questions about staffing or oversight. Multiple spokespeople were out of office due to a government shutdown.
Impact on students
CTE programs help students gain technical skills, earn college credit, and prepare for further education or employment. Critics warn that focusing too heavily on immediate employment outcomes could limit long-term opportunities for students. Access to programs varies across regions, with some students lacking exposure to high-quality courses. Coordinated efforts among states, schools, and businesses are needed to ensure equitable access.Chalkbeat reports that well-designed CTE programs can provide both meaningful job skills and college credit, allowing students to move efficiently from high school to further education or the workforce.
