[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[April 28, 1992]
[Pages 657-658]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 657]]

Message to the Congress Transmitting Proposed Legislation on Job 
Training 2000

April 28, 1992
To the Congress of the United States:
    I am pleased to transmit today for your immediate consideration and 
enactment the ``Job Training 2000 Act.'' This legislation would reform 
the Federal vocational training system to meet the Nation's work force 
needs into the 21st century by establishing: (1) a network of local 
skill centers to serve as a common point of entry to vocational 
training; (2) a certification system to ensure that only high quality 
vocational training programs receive Federal funds; and (3) a voucher 
system for vocational training to enhance participant choice.
    Currently, a myriad of programs administered by a number of Federal 
agencies offer vocational education and job training at a cost of 
billions of dollars each year. This investment in the federally 
supported education and training system should provide opportunities to 
acquire the vital skills to succeed in a changing economy. 
Unfortunately, the current reality is that services are disjointed, and 
administration is inefficient. Few individuals--especially young, low-
income, unskilled people--are able to obtain crucial information on the 
quality of training programs and the job opportunities and skill 
requirements in the fields for which training is available.
    The Job Training 2000 Act transforms this maze of programs into a 
vocational training system responsive to the needs of individuals, 
business, and the national economy.
    Four key principles underlie the Job Training 2000 Act. First, the 
proposal is designed to simplify and coordinate services for individuals 
seeking vocational training or information relating to such training. 
Second, it would decentralize decision-making and create a flexible 
service delivery structure for public programs that reflects local labor 
market conditions. Third, it would ensure high standards of quality and 
accountability for federally funded vocational training programs. 
Fourth, it would encourage greater and more effective private sector 
involvement in the vocational training programs.
    The Job Training 2000 initiative would be coordinated through the 
Private Industry Councils (PICs) formed under the Job Training 
Partnership Act (JTPA). PICs are the public/private governing boards 
that oversee local job training programs in nearly 650 JTPA service 
delivery areas. A majority of PIC members are private sector 
representatives. Other members are from educational agencies, labor, 
community-based organizations, the public Employment Service, and 
economic development agencies.
    Under the Job Training 2000 Act, the benefits of business community 
input, now available only to JTPA, would enhance other Federal 
vocational training programs. PICs would form the ``management core'' of 
the Job Training 2000 system and would oversee skill centers, certify 
(in conjunction with State agencies) federally funded vocational 
training programs, and manage the vocational training voucher system. 
Under this system, PICs would be accountable to Governors for their 
activities, who in turn would report on performance to a Federal 
Vocational Training Council.
    The skill centers would be established under this Act as a one-stop 
entry point to provide workers and employers with easy access to 
information about vocational training, labor markets, and other services 
available throughout the community. The skill centers would be 
designated by the local PICs after consultations within the local 
community. These centers would replace the dozens of entry points now in 
each community. Centers would present a coherent menu of options and 
services to individuals seeking assistance: assessment of skill levels 
and service needs, information on occupations and earnings, career 
counseling and planning, employability development, information on 
federally funded vocational training programs, and referrals to agencies 
and programs providing a wide range of services.

[[Page 658]]

    The skill centers would enter into written agreements regarding 
their operation with participating Federal vocational training programs. 
The programs would agree to provide certain core services only through 
the skill centers and would transfer sufficient resources to the skill 
centers to provide such services. These provisions would ensure improved 
client access, minimize duplication, and enhance the effectiveness of 
vocational training programs.
    The Job Training 2000 Act also would establish a certification 
system for Federal vocational training that is based on performance. To 
be eligible to receive Federal vocational training funds, a program 
would have to provide effective training as measured by outcomes, 
including job placement, retention, and earnings. The PIC, in 
conjunction with the designated State agency, would certify programs 
that meet these standards. This system would increase the availability 
of information to clients regarding the performance of vocational 
training programs and ensure that Federal funds are only used for 
quality programs.
    For the most part, vocational training provided under JTPA, the Carl 
D. Perkins Vocational Education Act (postsecondary only), and the Food 
Stamp Employment and Training program would be provided through a 
voucher system. The voucher system would be operated under a local 
agreement between the PIC and covered programs. The system would provide 
participants with the opportunity to choose from among certified service 
providers. The vouchers would also contain financial incentives for 
successful training outcomes. By promoting choice and competition among 
service providers, the establishment of this system would enhance the 
quality of vocational training.
    This legislation provides an important opportunity to improve 
services to youths and adults needing to raise their skills for the 
labor market by focusing on the ``consumer's'' needs rather than 
preserving outmoded and disjointed traditional approaches. Enactment of 
this legislation would make significant contributions to the country's 
competitiveness by enhancing the opportunities available to our current 
and future workers and increasing the skills and productivity of our 
work force.
    I urge the Congress to give this legislation prompt and favorable 
consideration.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
April 28, 1992.