On July 15, 2025, the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education jointly announced a structural realignment that changes how certain federally funded education and workforce programs are administered. Under the new arrangement, the Department of Labor (DOL) will take over management of two major programs previously administered by the Department of Education:
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WIOA Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
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The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act
This change represents a significant shift in how federal agencies oversee workforce-related education and training programs.
The official announcement can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor’s website:
🔗 US Departments of Labor, Education implement workforce development partnership
Overview of the Programs Affected
WIOA Title II funds programs that provide:
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Adult basic education
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English language acquisition
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Literacy programs integrated with workforce preparation
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Support for individuals lacking a high school diploma or equivalent
The Carl D. Perkins Act supports:
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Career and technical education at the secondary and postsecondary level
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Development of occupational skills aligned with labor market needs
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Instruction that leads to industry-recognized credentials
By transferring responsibility for these programs to the Department of Labor, the federal government aims to align workforce development and career education more closely with labor market strategies and employer needs.
Key Considerations for Workforce Professionals
The change may influence several aspects of how programs are delivered and coordinated at the state and local levels:
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Governance and Planning: States may need to revise planning documents and adjust roles among agencies and partners to reflect the new federal oversight structure.
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Service Integration: The realignment may result in more integrated service delivery models that combine education, training, and employment support under common frameworks.
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Reporting and Performance Management: Unified oversight could lead to adjustments in data reporting requirements, performance indicators, and federal monitoring procedures.
While implementation details have not yet been fully released, workforce professionals should prepare for potential changes in guidance, funding structures, and interagency collaboration.
What to Watch Moving Forward
The transition of these programs to the Department of Labor is expected to unfold over the coming months. Key developments may include:
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New federal guidance on implementation
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Adjustments to state and local administrative responsibilities
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Clarification on the coordination of services between workforce boards, educational institutions, and training providers
Professionals across the workforce development system—particularly those working in adult education, career and technical training, and job placement—may need to adapt procedures and strengthen partnerships as new directives are issued.
This federal realignment reflects ongoing efforts to create a more cohesive workforce development system. As with any significant administrative change, successful implementation will depend on clear communication, collaborative planning, and responsiveness at every level of the system.