George H.W. Bush: “Training 2000 April 28, 1992 To the Congress of the United States: I am pleased to transmit today for your immediate…”

“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.…”