John Ladd Joins Jobs for the Future to Enhance U.S. Workforce Development Efforts

John Ladd Joins Jobs for the Future as Senior Advisor

In a significant move for workforce development, John Ladd has been appointed as a Senior Advisor at Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit dedicated to improving the workforce and education systems in the United States. Ladd brings with him over 30 years of invaluable experience, having served at the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA). His tenure culminated in his role as the Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship, where he was instrumental in promoting apprenticeship programs across the nation.

Maria Flynn, the President and CEO of JFF, expressed her excitement about Ladd's appointment, emphasizing the increasing momentum surrounding apprenticeships that provide alternative pathways to success without necessitating a four-year college degree. His deep understanding of scaling apprenticeship solutions in various industries is expected to fill significant gaps in the workforce, particularly in sectors facing severe skilled labor shortages.

Ladd’s primary responsibilities at JFF will include reinforcing connections between workforce and education initiatives on local, state, and national platforms. He will specifically focus on expanding apprenticeship opportunities and enhancing work-based learning experiences through initiatives executed by the JFF’s Center for Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning. Alongside this, he aims to support JFF's ambitious goal of ensuring that by 2033, 75 million people in the U.S. will access quality job opportunities.

Reflecting on his career, Ladd noted, "After years of advancing and shaping workforce policy at the federal level, I am eager to join JFF and continue the mission of cultivating a resilient and skilled workforce in communities around the country." His personal story resonates with the impact of apprenticeships; he shared how his father, an Irish immigrant, launched his career as a plumber through an apprenticeship before eventually owning his business.

Ladd’s recruitment comes at a critical juncture where there is heightened emphasis from both state and federal authorities on expanding innovative solutions like apprenticeships to foster quality career opportunities. U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer reiterated the administration's support for Registered Apprenticeships while underlining the necessity for modernization and growth of the existing systems in collaboration with Congress. Recent initiatives from the Department of Labor aimed at increasing funding for Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) are expected to broaden job creation and meet current economic demands.

During his time as ETA Administrator, Ladd oversaw the National Apprenticeship Act and managed a robust staff divided amongst six regional offices and various field locations. His extensive experience in workforce development was shaped in part by his earlier role as Deputy Administrator for the Office of National Response. Ladd's journey at the Department of Labor began in 1993 as a Presidential Management Fellow, marking the start of an impactful career in public service.

Vinz Koller, Vice President of JFF's Center for Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning, acknowledged Ladd's extensive leadership and collaboration across multiple administrations as a tremendous asset to JFF. His expertise will be pivotal as the organization seeks to upskill the workforce, enhance job quality, and encourage economic mobility within communities.

JFF's Center for Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning has established itself as a reliable partner for both public and private sector stakeholders, aimed at designing and implementing high-quality apprenticeship programs. Since its inception, the center has collaborated with over 3,000 employers to foster more than 12,000 apprenticeships throughout the nation. This strong commitment to workforce development positions JFF as a leader in creating pathways to meaningful employment.

As Ladd steps into his new role, the future of workforce development in the United States looks promising, especially with leaders like him advocating for innovative solutions focused on enhancing skills and employment opportunities across diverse industries.