Foreign multinationals get help to build a pipeline of skilled workers

Without information and connections on how to access and leverage the diverse American workforce, foreign multinational companies often have trouble finding qualified workers as they establish new – or expand existing – operations in the United States. Now, these companies have help from the SelectTalent USA initiative, a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Labor, and Education. The new partnership seeks to help foreign investors build local and state partnerships, adapt their traditional talent-development approaches to the U.S., and harness America’s unique comparative advantage—its diverse and skilled workforce.

SelectTalentUSA supports the three departments' efforts to promote foreign direct investment (FDI) that creates good-paying jobs in America. The U.S. government is encouraging these investments because they can “create an equitable economy for workers and families and revitalize communities that have been overlooked or left behind.” 

The Departments of Commerce, Labor, and Education will pilot the program with the German, Swiss, and Austrian markets this year. The three departments have a Joint Declaration of Intent with the federal government of Germany and Memoranda of Understanding with Switzerland and Austria—each meant to increase cooperation and exchange of information on the countries' well-established apprenticeship systems.

The Departments of Commerce, Labor, and Education and over 20 other departments comprise the SelectUSA-led Interagency Investment Working Group (IIWG) to increase coordination and provide guidance and information related to specific and broad-reaching issues affecting business investment decisions. SelectTalentUSA will leverage the IIWG to connect foreign investors to the resources and experts to establish quality training and education programs.