PHOTOS: Senator Young and U.S. Secretary of Labor Discuss Workforce Development and Retirement Security in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) hosted U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta in Indiana for events focused on apprenticeships, workforce development, and retirement security.

Senator Young and Secretary Acosta participated in an apprenticeship and workforce development roundtable at Gaylor Electric in Noblesville. They discussed the importance of apprenticeships and innovative measures to address the skills gap as automation and technological advances continue to transform the workforce. Gaylor Electric’s apprenticeship program is one example of how work-based learning benefits both businesses and Americans entering the workforce in today’s economy.

They also participated in a panel discussion on retirement security at Indiana State University in Terre Haute. The panel, which was moderated by Indiana State University Board of Trustees Chair Edward Pease, focused on the importance of retirement security, the vital role employers play in helping their employees plan for retirement, and current federal legislative and regulatory efforts to expand access to workplace retirement plans. 

According to the Department of Labor, more than 40 million people do not have access to any workplace retirement plan. This represents nearly a third of private-sector workers. Senator Young has introduced the Retirement Security Flexibility Act and the Federal Retirement Commission Act to help strengthen private retirement programs and ensure Americans have the tools necessary to plan for retirement. 

“I’d like to thank Secretary Acosta for joining me in Indiana today to discuss issues that are vital to our economy. Ensuring Hoosiers have the skills needed to secure high-paying jobs and the resources needed to plan for their retirement are two issues that I am very focused on, and today’s events were very informative,” said Senator Young. “I look forward to continuing working with Secretary Acosta and the Trump Administration on policies that will help theHoosier economy continue to grow.”

“Thank you to Senator Young for inviting me to Indiana to meet with job creators and workers,”said Secretary Acosta. “President Trump is committed to helping the American people access good, safe, family-sustaining jobs. By expanding apprenticeships across all industries, more Americans can learn the skills they need for in-demand jobs. I also welcomed the opportunity to discuss the Administration’s approach to strengthening retirement security for American workers.”

Senator Young and Secretary Acosta also met with franchisees in Indianapolis to discuss policies that are important to small business owners, including workforce development. There are 17,000 franchised businesses in the State of Indiana, creating 189,000 jobs and contributing $8 billion to the state’s GDP.  

What they are saying:

“We are so appreciative to U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta and Indiana’s, now senior Senator, Todd Young, for coming to our office. Their enthusiasm for our country and their concern for doing more to provide a path to success, was inspiring. The business and craft professionals in attendance were in full agreement, workforce development is a high priority. Gaylor Electric was honored to host the roundtable event and we are committed to continuing to do all within our ability to provide training and employment opportunities across the country where we have Gaylor projects,” said Gaylor Electric President and CEO Chuck Goodrich.

“Financial security for American seniors is increasingly important as the population ages and federal budgets are stressed. Senator Young’s leadership in tackling this challenge in creative ways is one of the bright spots as we look for solutions,” said Indiana State University Board of Trustees Chair Edward Pease.

“Indiana State University is the state’s university and our commitment to educating the workforce is demonstrated every day. We were delighted to host our United States Senator, Todd Young, and his special guest, Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, on campus today as they discussed bipartisan efforts to enhance retirement savings,” said Indiana State University President Deborah Curtis. 

“IFA appreciates Secretary Acosta and Senator Young meeting with Indiana franchise business leaders to discuss workforce development and economic growth. Their dedication to creating an environment where small businesses can grow and thrive has directly benefited Indiana’s more than 17,000 franchise small businesses and their employees,” said Stephen Worley, Spokesman for the International Franchise Association.

Photos from today’s events are included below:

Chuck Goodrich, Secretary Acosta, and Senator Young inside the mobile innovation center at Gaylor Electric that provides on-the-go and on-the-spot training to students and electricians at their projects.

Senator Young touring Gaylor Electric.

Apprenticeship roundtable at Gaylor Electric.

Senator Young and Secretary Acosta touring Gaylor Electric.

Senator Young at Indiana State University.

Senator Young and Secretary Acosta at Indiana State University.

Senator Young and Secretary Acosta meet with franchisees in Indianapolis to discuss policies that are important to small business owners, including workforce development.