Workforce complex like a puzzle - pictured as word Workforce on a puzzle pieces to show that Workforce can be difficult and needs cooperating pieces that fit together, 3d illustration

On April 23, President Trump signed an executive order, “Preparing Americans for High-Paying, Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future,” which aims to improve and expand job training for skilled trades. The order directs the Departments of Labor, Education, and Commerce to streamline and consolidate federal workforce programs, focusing on expanding registered apprenticeships to over one million annually. Although largely understood to be paired with the administration’s goal to revive U.S. manufacturing, this initiative could hold potential for direct care workers, including nursing assistants and home health aides. By enhancing training opportunities and educational pathways beyond traditional four-year degrees, the order could play a positive role in addressing critical workforce shortages in the aging services sector. 

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Kylee Childs
Kylee Childs, MSW, is the Director of Government Affairs.Since joining the association in 2023, she continues to be a fierce and resourceful advocate for aging services in Kansas. Her professional focus has always been service to others through advocacy. Kylee has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a bachelor's degree in criminology with a minor in Conflict Analysis and Trauma studies from Kansas State University, and a certificate in Grant Proposal Writing from Fort Hays State University. With a professional background in law enforcement and child welfare, and a successful 2023 legislative practicum with the Children's Alliance of Kansas, she brings rich professional experience to her role as Director of Government Affairs, and a front-line perspective on the needs of health and human services providers in our state. When not working, she's spending time with her two daughters. You can reach Kylee directly at 785.670.8051.