February 16, 2023

The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) is seeking nominations for membership on the US-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Talent for Growth Task Force (Task Force). Per this notice, the Task Force will be comprised of leaders from businesses, labor unions, governments, and other organizations from the US and the EU that support training and will prepare recommendations for the TTC on how to expand talent development and training in the US and the EU. Commerce notes that the Task Force will specifically focus on: (1) creating opportunities across sectors to share best practices, including strategies for collaboration, taxonomies, and tools for worker training; (2) showcasing training opportunities between the US and EU; (3) identifying barriers to knowledge about in-demand technology jobs and barriers for women and young people from underrepresented communities to consider these jobs; (4) promoting a shared understanding on specific skills needs that could inspire training programs in American and European companies that meet the changing demands of the market to build a skilled workforce that fosters growth and uninterrupted supply chains; (5) identifying and promoting talent development programs for small and medium-sized enterprises; and (6) generating middle-income jobs to create a more resilient and equitable middle class. The specific strategy and work plan for the Task Force will be created by its members once they are appointed. 

The Task Force will consist of a maximum of 14 members as follows: (1) six private sector members from the US; (2) six private sector members from the EU; (3) U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo; and (4) European Commission Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager. Commerce is seeking nominations to fill the six US private sector positions on the Task Force for a one-year term, including: (1) two members representing the business sector that are the CEO or in an executive leadership position of a US company that is headquartered in the United States and is controlled by a majority of US persons; (2) two members representing labor unions that are the president or in an executive leadership position of a US labor organization; and (3) two members representing organizations that support training (i.e., a foundation, community college, university, or not-for-profit) that are the president or equivalent of a U.S. organization that is headquartered in the United States and is controlled by a majority of US persons. Members will be selected based upon their knowledge and experience with training for jobs in or impacted by technology that will help the Task Force share best practices, showcase training opportunities, and communicate the benefits of participating in careers in the technology sector.

Nominations are due by 5pm on February 27, 2023 and can be submitted by email to Jana Juginovic at jjuginovic@doc.gov. Nomination packages should include: (1) the name, title, and relevant contact information (including phone, fax, and e-mail address) of the individual requesting consideration; (2) an affirmative statement that the applicant is not required to register as a foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938; (3) a short biography of the nominee, including credentials; and (4) an affirmative statement that the applicant meets all Task Force eligibility requirements for representative members, including that the applicant represents a US company or US organization.

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