The U.S. workforce is our country’s greatest asset. That’s why the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™ has signed the Pledge to America’s Workers – a commitment to expand programs that educate, train and reskill U.S. workers and a call upon employers to join this initiative to create more jobs.

U.S. companies face a major skills shortage, especially when it comes to filling technical roles. At the same time, technological advances including AI and 5G are transforming how business is done. If we want to grow the U.S. workforce, we must find ways to prepare more workers for these roles.

This is a problem that requires participation from companies across the country. According to a CTA survey of tech executives, 92% say they'll need more employees with technical skills in the next five years – and three-quarters say it’s difficult to find candidates with the right skills and abilities today.

At CTA, we work across the aisle to secure the promise of technology and innovation – whether it’ supporting certain policies or highlighting the shortcomings of others we believe are misguided.

Personally, I have publicly supported and criticized both the Trump and the Obama Administrations on a variety of initiatives over the years. And I strongly believe that Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump, Deputy Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios, the FCC and other figures and agencies in this administration are rightly focused on elevating the technology industry in this country.

Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA, signs the Pledge to America's Workers with Adviser to the President, Ivanka Trump

And so, I stand behind this administration's work to promote worker retraining and educational programs. This decision has nothing to do with politics – it’s about maintaining our nation’s status as a leader in technology and innovation. We must provide people with opportunities to develop skills that will help them succeed, in their current roles and throughout their careers.

I applaud the more than 50 CTA member companies that have signed the Pledge so far and will offer more than two million new worker training opportunities. These companies and those who work for them have diverse political views but have come together in support of this important cause. I encourage other CTA members to join us in preparing our nation’s 21st century workforce.