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Federal Workforce Development: The Need for Investment in Skills and Training

During a recent panel discussion focused on the federal workforce’s readiness to face modern challenges, officials emphasized the critical need for Congress to allocate funding for workforce development programs within government agencies. This call to action is particularly urgent in the context of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Traci Di Martini, Chief Human Capital Officer at the IRS, highlighted the lag in technological advancement and training resources. She pointed out that when budget cuts occur, training is often one of the first areas to suffer. “Technology has not been kept up to date. Our resourcing has not been kept up to date, and neither has training,” Di Martini stated at SAP’s Federal Forum. “Training can no longer be seen as a luxury; it is essential.”

Jessica Palatka, the Chief Human Capital Officer for the Commerce Department, echoed this sentiment, stressing that while there have been significant improvements in the national workforce motivated by AI and other technologies, federal agencies require support to keep pace. “We see all these great enhancements in the U.S. workforce and economy, yet our own agencies struggle due to lack of funding,” she explained. “With new legislation such as the 2021 CHIPS and Science Act, it is imperative that we also secure resources to enhance our functionality and automation, particularly as mandated by executive orders.”

In line with these discussions, agencies have met the initial directives from President Joe Biden’s recent executive order concerning the use of AI in the government, which prominently features recruitment efforts. However, Di Martini stressed that proper training for current employees in AI technology is just as crucial. “People often come in with the misconception that federal IT and HR are lacking expertise, but they quickly realize the complexities involved in the work environment,” she noted. “Operational functions are often constrained due to limited resources, leaving teams to navigate challenges with insufficient support.”

Given the federal government’s increasing emphasis on skills-based hiring—prioritizing competencies over traditional educational credentials—employee training becomes even more pivotal. This shift notably impacts technology and cybersecurity roles and is expected to persist regardless of the outcomes of upcoming elections, as outlined in related reports.

Palatka further highlighted the value of alternative pathways to skill acquisition, such as trade schools, military service, and apprenticeship programs. “These routes can equip individuals with the skills agencies desperately need, fostering a diverse array of experiences and perspectives,” she stated, underscoring the importance of broadening the talent pipeline beyond just four-year degree programs.

The SAP Federal Forum was hosted by GovExec, the parent company of Government Executive.

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