U.S. job-training review emphasizes data, e..

Workforce • Obama signs bill to give states, cities more flexibility to manage programs.

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Washington • As the U.S. economy adds new jobs, Americans must have the skills to fill those jobs, President Barack Obama said Tuesday.

Obama spoke at a signing ceremony for bipartisan job-training legislation aimed at improving business engagement and accountability in federally funded programs. Obama said it will give states and cities more flexibility in managing their job-training programs.

The White House used the occasion to release a six-month review of federal job-training programs. The review concludes that the government needs to better engage U.S. employers, improve the use of data, and boost apprenticeship programs so workers can earn while they train.

The report also said the government is working to tailor training and grants to better match jobs that are in demand. And it stressed the need for regional partnerships and for programs that provide stepping stones for a seamless transition from one level of education to the next.

The report was overseen by Vice President Joe Biden.

U.S. job-training review emphasizes data, employers