John Ladd joins Jobs for the Future as senior advisor after three decades at DOL

Jobs for the Future (JFF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the U.S. workforce and education systems, has announced that John Ladd will join as Senior Advisor. Ladd brings over 30 years of experience from his tenure at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA), where he most recently served as Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship since 2008.

Maria Flynn, president and CEO of JFF, expressed her enthusiasm about Ladd's appointment: “John Ladd and I have been colleagues in the workforce development field for more than 30 years. We’re thrilled to welcome him to JFF, especially at a time of growing momentum around high-quality alternative pathways to good jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, like apprenticeships.”

Ladd will focus on strengthening the alignment between workforce and education systems at various levels with an emphasis on expanding pathways to apprenticeship and work-based learning through JFF’s Center for Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning. He commented on his new role by saying, “After years of advancing and shaping workforce policy at the federal level, I’m excited to join JFF and continue the important work in communities across the country to foster a more resilient and skilled workforce.”

The announcement comes amidst increasing attention from state and federal entities on expanding solutions such as apprenticeships. U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer emphasized this commitment by confirming efforts to modernize and grow Registered Apprenticeships in partnership with Congress.

During his time as ETA Administrator, Ladd oversaw activities related to the National Apprenticeship Act and managed OA staff across multiple offices nationwide. His extensive experience includes roles such as Deputy Administrator for the Office of National Response and Director of Regional Management in the Office of Field Operations.

Vinz Koller, vice president of JFF’s Center for Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning, highlighted Ladd's potential contributions: “John’s leadership at ETA over the years, and through multiple administrations will undoubtedly be an asset as JFF continues to serve as a bridge between nationwide systems and important progress happening in businesses and communities across the country.”

JFF’s Center for Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning collaborates with stakeholders across sectors to develop high-quality apprenticeship programs aimed at creating a skilled workforce. The center has partnered with over 3,000 employers, resulting in more than 12,000 apprenticeships nationwide.