Employment and Training Administration

Employment and Training Administration (ETA), agency of the U.S. Department of Labor, directed by the assistant secretary of labor for employment and training, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. The five major components of ETA cover employment security services, job training services, planning and policy development, financial and administrative management, and regional management.

ETA extends financial assistance to employment programs administered by state and local agencies. The assistant secretary is responsible for promoting equal opportunity and affirmative action in all ETA-funded programs and for ensuring that no financial abuses occur. ETA also monitors state unemployment insurance programs for compliance with federal laws.

The comprehensive employment development programs financed by ETA are aimed at disadvantaged, unemployed, and underemployed persons. The agency also administers certain national programs, including training for native Americans and for migrant farm workers. A key division is the U.S. Employment Service, which maintains offices throughout the country to provide information and placement services to job seekers. Special assistance and counseling are available to veterans, migrant workers, youths, older persons, women, and the handicapped.