Skills-first school reform: Illinois’ Pritzker-backed bill would let high schoolers swap foreign-language requirements for more career and technical education, aiming to build job-ready skills like welding, auto repair, and web development. Workforce training investment: UK’s Accrington and Rossendale College is getting £3.3m to expand construction training facilities, including new multi-skills zones and workshops. Apprenticeships and early pathways: Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s education shake-up pushes earlier technical education, skills training, work experience, and employer connections starting at age 14. Care worker licensing bottlenecks: Washington’s home care aide certification process is stuck, with a state audit saying most applicants don’t finish; the rules include higher training, testing, and FBI background checks. AI and hiring signals: A new analysis finds AI skills are rising across departments—especially finance—while employers also keep tightening work-permit eligibility for certain foreign hires. HR risk and fairness: Singapore’s Workplace Fairness Act is set to take effect end-2027, giving employers a lead time to update policies, training, and documentation. Job search reality check: Laid-off workers increasingly turn to TikTok/YouTube for income while waiting for hiring to pick up. Workplace inclusion spotlight: Harford County is accepting nominations for 2026 Employment Recognition Awards celebrating employees with disabilities and inclusive employers.