The current trend in U.S. employment showcases a significant rise in private sector job creation, a focal point highlighted by acting U.S. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling during his recent visit to Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke. With the unemployment rate maintaining relative stability since President Donald Trump’s return to office, the emphasis is on the job growth fostered in the private sector.
During his visit, Sonderling described the growth as “tremendous,” attributing it to President Trump’s efforts to streamline federal operations and bolster the private sector. Sonderling remarked, “The key metric we look at is all the net job gains are in the private sector.”
Insights from Federal Data
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the economy has generated 903,000 new private sector jobs since January 2025, when Trump took office. Despite a slight increase in the unemployment rate, from 4% to 4.3% as of May, the figures also reveal a decrease in the number of Americans employed—from 163.8 million in January 2025 to 162.8 million in May. This decline was counterbalanced by a reduction in the civilian labor force, which stood at 170.1 million in May, unchanged from before.
The civilian labor force is composed of individuals who are either employed or actively seeking employment. A notable decrease was observed in federal employment, with 347,000 fewer workers in May compared to when Trump assumed office, reflecting a drop from 3,024,000 to 2,677,000 federal employees.
Future Job Growth Projections
Sonderling linked the surge in manufacturing and construction jobs to the administration’s policies, predicting further increases in employment as educational programs encourage more individuals to enter the workforce. He highlighted a significant skills gap, noting, “There’s such a deficit of jobs that are needed right now, almost 700,000 that require high skill and are in the trades.” The mismatch between the skills of college graduates and job requirements was also emphasized.
Expanded Educational Support
Announcing a strengthened federal Pell grant program effective July 1, Sonderling underscored its potential to facilitate quicker workforce entry. The grants will support students in short-term, high-quality educational programs aimed at preparing them for high-demand, high-wage jobs, as per the U.S. Department of Education’s May 18 release. This initiative is designed to help Americans join the workforce with minimal student debt while enhancing the national talent pool.
Sonderling noted that many job certification programs, including those in cybersecurity, do not necessitate prolonged study periods. He stated, “We think it’s going to be a new creative way for students to be able to use financial aids to certificate programs … to get them in the workforce quickly and … close the gap on some of those jobs that we know are available.”
At LCCC, building trade instructors showcased training programs in fields such as electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC to Sonderling. In a conversation with HVAC instructor John Weaver, Sonderling inquired about motivating students to pursue trades over other careers. Weaver emphasized the consistent job availability and financial stability these fields offer, noting, “You can go anywhere in this country and find a job in any of these fields, and AI (artificial intelligence) is not taking that away.”
