To Break the Cycle of Low-Wage Work, Redesign the Workforce System

This commentary argues that persistent low-wage employment is driven not only by labor market conditions but also by structural weaknesses in workforce development systems. Fuller and McKittrick contend that existing training, education, and employment support programs often fail to provide clear pathways to economic mobility. The article calls for a redesign of workforce systems to better align training opportunities with employer needs, improve career advancement prospects, and create more effective transitions into higher-quality jobs. The authors emphasize the importance of coordinated public policy, employer engagement, and workforce innovation in addressing long-term labor market inequality.