Trump signs order to boost 'forgotten' American workforce

July 19 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order establishing a council to support "forgotten" Americans through workforce development.

The order created the National Council for the American Worker -- which also is intended to expand the number of apprenticeships in the country -- and the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board. The council will include government officials, and industry leaders and experts.

"Every day we are lifting our forgotten Americans off the sidelines, out of the margins, and back into the workforce," Trump said during the event in the East Room of the White House.

In addition to signing the order, the president invited representatives from more than 20 companies and organizations to sign a pledge to commit to training an education for American workers.

White House adviser Ivanka Trump was on hand for the event.

"This will spur much-needed action to provide current and future American workers with the training and job opportunities they will need to succeed in our thriving economy and ensure they are able to achieve success not only today, but throughout their careers," she said.