Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
Washington Workforce Development News
December 7, 2022
HEALTH WORKFORCE COUNCIL MEETS THURSDAY
The Health Workforce Council, staffed by the Workforce Board, is meeting (virtually) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8. Council members will listen to legislator priorities and hot topics for the upcoming legislative session, review the council’s biennial recommendations, and discuss financial support to facilities and clinicians providing pre-graduate training, among other topics. More meeting details: https://bit.ly/3Bf7uro
CAREER BRIDGE FALL WORKSHOP IDENTIFIES KEY THEMES
A new report is available from the Career Bridge Design Thinking Workshop co-sponsored by RIPL (Research Improving People’s Lives). It highlights five key areas for the Workforce Board to consider as the agency modernizes www.CareerBridge.wa.gov. Among these themes was the concept of meeting users where they are, by considering context, access points, and potential barriers to reach a wider range of users. RIPL helped lead a hybrid workshop in September at the Lacey Community Center to discuss Career Bridge and how to make improvements to the state’s public-facing career and education platform that will boost access and provide a more satisfying user experience. More about the workshop, modernization efforts, and the report at: https://bit.ly/3F838Dx
STATE BROADBAND OFFICE OFFERS GRANTS TO BUILD “LAST MILE” INFRASTRUCTURE
The Washington State Broadband Office is accepting applications now through January 17, 2023 for grants of up to $12 million each for broadband infrastructure construction projects. With $120 million available, the grants target "unserved" areas - defined as areas lacking access to reliable wireline connection service at speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps. Washington's goal is to provide high-speed internet access for all of its residents and businesses by 2028. Eligible broadband infrastructure grant applicants include local governments (including public ports and public utility districts), federally recognized tribes, nonprofit and nonprofit cooperative organizations, and public-private entities led by a public partner. More: https://bit.ly/3Hk1Ms3
WORKFORCE BOARD LAUNCHES WORKFORCE BLOG
The Workforce Board has launched a new blog, “Workforce Watch,” that highlights key policies, strategies, and priorities as the 2023 legislative session approaches. Already, the blog has captured legislative testimony from Workforce Board staffers Renee Fullerton and Dr. Donald Smith on healthcare workforce challenges. The blog can be found on the agency’s home page www.wtb.wa.gov and our social media channels on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. The blog is the brainchild of the Workforce Board’s new Communications Manager Andrew Lenderman. Welcome Andy! Read the Dec. 2 blog post: https://www.wtb.wa.gov/workforcewatch/