Washington Workforce Development News
Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
June 1, 2023
HEALTH WORKFORCE COUNCIL MEETS JUNE 22 IN PORT ANGELES
The Health Workforce Council, staffed by the Workforce Board, is holding an in-person meeting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 22 at Peninsula College in Port Angeles. Please note: Event registration is requested by June 9. Also, there are two planned virtual pre-meetings on June 6 and June 13. Council members will, among other things, develop strategic priorities that guide the council’s direction over the next five years and identify issues to explore in developing the council’s upcoming annual report. Register and get more meeting details at: http://bit.ly/42gNSxC
NEW WORKFORCE SYSTEM POSTER AVAILABLE NOW
The Workforce Board’s popular workforce system poster is freshly updated and ready for 2023. Make sure to order copies of this handy overview of Washington’s largest, publicly funded workforce development programs, including participant employment rates and earnings, federal and state funding totals, and a list of administering agencies and providers. The poster, printed this year in cheery yellow, is also known as “America’s favorite matrix,” at least among staff. The poster is free and perfect for cubicle and office walls. Email us at workforce@wtb.wa.gov to request your own copies. View the poster, including a digital PDF, at: https://wtb.wa.gov/planning-programs/washington-workforce-system/
MARKLE REPORT INCLUDES CAREER BRIDGE CASE STUDY
The Markle Foundation has issued a report “Using Data to Strengthen Workforce Training” that includes a case study focused on Career Bridge (see page 18). This report takes a critical look at how other states handle their Eligible Training Provider Lists (ETPL). These lists, required by the U.S. Department of Labor, feature in-demand education programs eligible for federal training dollars. Washington is highlighted as a state that is improving its nationally recognized career-and-education exploration platform, Career Bridge—also home of Washington’s ETPL. The Workforce Board is leveraging an additional $1.4 million in legislative funding from the 2023 session to continue modernizing this public-facing tool that is used in K-12 classrooms and WorkSource centers across the state. Read more: https://bit.ly/3WX5Jcd
NOMINATE EMPLOYERS WHO HIRE AND RETAIN WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES
The Washington state Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment is accepting nominations for the 31st annual Governor’s Employer Awards. These awards honor and celebrate the contributions of Washington’s employers in recruiting, hiring and advancing workers with disabilities. The program honors employers of all sizes in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. It also honors employers who support youth with disabilities through employment preparation and job skills training. Deadline to submit nominations is July 28. Get more details at: https://bit.ly/43gcBU3
WORKFORCE BOARD NOTIFIES WAVE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Students who applied for the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) were notified by email last week about whether they received this popular award that celebrates career and technical education and the value of real-world, hands-on learning. Some 108 students from across Washington were selected for the 2023 award, representing 45 legislative districts. Among the winners, 78 are graduating high school seniors and 30 are community and technical college students. This merit-based award pays up to $4,500 per year, for two years, for those attending a public two-year college, or up to $5,200 per year, for two years, for those attending a four-year college. More details: https://wtb.wa.gov/wave/
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