Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
Washington Workforce Development News
November 17, 2020
WORKFORCE BOARD MEETS TOMORROW TO ADVANCE ECONOMIC RECOVERY STRATEGIES
The Workforce Board meets (virtually) tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 18) from 9 a.m. to noon and will discuss how to advance strategies outlined in the Workforce Economic Recovery Plan. The Board will also focus on newly established vision, mission, and values statements to help shape the structure and work of the Board moving forward. Several pre-meeting videos that provide more details about potential initiatives connected to the economic recovery plan are available for viewing as part of the agenda. These initiatives aim to help thousands of dislocated workers equitably re-connect to the economy and to high-demand, livable-wage careers. Get more meeting details and watch the videos at: https://www.wtb.wa.gov/workforce-board/board-meetings-agendas/ Read the recovery plan at: https://www.wtb.wa.gov/economic-recovery/
FOOD SUPPORT FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS ARRIVES DURING PANDEMIC
As COVID-19 worsens hunger for college students across the United States, thousands more community and technical college students in Washington state will receive food benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently approved Washington’s proposal to allow low-income students in a wider range of certificate, degree, and industry-recognized programs to receive food assistance through the state’s Basic Food Employment and Training Program, or BFET, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria. Previously, this support was available only to income-eligible students enrolled in vocational programs or basic skills classes. Once students qualify for food assistance and enroll in the BFET program, they receive other benefits like tuition assistance, job-search services, and financial help for basic needs like school supplies, books, child care, housing, utilities, medical bills, and clothing. More: https://bit.ly/3ffA2F6
CREDENTIAL ENGINE HOLDS NATIONAL CONVENING TOMORROW ON CREDENTIAL TRANSPARENCY
State policymakers and agencies have critical roles in ensuring their residents and employers have the information they need to make well-informed decisions about credentials—from badges and licenses to apprenticeships and advanced degrees. Tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 18) the Washington, D.C. nonprofit Credential Engine is hosting a national (virtual) convening that runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time. Learn about “State Solutions and Opportunities for a More Transparent Credential Landscape” to address the lack of clarity in, and access to, credential information needed to better navigate education and career pathways. Register now at: https://bit.ly/3nz97XK
NEW WORKFORCE OVERSIGHT BOARD HOLDS MEETING FRIDAY
The Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board is holding its second meeting on Friday (Nov. 20) from 1-3 p.m. Meetings are open to the public. More details coming soon at: https://www.wtb.wa.gov/workforce-ed-invest-board/oversight-board-meetings/
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