Washington Workforce Development News
Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
December 17, 2020
WORKFORCE BOARD MEETS TOMORROW TO DISCUSS ECONOMIC IMPACT STRATEGIES
The Workforce Board meets (virtually) tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 18) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and will discuss how to advance strategies that support an inclusive, equitable workforce economic recovery campaign. Meetings are open to the public. More details: https://www.wtb.wa.gov/workforce-board/board-meetings-agendas/
WORKFORCE BOARD YOUTH EMPLOYMENT REPORT NOW ONLINE
The Workforce Board has published a 2019-2020 Youth Employment Report that explores how the COVID-19 pandemic hampered Washington youth from securing a first-rung job or work experience generally. Trends and key patterns from employment data are identified to showcase areas to focus on when developing youth employment solutions in response to the pandemic. This report also includes an interactive dashboard to dive into more details. Check it out: https://www.wtb.wa.gov/research-reports/youth-employment/
STATE OF INNOVATION CHALLENGE: CAN STUDENTS HELP OUR STATE?
Teachers, youth development programs, clubs, and community-based organizations are invited to connect the youth they serve with an opportunity to design solutions to the problems of today, and explore the careers of tomorrow. Launched in November, Washington middle and high school students are being asked to find a better way to get surplus food to people experiencing food insecurity, and create new ideas on how teenagers can stay mentally healthy while social distancing, among other challenges. The innovation challenge is a partnership of the Washington STEM Education Innovation Alliance, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Washington Student Achievement Council, the state’s Employment Security Department, Career Connect Washington, and the Governor’s Office. More: https://www.innovationwa.org/
WASHINGTON HEALTH SENTINEL NETWORK RELEASES KEY FINDINGS
Washington’s Health Workforce Sentinel Network, which captures key recruitment, retention, and skills issues being confronted by healthcare providers, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, has released findings from the most recent study. Fewer Washington healthcare employers are reporting problems obtaining PPE, than findings collected in the spring. However, issues that existed before the pandemic, including attracting healthcare workers to rural areas, and the need for more nursing assistants, medical assistants, and dental hygienists, have been exacerbated by the pandemic. The Sentinel Network is a collaboration of the state’s Workforce Board and the University of Washington Center for Health Workforce Studies. View findings highlights at: http://wa.sentinelnetwork.org/findings/overview/
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