Washington Workforce Development News

Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board

August 26, 2020

WORKFORCE BOARD MEETS THURSDAY TO REVIEW VISION, MISSION

The Workforce Board is holding a special meeting Thursday (Aug. 27), from 3-5 p.m., to discuss (via Zoom) a draft vision, mission, and strategies developed by a Board work group. The Board is not expected to take action on these statements, but may decide to modify them at a Board Retreat slated for the following week (Sept. 2-3). Thursday’s second major agenda item is to identify Board policy areas or functions to explore at the retreat as potential recommendation considerations. All Board meetings, including Board Retreat, are open to the public. Details: https://www.wtb.wa.gov/workforce-board/board-meetings-agendas/

NEW REPORT SHOWS HALF-MILLION CHILDREN WITHOUT ACCESS TO LICENSED CHILDCARE
Before the pandemic, over half-a-million children in Washington did not have access to licensed child care, and nearly one in five parents surveyed turned down a job offer or promotion due to child care issues, according to a detailed Child Care Industry Assessment Report released by the state’s Department of Commerce this week. The assessment includes an important analysis of the current state during the pandemic, and how the industry has changed since the beginning of 2020. Commerce acted as co-convener of the task force study with the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Read the report: https://bit.ly/32uXzvt

WA HEALTH WORKFORCE CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED
Health workforce challenges and solutions are highlighted in a preview section of the forthcoming Washington State Primary Care Needs Assessment, an overview of primary care capacity in Washington. This section includes a shout out to the Health Workforce Council, which brings attention to current and projected workforce shortages in healthcare occupations, and proposes strategies to address these issues. The Council is staffed by the Workforce Board. Read the preview: https://bit.ly/31uNyPJ

SPEAKING OF THE HEALTH WORKFORCE COUNCIL…
Save the date for the Council’s September 24 meeting. Details coming soon! Read more about the Council’s work: https://www.wtb.wa.gov/planning-programs/health-workforce-council/

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