Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council’s Post

The workforce development world is giving us a lot of reading to do as we head into the holiday season! One thing on my list is this report from the Task Force on Better Serving Diverse Populations in the U.S. Workforce Development System (convened by Jobs for the Future (JFF) and National Association of Workforce Boards). It includes lots of great examples of people-first, equity-centered #wkdev services and strategies. https://lnkd.in/egRRGNHZ

Since 2005, Workforce Development Month has raised awareness about the critical role our industry plays in growing the national economy. Workforce development professionals serve as vital connectors between job seekers, employers, and education and training resources, helping fuel economic growth in our local communities. The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) has the following resources available to help you and/or your organization participate in celebrating Workforce Development Month: -NAWDP's Workforce Development Month Toolkit: https://ow.ly/ru8M50TlWsJ -Instructional video on promoting Workforce Development Month: https://ow.ly/sMYH50TlWsL #WorkforceDevelopmentMonth #EconomicGrowth #NAWDP #WorkforceDevelopment

In a new paper from the Workforce Transformation Policy Council, the Task Force on Better Serving Diverse Populations in the U.S. Workforce Development System outlines their federal workforce policy recommendations, details actionable ways policymakers can begin to transform our long-underfunded #workforcedevelopment system, and breaks down five crucial design principles for serving diverse populations. The task force, established by JFF and the National Association of Workforce Boards, identifies strategies for building people-first, equity-centered, data-driven, and locally responsive policies that effectively serve jobseekers and workers—especially those who have historically faced systemic barriers to economic advancement—and that significantly increase funding for this ecosystem, particularly for #WIOA. Read the report: https://lnkd.in/g5iFA2h3 #wkdev #federalpolicy

📅 Reminder! The Governor's Workforce Development Board is inviting public comment on the draft of Maryland's next four-year state plan for workforce development until midnight today (Monday 2/26). The Board wants to hear from you! The Governor's Workforce Development Board envisions an aligned and coordinated workforce development system that supports a dynamic, inclusive, and competitive economy, creating opportunities for all businesses to thrive and for every Marylander to access pathways to work, wages, and wealth. The Plan lays out how the public workforce system will realize this vision, including its local partners and programs operated in multiple state agencies including the Maryland Department of Labor. We'll do it by moving in partnership, aligning activities and resources around four core strategic pillars: ◾ Supercharging key sectors of Maryland's economy ◾ Advancing access and equity ◾ Preparing the future workforce ◾ Improving system alignment and accountability You can find the draft and instructions to submit comments on the Board's website: www.gwdb.maryland.gov/pub/

In a new paper from the Workforce Transformation Policy Council, the Task Force on Better Serving Diverse Populations in the U.S. Workforce Development System outlines their federal workforce policy recommendations, details actionable ways policymakers can begin to transform our long-underfunded #workforcedevelopment system, and breaks down five crucial design principles for serving diverse populations. The task force, established by JFF and the National Association of Workforce Boards, identifies strategies for building people-first, equity-centered, data-driven, and locally responsive policies that effectively serve jobseekers and workers—especially those who have historically faced systemic barriers to economic advancement—and that significantly increase funding for this ecosystem, particularly for #WIOA. Read the report: https://lnkd.in/d-asPSKB #wkdev #federalpolicy

At a time where the need for skilled workers continues to be the pain point of employers nation wide, we must rethink how we fund our workforce system. "A well-funded workforce development system can empower people to increase their economic mobility, help businesses grow, and prepare youth for the world of work. Unfortunately, the U.S. workforce development system has been underfunded for years. Funding for the three primary formula grant programs for youth and adults under WIOA has sustained a 50 percent cut (when adjusted for inflation) since 1990. If we are going to employ America’s workforce development system to effectively serve workers—especially those who have historically faced systemic barriers to economic advancement—policymakers must prioritize the needs of jobseekers and workers and significantly increase funding for this ecosystem. This includes an increase in WIOA funding to a level of at least $35 billion (about $110 per person) for the adult, dislocated worker, and youth formula grants; and funding for the broader workforce development ecosystem at a level of $80 billion (about $250 per person), consistent with the investments of other member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development."

Just published! My latest article on improving business services published in the newsletter of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals! https://lnkd.in/er683HED

Just published! My latest article on improving business services published in the newsletter of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals! https://lnkd.in/er683HED

If you were not able to attend the JOB Workforce Summit, I will give you a few takeaways.... 1. Dr. Patrick Jones (Eastern Washington University) reminded us of two (there are many others) challenges in our current labor market: aging workforce and less participation overall. 2. Dr. Adam Swinyard (Spokane Public Schools) called for broader recognition of the changing nature of the psychology of the American student, reminding us that students are used to instant gratification. There were many additional insights including thought provoking observations around technology use and student motivation. 3. Dr. John Parker (Central Valley School District) asked fellow educators and event attendees to think about the "sacred cows" in education and encouraged willingness to makes changes to systems that no longer make sense for students. Dr. Parker also reflected on the way that school districts can provide great 'customer service' to students and families. 4. Mark Mattke (Spokane Workforce Council) called on employers to invest in credentialing in the workplace. Additionally, Mark reflected on equity and access and encouraged focus in these areas. 5. Joel White (Spokane Home Builders Association) reminded audience members of the shortage of skilled tradespeople and called on our community to focus in this area. 6. Dr. Kevin Brockbank (Community Colleges of Spokane) referenced data from LaunchNW around student attendance and salaries post-high school for students who do not go on to post-high school education or training. 7. Alisha Benson (Greater Spokane Incorporated) had a "mic drop" moment when she called our community to come around schools - particularly around bonds and levies which enrich student lives and build our communities. Alisha also asked community members to think about the way that we are coming back to work after the pandemic. 8. Matt Allore (Multi-Care INW Region) challenged employers to create "whole self" workplaces in addition to a call to embrace the true cost of partnering with Education to train and upskill employees. 9. Dr. Daryll DeWald (WSU Spokane) reflected on the value proposition of work and education and encouraged attendees to think about how we communicate this on a deeper level going forward. *** Now...as with any event summary...I am only providing a slice...and at that...the slice that fell on my ears and my memory. If you attended and have additional stand-out quotes and reflections -- please drop them in the comments below 👍 John Parker, Ed.D Mark Mattke Joel White Matthew Allore Alisha Benson Adam Swinyard Dr. Kevin Brockbank Greater Spokane Incorporated