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May 8, 2012
FIVE INNOVATION PARTNERSHIP ZONE PROJECTS RECEIVE STATE FUNDING
The state's Department of Commerce has announced the recipients of $13.5 million in Innovation Partnership Zones (IPZ) project funding. IPZs foster partnerships between research entities, the private sector, and workforce training to collaborate and develop commercially viable technologies.
OSPI MANUAL TO HELP WORKSITE LEARNING PROGRAMS
A new manual created by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) provides a guide for school districts implementing worksite learning programs.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS SHORELINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM
See how six community college-nonprofit partnerships are working together to help low-income adults succeed in the classroom and the labor market. Shoreline Community College's partnership with the Seattle-King County Workforce Development Council helped create a successful automotive service technician program featured in the report..
YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE FOCUS OF SURVEY ENDORSED BY AWB INSTITUTE
A new survey seeks your opinion on how communities can increase work opportunities for youth. The survey includes an eight-minute video on youth employment issues and is promoted by the AWB Institute (an affiliate of the Association of Washington Business) and Community Forums Network which has a mission of fostering public discourse.
TIME MAGAZINE ARTICLE IDENTIFIES CTE OBSTACLES AND BENEFITS
Time Magazine recently published an article on Career and Technical Education programs in Arizona that identifies the struggles they face and the benefits they create.
April 25, 2012
CAREER
BRIDGE POSTERS: GET YOURS TODAY!
New
Career Bridge posters are now available and come in two styles: one for high
school and middle schools, the other for adult career centers. Take a peek at www.wtb.wa.gov/CareerBridge.asp and order your free posters today.
WORKFORCE
COST-BENEFIT REPORT SLATED FOR MAY 3 BOARD MEETING
The
Workforce Board will be presented with a cost-benefit report on the state's key
workforce programs, listen to a presentation from regional Workforce Development
Councils and their executive directors, and hear about what Association of
Washington Business found is on the minds of employers across the state at a May
3 board meeting in Olympia. More details to come at www.wtb.wa.gov .
WASHINGTON WOMEN IN TRADES TO HOLD
33rd ANNUAL CAREER FAIR
Be a part of what Workforce Board
member Lee Newgent calls "the Super Bowl of Career Fairs." Find out more about
the May 11 career fair in Seattle. www.wawomenintrades.com/jobfair.html
April 19, 2012
SESSION ENDS, LEGISLATIVE AND BUDGET UPDATES
The Legislature approved a supplemental budget and has adjourned. View the workforce-related bills that have been approved and a budget summary from a workforce development perspective.www.wtb.wa.gov/LegislativeUpdates.asp
OPPORTUNITY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH JOBS
Five Washington communities are helping students gain internship and pre-apprenticeship experience as part of a program that builds work readiness, school and employment success. Find out more about the Opportunity Internship Program
CHARLIE EARL ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Charlie Earl, executive director for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, announced his plan to retire, effective July 31. The State Board announced it will launch a regional and national search for a new executive director.
FEDERAL COMMITTEE HEARS WIA REAUTHORIZATION BILL
The U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce held a hearing this week on H.R. 4297, which seeks to streamline the system by consolidating more than 20 programs into a single Workforce Investment Fund.
SNOHOMISH WDC SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR SEVERAL OPENINGS
The Workforce Development Council Snohomish County is seeking a program manager for its youth programs and has other open positions as well. See: www.wdcsc.org/about/jobs/
April 12, 2012
NEW PHONE NUMBERS FOR THE WORKFORCE BOARD
The Workforce Board has a set of new telephone numbers starting today. If you dial one of our numbers that has changed, you will get a new number referred to you. But you can also get a complete listing of all our new numbers.
FEDERAL REQUIREMENT WILL INCREASE TRAFFIC AT WORKSOURCE CENTERS
Between now and the end of the year, 55,000 emergency-benefit recipients will be scheduled for a required meeting at a WorkSource employment center, according to the state Employment Security Department. A new federal law requires recipients to attend the meeting to avoid having to repay some or all of their unemployment benefits. New Release
NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR PACIFIC MOUNTAIN WDC
The Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council has announced Cheryl Fambles as their new executive director, replacing the retiring Mike Kennedy. Fambles has been the executive director for the Washington Workforce Association and before that she directed the WIRED project for the five-county Pacific Mountain area.
JOINT FEDERAL DEPARTMENT LETTER ENDORSES CAREER PATHWAYS SYSTEMS
Policymakers are encouraged to use career pathways approaches to promote alignment among their public workforce, education and social and human services systems in a joint letter from U.S. Department of Labors' Employment and Training Administration, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Vocational and Adult Education, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families.
April 4, 2012
ONLINE DIRECTORY OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT UPDATED
The Workforce Board has updated its online directory of Washington workforce development program with details on over 40 programs, including funding sources, participation and more.
FEDERAL REPORT IDENTIFIES FUTURE GROWING JOB FIELDS
Last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its 2012 Occupational Outlook Handbook, which identifies the next decade's fastest and largest growing occupations and offers some insights into the characteristics of these jobs.
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
The newly-created Washington State Opportunity Scholarship is now accepting applications for the 2012-13 academic year. Created in 2011, this public-private partnership aims to help low-income and middle-income Washington residents earn degrees in high employer demand fields. Application deadline is April 16.
March 29, 2012
WORK GROUPS FORMING FOR HIGH SKILLS, HIGH WAGES PLAN
The Workforce Board staff is preparing to hold work sessions on the 2012 edition of High Skills, High Wages, the state's comprehensive plan for workforce development. Work group sessions will be three to four hours long and held in April and May. Learn more about these sessions and the comprehensive planning process.
WORKFORCE BOARD SEEKS PROPOSALS TO TELL THE LILA STORY
The Workforce Board is seeking proposals from journalists/videographers to tell the story of the Lifelong Learning Account program which was recently defined in state statute. Deadline for proposals is April 18. :
WORKSOURCE STANDARDS & INTEGRATION DIVISION INQUIRY EMAIL ADDRESS
The Employment Security Department's WorkSource Standards and Integration Division now has a single email address for questions related to performance, funding, customer complaints and more - WSID@esd.wa.gov.
SPOKANE AREA WDC SEEKS AEROSPACE "NAVIGATOR" PROPOSALS
The Spokane Area Workforce Development Council is seeking proposals to fill a position that will work with job seekers and college students to help them navigate the aerospace industry from education through employment. The deadline to submit proposals is April 6.
March 22, 2012
NEW CAREER BRIDGE READY
FOR A TEST DRIVE
Be among the first to preview the beta version of
the new Career Bridge website, as we prepare for a full launch in the weeks
ahead. Get the link to the beta site after clicking the "like button" on our
Facebook page. Sign into our social media at www.wtb.wa.gov/CareerBridge.asp.
HOUSE COMMITTEE MEMBERS PROPOSE WIA REAUTHORIZATION
Three members of the U.S. House Committee on Education and the
Workforce have proposed legislation to expand training opportunities for
workers, help businesses staff high-skilled and open positions, and ensure
taxpayer dollars are well spent. See http://go.usa.gov/EDv
ENERGY SKILLS TRAINING RFQ ISSUED BY SEATTLE-KING COUNTY WDC
Workforce Development Council Seattle-King County is seeking
proposals for training for energy efficiency skills as part of the Workforce
Board's State Energy Sector Partnership grant.The deadline to submit proposals
is April 10. www.seakingwdc.org/meetings/request-for-proposal.html
HEALTH & SAFETY WORKSHOP FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES
"Staying Safe at Work: Teaching Workers with Developmental
Disabilities About Health and Safety on the Job" is being held May 3 in Tukwila
and May 4 in Spokane. It's co-sponsored by the Washington Department of Labor
and Industries, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and
the University of Washington. Register at http://tinyurl.com/78ozljh .
March 14, 2012
WORKFORCE BOARD MEETING TO FOCUS ON HIGH SKILLS HIGH WAGES PLAN
The Workforce Board will meet March 21 in Olympia. A significant portion of the meeting will be background briefings as the Workforce Board prepares to update the state's comprehensive workforce development strategic plan (High Skills, High Wages). Agenda and materials (available Wednesday afternoon)
PRESIDENT OBAMA PLAN FOR JOB TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
On Monday, President Obama announced a sweeping training and employment services plan that would fold the current Trade Adjustment Assistance program into a "Universal Displaced Worker Program." His announcement did not make any reference to the proposed reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act.
SPOKANE AREA WDC SEEKS ENERGY EFFICIENCY TRAINING PROPOSALS
The Spokane Area Workforce Development Council is seeking proposals for training in and related to energy efficiency as part of the Workforce Board's State Energy Sector Partnership grant. The deadline to submit proposals to the SAWDC is March 30.
WASHINGTON BUSINESS WEEK ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS
Registration season has opened for Washington Business Week programs which include concentrations in business, health care, manufacturing, energy and agri-business. The non-profit business and education organization connects high-school age participants to career pathways through week-long summer programs. Volunteers and business mentors are needed as well.
STILL TIME TO APPLY FOR LEGISLATIVE LIAISON/POLICY ANALYST POSITION
But hurry.
March 8, 2012
LEGISLATURE SCHEDULED TO END 2012 SESSION TODAY
The Legislature's 60-day regular session ends today. However, if a supplemental budget is not adopted, the Legislature will likely get called back into a special session at some point. Our budget analysis page reviews four budget proposals in relation to workforce development.
GOVERNOR SIGNS LIFELONG LEARNING ACCOUNT BILL
Washington became the first state to formally recognize a permanent Lifelong Learning Account program as an optional benefit for employees. For three years, a small pilot LiLA program has been operating with employers in Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties. The legislation (SB 6141) may make it possible for the program to become more widely available. News release
SNOHOMISH WDC SEEKS GREEN AND MANUFACTURING TRAINING PROPOSALS
The Workforce Development Council Snohomish County is seeking proposals for providing green skills training to apprentice to journey-level workers as part of the Workforce Board's State Energy Sector Partnership grant. Another request for proposals is for group Individual Training Accounts in aerospace and advanced manufacturing occupations. Requests for Proposals
Department of Commerce hosts "Community Survivors 6" Port of Everett April 11-13.
February 29, 2012
NEW LOOK AND FEATURES COMING TO CAREER BRIDGE WEBSITE CareerBridge.wa.gov will soon make it easier for you to search its database of 5,000 education and training programs and save those searches for later review. The new look will premiere later in March but you can follow our progress and be part of our testing team. Learn more at: www.wtb.wa.gov/CareerBridge.asp
LEGISLATURE ENDORSES LIFELONG LEARNING ACCOUNT PROGRAM
Legislation (SB 6141) is now before the Governor that will create the Lifelong Learning Program. The legislation was inspired by a pilot program that the Workforce Board has operated under a grant from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Derek Kilmer and Representative Phyllis Kenney (House companion bill). Find this bill and other workforce related bills at: www.wtb.wa.gov/2012sessionbills.asp
SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON WDC SELECTS A NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council has selected Jeanne Bennett, a leader in promoting science education and research, to serve as its new executive director. Bennett succeeds Lisa Nisenfeld, who now heads the Columbia River Economic Development Council. Learn more at: http://www.swwdc.org/
THE LATEST WORKFORCE-RELATED BUDGET DEVELOPMENTS
February 22, 2012
MULTI-AGENCY REPORT IDENTIFIES HIGH EMPLOYER DEMAND FIELDS
The recently released report, "A Skilled and Educated Workforce," identifies employment categories in which demand for workers is expected to outstrip our postsecondary system's ability to supply those workers through at least 2019. The report is a collaboration between the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Workforce Board.
HOUSE PROPOSES 2012 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET
House Democrats have proposed a state supplemental budget which was heard before the House Ways and Means committee yesterday
. Legislative page provides a view of workforce-related items in this proposed budget as it relates to the Governor's proposal as well as information on active workforce-related bills and committee hearings.
WASHINGTON WDC DIRECTORS ACTIVE ON NATIONAL LEVEL
Two of Washington Workforce Development Council directors made news on the national level recently. Mark Mattke, Executive Director of the Spokane Area Workforce Development Council, was elected to the United States Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council Board of Directors. Meanwhile Marléna Sessions, CEO of the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, testified in Washington D.C. before the U.S. Senate subcommittee on employment and workplace safety chaired by Senator Patty Murray on the topic of addressing workforce needs at the regional level.
APPRENTICESHIP CONFERENCE WILL FOCUS ON EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT
The 2012 Pacific Northwest Apprenticeship Education Conference will be April 17 & 18 in Bellingham. The conference focuses on employer engagement with featured speakers from the Aspen Institute and the Industry Training Authority of British Columbia, as well as Mike Hudson of the Association of Washington Business.
February 15, 2012
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY RETURNS TO COMMITTEE LEVEL
The Washington Legislature has cleared a self-imposed deadline for bills introduced in the house of origin. Starting today, only bills that have been passed by either the House or Senate can be considered, unless they are necessary to implement the budget. Activity now shifts back to the committee level. Follow committee hearings and find out what bills are still active with our legislative page.
RETIREMENT OPENS UP POSITION ON WORKFORCE BOARD STAFF
Wes Pruitt, who has been the Workforce Board's legislative liaison and K-12 policy analyst for 16 years and a state legislator prior to that time, is retiring after this legislative session. The Workforce Board is seeking candidates for his job.
PRESIDENT'S FACT SHEET ON "COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO CAREER FUND"
President Obama announced his proposed budget for 2013 this week. His budget proposal includes $8 billion in funding for community colleges and states to partner with businesses to train workers in high-growth and in-demand areas such as health care, transportation and advanced manufacturing.
February 8, 2012
HOUSE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE TO GET PREVIEW OF JOINT REPORT
The House Higher Education Committee will review the results of the collaborative supply and demand report soon to be released by the Workforce Board, the Higher Education Coordinating Board and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. You can learn about other legislative activities and get a preview of some of the slides from the presentation.
WORKERS TO GAIN COLLEGE CREDITS WITH WORKPLACE-BASED LEARNING
Workers will earn college credits, receive online instruction, and advance their career prospects with the help of their employers as part of a new Workplace-based Learning Initiative. The Workforce Board selected three programs for funding, with the focus on Vancouver area hospital workers, child care workers in Whatcom and Skagit counties, and machinist apprentices statewide who will now be able to pursue engineering careers.
BEST PRACTICE AWARDEES TO BE HONORED IN THE CAPITOL THURSDAY
Recipients of the Governor's Best Practice Awards in Workforce and Economic Development will be officially honored on Thursday, 3 to 4 p.m. in the Rotunda of the Legislative Building.
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL SEEKING CHAIR
The Department of Commerce is currently recruiting for a Developmental Disabilities Council Chair. This is a governor-appointed volunteer position with a three-year term. Applications needed by March 5, 2012.
February 1, 2012
HEALTH CARE TASK FORCE REPORT FEATURES PROGRAM COMPLETIONS
The 2011 annual report of the state's Health Care Personnel Shortage Task Force features program completion data and a projection of supply and demand for 36 health care professions in Washington.
AWB SHARES RESULTS OF MANUFACTURING FOCUS GROUPS
The Association of Washington Business has summarized its findings from a recent series of focus groups with manufacturers in Moses Lake, Spokane, the Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Everett and Mount Vernon. See "2012 Challenges & Opportunities for Manufacturers in Washington."
WORKFORCE BOARD FILES FEDERAL PERKINS REPORT
Lost in the end of year rush and winter snows was the filing of the Consolidated Annual Report under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006. This technical report contains details about Washington activities funded by federal Perkins dollars.
CAREER AND COLLEGE ADVISING TOOLS FOCUS ON DISADVANTAGED RESIDENTS
Seattle Jobs Initiative has just released two new online tools designed to advance the efforts of community-based providers in assisting low-income and low-skill residents to prepare for, access and persist in college on their way to obtaining a credential and a better-paying career.
BILLS ARE MOVING THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE
The 2012 Legislative session shifts its activities temporarily away from committees and hearings to full assembly debates and voting this week and next week. You can learn about workforce-related bills under consideration on our legislative page.
January 26, 2012
WORKFORCE BOARD MEETING MATERIALS NOW ONLINE
If you've been to our Workforce Board meeting agenda page and not found materials posted for tomorrow's meeting in Tumwater, please try now. The Workforce Board begins its work at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow.
EVERGREEN LEADERSHIP TEAM RELEASES 2011 REPORT
Legislation in 2009 created an interagency team to coordinate the state's efforts to create "green" jobs and to train workers in the skills needed for these jobs. The team's 2011 report lists the progress of the state's many initiatives and identifies barriers and opportunities for success.
SEATTLE-KING COUNTY WDC CEO HONORED BY U.S. MAYORS CONFERENCE
The U.S. Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council has awarded Marléna Sessions, CEO of the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, with its first-ever Distinguished Service Award.
50 BILLS RELATED TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE
Three weeks into the 2012 Legislative Session, our tracking list contains more than 50 bills related to workforce development. See: www.wtb.wa.gov/2012sessionbills.asp
January 19, 2012
LEGISLATURE CONTINUES TO MEET DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER
Relatively few legislative hearings have been cancelled during the snow and ice storm (Cancellations just announced for all of today's 3:30 p.m. committee meetings and for tonight's Pathways to Prosperity joint House committee session) Meanwhile, a number of workforce-related bills have been introduced. We have updated our legislation page and will add next week's calendar of committee activities by Friday noon.
WORKFORCE BOARD TO REVIEW HIGHER EDUCATION/TRAINING NEEDS REPORT
The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting Friday, January 27 starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Department of Labor & Industries Building in Tumwater. The online agenda will include meeting materials when we recover from the snow.
RETOOLING INITIATIVE HIGHLIGHTS SUCCESS STORIES, ACHIEVEMENTS
The Workforce Board staff and its partners have prepared the Retooling Washington's Workforce 2011 report detailing how Washington's workforce development system is "addressing today's needs and building a stronger economy." The report includes a dashboard of performance indicators and detailed examples from the state's workforce development areas.
January 12, 2012
FIELD OF STUDY CAN BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EDUCATION LEVEL
When measured soon after graduation, people with community college certificates or applied associate's degrees, on average, have slightly higher earnings in Washington than the average of those with four-year degrees, according to a presentation made by Workforce Board Deputy Director Bryan Wilson. However, the field of study can make a bigger difference in earnings and employment level. Dr. Wilson's presentation before the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Committee yesterday received advance attention in a KPLU story.
HARVARD REPORT AUTHOR TO TESTIFY BEFORE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES
William Symonds, author of a Harvard education reform report calling for multiple pathways, will present to the Senate Education Committee and a joint meeting of three House committees on Thursday, January 19. View the legislative schedule.
NATIONAL EFFORT ENLISTS EMPLOYERS IN SUMMER YOUTH WORK EMPHASIS
The White House announced Summer Jobs+, a new call to action for businesses, non-profits, and government to work together to provide pathways to employment for low-income and disconnected youth in the summer of 2012.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON STATE CAPITAL
The Washington Economic Development Association Winter Conference will feature a legislative panel, a variety of economic development presentations as well as updates on Project Pegasus (aerospace) and the Retooling Washington's Workforce initiative. The conference is in Olympia, Februrary 13-14,
JANUARY 5, 2012
LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS NEXT MONDAY
The Legislature starts its 2012 session with a week of committee hearings, many covering education and training topics. The Workforce Board maintains a calendar of legislative activities and bills related to workforce development issues . . . Starting now
WASHINGTON REPORTS ON STATUS OF MANUFACTURING SKILLS CERTIFICATION SYSTEM
Washington's progress in embracing a manufacturing skills certification system is detailed in a report submitted to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) last week. The Workforce Board and a number of important stakeholders submitted the report which included a survey of community college use of five NAM-endorsed certifications.
FOREIGN WORKERS HELP FILL STATE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SKILLS GAP
In 2010, Washington firms employed almost 18,000 workers (predominantly information technology professionals) from other countries through a federal work visa program. Washington's use of the H-1B visa program is above the national average. See new report.
MEASURING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEBINAR
The Washington Department of Commerce, Washington Economic Development Association and the Association of Washington Cities are sponsoring a one-hour webinar presentation by Miles Friedman on measuring the impact of economic development, 10 a.m. January 17. To learn more and register ($35 for association members and $60 for non-members).
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