Washington is not prepared to care for a quickly growing senior population, a new Workforce Board report shows.

Low wages, shortages and turnover in the state’s long-term care industry create major challenges and expenses for families and communities. But consistent schedules, better training, educational support and career opportunities are among several solutions proposed by the Long-Term Care Workforce Initiative, led by the Workforce Board.

Eleni Papadakis has served as the Executive Director of the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, more commonly known as the Workforce Board, since 2007. Business, labor and government stakeholders are equally represented on this tri-partite board, which oversees 16 different state and federal funding streams in the state’s comprehensive workforce development system.

Talent and Prosperity for All (TAP) is Washington’s strategic workforce plan. The plan supports employer needs for skilled workers and living wage jobs in all communities. The Workforce Board develops and oversees the implementation of the state’s strategic workforce plan.

The Workforce Board provides evaluation, accountability and strategic direction to help keep Washington’s workforce system on a high impact, continuous improvement path. The Board advocates for employers who depend on skilled workers and workers who need access to living wage jobs.