Workforce Pell grants represent new opportunities for workers and employers.

December News

TOP NEWS

Workforce Pell grants represent new opportunities for workers, employers 

A new federal student aid program is a major win for both workers and employers, the Workforce Board’s Marina Parr told lawmakers recently.

Workforce Pell grants were approved by Congress and signed into law earlier this year. The grants are intended as financial aid for students enrolled in short-term programs that lead to in-demand jobs.

“Workers need shorter pathways to get the skills they need to give them momentum in the marketplace,” Parr, director of workforce system advancement, told the state Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee.

The program is still being developed. Draft regulations were approved by a U.S. Department of Education advisory committee on Friday, Inside Higher Ed reports. Watch the presentation here on TVW.

Research Spotlight: Economic headwinds, tougher labor market among new updates to workforce plan

Economic and labor market changes will be featured soon in the next update to Washington’s strategic workforce plan.

The plan was last updated in 2024. Workforce Board Research Director Dave Wallace recently gave board members a preview of changes since then, including increased economic headwinds, deteriorating labor markets, federal layoffs and the impact of technology on jobs. See the research team’s latest update here on TVW.

OTHER NEWS 

New bill would support digital skills training

A measure to fund digital skills training for workers and job seekers is under consideration by Congress.

The Digital Skills for Today’s Workforce Act would create a new grant program to support training in workforce development systems and other organizations. More than 90% of today’s jobs require digital skills, but more than a third of workers don’t have them, The Virginia Mercury reports. Read more.

Congress explores how learning and employment records empower workers

More employers and job seekers are using learning and employment records, which are detailed digital records of credentials, skills and job history. These records, known as LERs, were recently highlighted by the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development.

“A paper certificate can hang on a wall; a digital certificate can populate a job application, unlock a learning pathway or be discovered by an employer searching for specific skills,” Credential Engine CEO Scott Cheney told the committee.

Workforce Board Executive Director Eleni Papadakis is a Credential Engine board member.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES 

Save the date: Trade scholarship provides $10,000 to foster youth

Mark your calendars for February when the application window for the American Industries Scholarship opens. This award supports current and former foster youth training for skilled trades, including construction, electrical, manufacturing and other careers. This year’s application window is from Feb. 2 – May 29, 2026. Watch for updates here.

OPINION 

Seattle Times: Undereducated, unemployed youth could be an ‘opportunity’ or a new cost

Nearly 100,000 16-to-24-year-olds in Washington are neither in school nor employed, and a quarter of them live in King and Pierce counties, the Seattle Times editorial board reports.

“This cohort of potential workers used to be called ‘disconnected.’ Today, the term of art is ‘opportunity youth.’ That euphemism does nothing to change reality,” authors wrote. “By 2032, 75% of jobs statewide will require some form of higher education, and these Washingtonians are not on track to get them.” Read more.

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Happy holidays from the Workforce Board! Best wishes for the new year.