Talent and Prosperity for All (TAP)
Washington’s Workforce Plan
Carolyn Busch, Workforce Innovation Director at the Washington Department of Commerce, engages other Workforce Board members in a discussion of the state’s strategic workforce development plan during a May 2023 meeting.
Washington’s workforce plan, Talent and Prosperity for All (TAP), is a four-year strategy for a strong and successful workforce development system. This strategy aims to help employers, workers and communities succeed.
The final draft was submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor for approval in April 2024. The TAP planning process included more than a year of public outreach and collaboration with business, labor, community and workforce system partners.
The plan:
- Provides a roadmap to better economic outcomes for jobseekers, workers, employers and communities.
- Meets requirements for program funding.
- Guides multi-agency initiatives.
- Aligns partner plans and activities.
- Measures progress and gauges effectiveness.
Ismaila Maidadi of the state Employment Security Department, left, engages Peter Guzman of the Department of Labor & Industries, center, and other stakeholders during a May 2023 strategic meeting.
Read more about the guiding principles and strategic priorities for the 2024 TAP plan.
Read about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This federal act is a key component of the state’s workforce plan.
Job Quality Report
This report reflects the work of the the Talent and Prosperity for All job quality work group, which set out to develop a shared understanding of job quality in Washington to guide implementation of the state strategic workforce plan. This group has analyzed input through a survey, conducted research, and reviewed many existing definitions from peer organizations and national models over the past year.
Drawing from these sources, the group developed a draft definition and job quality framework that can serve as a foundation for continued discussion and refinement. The report also outlines other considerations to carry forward into the next phase of work.
Questions? Contact Career Pathways Policy Associate Paulette Beadling.
Washington State Youth Programs
Helping young people succeed is a major pillar of the state workforce plan. The Workforce Board has assembled this catalog of state youth programs that can connect young people with high-quality training, apprenticeships, education, job opportunities and more.
Talent and Prosperity for All
View the TAP Narrative Summary, including the economic and research chapters, here.
News
- Jan. 22, 2024: Public comment period open for state workforce plan, Talent and Prosperity for All
- Dec. 7, 2023: Workforce Board to Host Two Final, Virtual Meetings on State Workforce Plan
- Oct. 25, 2023: New survey seeks employer, worker, community input on Washington workforce system
- Sept. 22, 2023: Workforce Board seeks public input on state workforce plan, Talent and Prosperity for All
2024-28 Guiding Principles
- Close economic disparities for marginalized populations
- Comprehensive support for individuals with barriers to employment
- System-wide performance metrics and accountability
Local Workforce Plans
Washington’s 12 Workforce Development Councils are required to submit local workforce plans that aim to increase skill levels, employment, earnings, and customer satisfaction, as well as generate a good return on investment. Each local plan also aligns with TAP. Find your local plan here.