Workforce Training Results

The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board is Washington’s workforce system performance accountability agent, working on behalf of the state’s citizens and employers. Among the Board’s Duties spelled out in RCW 28C.18.060 we have that the Board must:

“(10) Every two years administer scientifically based outcome evaluations of the state training system, including, but not limited to, surveys of program participants, surveys of employers of program participants, and matches with employment security department payroll and wage files. Every five years administer scientifically based net-impact and cost-benefit evaluations of the state training system; …”

In the Workforce Training Results we track the participant profile and the labor market outcomes for the state’s largest workforce development programs. The programs included account for the majority of the federal and state dollars spent on our state’s workforce development system.

Main Results by Program

Apprenticeship

Basic Education for Adults

Professional-Technical Education

Worker Retraining

Division of Vocational Rehab

Dept. of Services for the Blind

Private Career Schools

Secondary CTE

WorkFirst

WIOA Adult Program

WIOA Youth Program

WIOA Dislocated Workers

Data Explorer’s Dashboard

Past Reports

2024 – WTR Data Explorer
2023 – WTR Data Explorer
2022 – WTR Data Explorer
2020 – WTR Data Explorer
2019 – WTR Data Explorer
2018 – WTR Executive Summary
2017 – Workforce Training Results, WTR Data Explorer, WTR Executive Summary
2015 – Workforce Training Results, WTR Executive Summary
2014 – Workforce Training Results, WTR Executive Summary
2013 – Workforce Training Results
2012 – Workforce Training Results, WTR Executive Summary
2011 – Workforce Training Results, WTR Executive Summary
2008 – Workforce Training Results, WTR Executive Summary

More Research & Evaluation

In our Workforce System Poster you can get an at-a-glance summary of Washington’s key workforce development programs and find how many individuals are served, by which administrative agency, and where the funding comes from.

In the Net Impact Study you can find more on whether workforce programs lead to higher employment rates and higher wages among participants than those who did not participate in a workforce program.

Apprenticeship

This training combines classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training under the supervision of a journey-level craft person or trade professional. Apprenticeships are governed by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council and administered by the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).

State Core Indicator Results

Employment Percentage of participants in paid employment four quarters after leaving the program. Employment rate for just those that completed the program in parenthesis. *	83% (92%)
Earnings Median annualized earnings four quarters after leaving the program. Earnings for just those that completed the program in parenthesis.	$75,100 ($104,600)
Skills Percentage of participants who completed the program.	45%
Net Employment Effect Additional employment rate attributable to the workforce development program. **	1.6%
Net Participant Benefits Additional yearly earnings attributable to program participation (adjusted for benefits, taxes, and costs of participation). **	$34,500
10-Year Economic Impact Economy wide 10-Year net economic benefit provided by the workforce development program. **	$4.9 Billion
10-Year Taxpayer Return on Investment Taxpayer's 10-Year net return from an investment in the workforce development program. **	$7.80 to 1

*Includes out-of-state employment data. Does not include self-employment. ** See latest Net Impact Study

Basic Education for Adults

Services include literacy and math instruction for adults whose skills are at or below the eighth-grade level, GED Test Preparation, high school completion for adults who want to earn an adult high school diploma and ESL instruction. Students receiving both basic skills instruction and job training are included in the evaluation of the professional-technical training or worker retraining programs and not in the evaluation of basic skills instruction. Students receive basic skills instruction at community and technical colleges (98 percent) and other organizations such as libraries and community-based organizations (2 percent).

State Core Indicator Results

Employment Percentage of participants who were employed two quarters after leaving the program. *	35%
Earnings Median annualized earnings two quarters after leaving the program.	$30,700
Skills The program has not provided data for an aggregated measure of skills attainment.	N/A
Net Employment Effect Additional employment rate attributable to the workforce development program. **	3.4%
Net Participant Benefits Additional yearly earnings attributable to program participation (adjusted for benefits, taxes, and costs of participation). **	$2,500
10-Year Economic Impact Economy wide 10-Year net economic benefit provided by the workforce development program. **	$785 Million
10-Year Taxpayer Return on Investment Taxpayer's 10-Year net return from an investment in the workforce development program. **	$-0.60 to 1

*Includes out-of-state employment data. Does not include self-employment. ** See latest Net Impact Study

Community and Technical College (CTC) Professional-Technical Education

This training and education provide a vocational associate of arts degree or a vocational certificate.

State Core Indicator Results

Employment Percentage of participants in paid employment four quarters after leaving the program. Employment rate for just those that completed the program in parenthesis. *	76% (79%)
Earnings Median annualized earnings four quarters after leaving the program. Earnings for just those that completed the program in parenthesis.	$45,400 ($48,800)
Skills Percentage of participants who completed the program.	59%
Net Employment Effect Additional employment rate attributable to the workforce development program. **	4.2%
Net Participant Benefits Additional yearly earnings attributable to program participation (adjusted for benefits, taxes, and costs of participation). **	$17,200
10-Year Economic Impact Economy wide 10-Year net economic benefit provided by the workforce development program. **	$17 Billion
10-Year Taxpayer Return on Investment Taxpayer's 10-Year net return from an investment in the workforce development program. **	$2.20 to 1

*Includes out-of-state employment data. Does not include self-employment. **See latest Net Impact Study

Worker Retraining at Community and Technical Colleges

The Worker Retraining program provides dislocated workers and the long-term unemployed with access to job retraining for a new career. Program enrollments vary from year to year in response to layoffs. During recessions the need increases. The industries from which students are laid off also vary over time. While some students receive their training at private career schools, this evaluation is limited to training at the state’s 34 community and technical colleges. The colleges provide training in occupational skills and basic skills and literacy. Qualifying students may receive financial assistance to help with their tuition.

State Core Indicator Results

Employment Percentage of participants in paid employment four quarters after leaving the program. Employment rate for just those that completed the program in parenthesis. *	74% (75%)
Earnings Median annualized earnings four quarters after leaving the program. Earnings for just those that completed the program in parenthesis.	$48,800 ($51,800)
Skills Percentage of participants who completed the program.	67%
Net Employment Effect Additional employment rate attributable to the workforce development program. **	3.2%
Net Participant Benefits Additional yearly earnings attributable to program participation (adjusted for benefits, taxes, and costs of participation). **	$7,800
10-Year Economic Impact Economy wide 10-Year net economic benefit provided by the workforce development program. **	$299 Million
10-Year Taxpayer Return on Investment Taxpayer's 10-Year net return from an investment in the workforce development program. **	$2.90 to 1

*Includes out-of-state employment data. Does not include self-employment. **See latest Net Impact Study.

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

These services help eligible individuals with disabilities to become employed. Eligibility requires that the individual have a physical, mental, or sensory impairment that constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment and that they need DVR services to enter or retain employment.

State Core Indicator Results

Employment Percentage of participants in paid employment four quarters after leaving the program. *	56%
Earnings Median annualized earnings four quarters after leaving the program.	$17,000
Skills The program has not provided data for an aggregated measure of skills attainment.	N/A
Net Employment Effect Additional employment rate attributable to the workforce development program. **	6.8%
Net Participant Benefits Additional yearly earnings attributable to program participation (adjusted for benefits, taxes, and costs of participation). **	$2,600
10-Year Economic Impact Economy wide 10-Year net economic benefit provided by the workforce development program. **	$253 Million
10-Year Taxpayer Return on Investment Taxpayer's 10-Year net return from an investment in the workforce development program. **	$0.10 to 1

*Includes out-of-state employment data. Does not include self-employment. **See latest Net Impact Study.

Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)

These services include vocational rehabilitation services, counseling, training, and assistive technology to help participants achieve successful employment outcomes. To receive services, an individual must be legally blind or have a visual disability that causes an impediment to employment, and vocational rehabilitation services are required for the individual to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain employment.

State Core Indicator Results

Employment Percentage of participants in paid employment four quarters after leaving the program. *	40%
Earnings Median annualized earnings four quarters after leaving the program.	$32,100
Skills The program has not provided data for an aggregated measure of skills attainment.	N/A

*Includes out-of-state employment data. Does not include self-employment.

Private Career Schools

This training is provided by private colleges and schools for students intending to complete vocational certificates or degrees. The schools are licensed by the Workforce Board or, if they grant a degree, by the Washington Student Achievement Council.

State Core Indicator Results

Employment Percentage of participants in paid employment four quarters after leaving the program. Employment rate for just those that completed the program in parenthesis. *	76% (77%)
Earnings Median annualized earnings four quarters after leaving the program. Earnings for just those that completed the program in parenthesis.	$44,800 ($47,000)
Skills Percentage of participants who completed the program.	81%
Net Employment Effect Additional employment rate attributable to the workforce development program. **	3.0%
Net Participant Benefits Additional yearly earnings attributable to program participation (adjusted for benefits, taxes, and costs of participation). **	$8,800
10-Year Economic Impact Economy wide 10-Year net economic benefit provided by the workforce development program. **	$1.6 billion
10-Year Taxpayer Return on Investment Taxpayer's 10-Year net return from an investment in the workforce development program. **	N/A

*Includes out-of-state employment data. Does not include self-employment. **See latest Net Impact Study.

Secondary Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Career and technical education help prepare students for successful roles in families, careers, and communities. Programs are designed to develop the skills, understanding, and attitudes needed by workers in their occupations. Instructional programs organized within career pathways include agriculture, family and consumer sciences, trade and industry, marketing education, business education, diversified occupations, technology education, cosmetology, health education, and others.

State Core Indicator Results

Employment or Further Education Percentage of participants who were employed or continued their education two quarters after leaving the program. *	76%
Earnings Median annualized earnings two quarters after leaving the program (only for those not in continuing education).*	$22,700
Skills The participants here are all concentrators. The program has not provided data for an aggregated measure of skills attainment beyond this.	N/A

*Includes only in-state employment data. Does not include data on self-employment.

WorkFirst

Washington’s welfare-to-work program is based on the 1996 federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) welfare reform legislation. The aim of WorkFirst is to help low-income families become self-sufficient by providing training and support services necessary for parents to get a job, keep a job, and move up a career ladder. This study is limited to WorkFirst participants who enrolled in an employment or training component.

State Core Indicator Results

Employment Percentage of participants in paid employment four quarters after leaving the program. *	57%
Earnings Median annualized earnings four quarters after leaving the program.	$28,300
Skills The program has not provided data for an aggregated measure of skills attainment.	N/A
Net Employment Effect Additional employment rate attributable to the workforce development program. **	-0.4%
Net Participant Benefits Additional yearly earnings attributable to program participation (adjusted for benefits, taxes, and costs of participation). **	$2,400
10-Year Economic Impact Economy wide 10-Year net economic benefit provided by the workforce development program. **	$95 Million
10-Year Taxpayer Return on Investment Taxpayer's 10-Year net return from an investment in the workforce development program. **	$-0.30 to 1

*Includes out-of-state employment data. Does not include self-employment. **See latest Net Impact Study.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I-B Adult Program

The WIOA Adult program prepares individuals for employment by providing core services, access to job training, and other services. Core services, which are available to all adults, include skill assessment, labor market information, consumer reports on training programs, and job search and placement assistance. Intensive services are available for eligible adults unable to obtain jobs through core services alone. Priority is given to welfare and low-income clients. Services may include more intensive assessments, individual counseling, employment planning, and prevocational training. WIOA Title I may also pay for vocational training. The state’s Employment Security Department administers the program. The 12 regional Workforce Development Councils oversee WIOA activities in local areas.

State Core Indicator Results

Employment Percentage of participants in paid employment four quarters after leaving the program. *	70%
Earnings Median annualized earnings four quarters after leaving the program.	$45,200
Skills Percentage of participants who obtained an appropriate credential.	70%
Net Employment Effect Additional employment rate attributable to the workforce development program. **	1.2%
Net Participant Benefits Additional yearly earnings attributable to program participation (adjusted for benefits, taxes, and costs of participation). **	$4,700
10-Year Economic Impact Economy wide 10-Year net economic benefit provided by the workforce development program. **	$309 Million
10-Year Taxpayer Return on Investment Taxpayer's 10-Year net return from an investment in the workforce development program. **	$7 to 1

*Includes out-of-state employment data. Does not include self-employment. **See latest Net Impact Study.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I-B Youth Program

The WIOA Youth Program prepares youth for academic and employment success. To receive services, youth must be 14 through 24 years old, low income, and meet other criteria such as needing assistance to complete an educational program or secure and hold employment. The state Employment Security Department administers the program at the state level. The 12 regional Workforce Development Councils oversee WIOA activities in local areas. Local youth councils assist with the program.

State Core Indicator Results

Employment or Further Education Percentage of participants who were employed or continued their education a year after leaving the program. *	68%
Earnings Median annualized earnings four quarters after leaving the program (only for those not in continuing education). *	$22,100
Skills Percentage of participants who obtained an appropriate credential.	85%
Net Employment Effect Additional employment rate attributable to the workforce development program. **	1.8%
Net Participant Benefits Additional yearly earnings attributable to program participation (adjusted for benefits, taxes, and costs of participation). **	$900
10-Year Economic Impact Economy wide 10-Year net economic benefit provided by the workforce development program. **	$16 Million
10-Year Taxpayer Return on Investment Taxpayer's 10-Year net return from an investment in the workforce development program. **	$-0.7 to 1

*Includes out-of-state employment data. Does not include self-employment. **See latest Net Impact Study.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I-B Program for Dislocated Workers

The WIOA Dislocated Worker program provides employment and training services; and establishes early intervention for workers and firms facing substantial layoffs. In general, dislocated workers are people who lost jobs due to plant closures, company downsizing, or some other significant change in market conditions. In most cases, participants must be unlikely to return to their occupation, and must be eligible for (or have exhausted) unemployment compensation. The 12 regional Workforce Development Councils oversee WIOA activities in local areas.

State Core Indicator Results

Employment Percentage of participants who were employed four quarters after leaving the program. *	72%
Earnings Median annualized earnings four quarters after leaving the program	$47,300
Skills Percentage of participants who obtained an appropriate credential.	67%
Net Employment Effect Additional employment rate attributable to the workforce development program. **	6.7%
Net Participant Benefits Additional yearly earnings attributable to program participation (adjusted for benefits, taxes, and costs of participation). **	$3,100
10-Year Economic Impact Economy wide 10-Year net economic benefit provided by the workforce development program. **	$197 Million
10-Year Taxpayer Return on Investment Taxpayer's 10-Year net return from an investment in the workforce development program. **	$4.6 to 1

*Includes out-of-state employment data. Does not include self-employment. **See latest Net Impact Study.