About the Workforce Board
The Workforce Board consists of nine Governor-appointed voting members from business, labor, and government. Non-voting members also participate. The Board advises the Governor and Legislature on workforce development policy, ensures the state’s workforce services and programs work together, and evaluates the performance of Washington’s key workforce programs. Review the Workforce Board’s Bylaws here (PDF).
Workforce Board Resources
Key Components of the Workforce Board’s Work
1) Business and Labor guide the Workforce Board.
Two-thirds of voting seats are held equally by business and labor representatives. Remaining seats are held by major service providers. This means customers have a direct, influential voice in all decision-making. With business and labor at the table, we get a real-world view of our challenges and opportunities–and take action on them.
2) We serve the workforce system customers.
Our workforce customers have a broad range of ages, abilities, and backgrounds–from high school students who require relevant, applied learning to stay in school, to low-skilled working adults who need more education to earn a living wage, to the recently laid off retooling for new careers. We advocate for lifelong learning so all workers become better educated and better skilled–keeping our workforce, and our state, competitive.
3) We oversee workforce programs statewide.
4) We monitor progress and build relationships.
Researchers, policy analysts and managers prepare and analyze our detailed reports on everything from worker skill gaps to how effectively our state’s programs train workers to fill jobs. Staff members have expertise in a wide range of disciplines, but specialize in outreach and building partnerships.