Washington Workforce Development News

Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
August 5, 2021

WORKFORCE BOARD MEETS AUGUST 18 TO TAKE ACTION ON LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS
The Workforce Board will consider several policy ideas to advance as part of a 2022 legislative agenda at a virtual meeting Aug. 18 that runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The proposed ideas include modernizing the Workforce Board’s CareerBridge.wa.gov website to make it mobile-friendly and aligned with high school planning requirements, respond to equity and access challenges in the IT sector, and integrate service delivery and enhance incumbent worker training as part of a next generation workforce system, among other topics. More details coming soon: https://bit.ly/3rROBoD

GOVERNOR’S COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ISSUES SEEKS EMPLOYER NOMINATIONS
The Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment is seeking nominations for the 2021 Washington State Governor’s Employer Awards, which recognize excellence in recruiting, hiring, and advancing employees with disabilities. The awards are presented as part of national Disability Employment Awareness Month. Deadline to submit is August 31. More details: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J33BFJ9

WORKFORCE OVERSIGHT BOARD MEETS NEXT WEDNESDAY
The state’s Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board (WEIAOB), staffed by the Workforce Board, will meet (virtually) Wednesday, Aug. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon. The Board is expected to finalize an accountability framework and dashboard at the meeting. Get more details soon at: https://bit.ly/37iz8V9

SMALL BUSINESS FLEX FUND PROVIDES PANDEMIC SUPPORT
The Small Business Flex Fund, supported by the state’s Department of Commerce, is a new resource aimed at small businesses and nonprofits to help them gain access to flexible working capital loans, low interest rates, and repayment timelines that stretch to five years and beyond. Eligible small businesses can borrow up to $150,000. More details: https://smallbusinessflexfund.org/

SEE YOU AT WA-ACTE SUMMER CONFERENCE IN SPOKANE!
Workforce Board Communications Director Marina Parr will provide a Career Bridge presentation and hand out cool (free!) education and career resources at the Workforce Board’s booth as part of the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education summer conference. This year’s conference is both onsite and online. It kicks off this Sunday in Spokane, and runs through Wednesday, Aug. 11. Stop by the booth or say “hi” virtually. More: https://www.wa-acte.org/summer

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