Washington Workforce Development News
Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
November 8, 2022
WORKFORCE BOARD MEETS TOMORROW NEAR SEATTLE
Washington’s Workforce Board is holding its first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic at the Washington Workforce Association conference near Seattle on Wednesday. The half-day meeting, which starts at 9 a.m. and runs to noon, is at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in the Evergreen Room (second floor). Participants can also attend the meeting remotely. TVW is also covering it. The meeting helps kick off the statewide planning process for Washington’s strategic workforce plan, Talent and Prosperity for All (TAP). Workforce Board staff will also be available at the conference to talk with frontline workforce professionals about their views of the current workforce plan and what changes they’d like to see going forward. More meeting details: https://bit.ly/3t6bINF
FAFSA OPENS: ENCOURAGE WA STUDENTS TO APPLY
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened on Oct. 1. Students nationwide are applying for aid that might support their college education or career training. Many students in Washington state are missing out - the state has the third-lowest FAFSA completion rate in the country. About $50 million in federal aid has been left on the table by Washington students that never filed a FAFSA. To catch up, the Washington Student Achievement Council has launched several marketing campaigns to get the word out: there's money available, and you must file your FAFSA to get it. Washington has some of the most generous student aid programs in the country. Low- and middle-income families often discover college costs are either completely or significantly covered after aid. State programs also support students that choose technical education or apprenticeships. Learn more: https://wsac.wa.gov/apply
GOVERNOR’S COMMITTEE HONORS EMPLOYERS WHO HIRE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Six public and private employers have been honored for their exemplary work recruiting, hiring, retaining, and advancing workers with disabilities. Two individuals were also recognized for their commitment and dedication to improving the lives of those with disabilities. Washington’s Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment hosted its 30th annual Employer Awards Program on Oct. 21. Recipients included: Walgreens, Sedro-Woolley - Youth Employer of the Year Award; Spectrum Studios, Kennewick - Small Nonprofit Employer of the Year Award; Seattle Children’s Hospital - Large Nonprofit Employer of the Year Award; Restoration Management Company, Kent - Small Private Employer of the Year Award; JCPenney, Marysville - Medium Private Employer of the Year Award; ABM Business & Industry, Seattle - Large Private Employer of the Year Award. More about the committee and the awards: https://esd.wa.gov/GCDE
SPOKANE WORKFORCE COUNCIL RECEIVES $2M IN CHILDCARE FUNDING
The Spokane Workforce Council was recently provided with $2 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to develop and implement a comprehensive program to support middle-income families struggling with childcare costs and the childcare industry experiencing challenges hiring and retaining workers. Stabilizing the region’s childcare industry is crucial to continued economic recovery after the pandemic and will also help grow the regional workforce. During the pandemic, thousands of parents left the workforce to care for children and are struggling to return. More: https://bit.ly/3EfVojG