Washington Workforce Development News
Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
November 6, 2023
WORKFORCE BOARD MEETS TOMORROW TO DISCUSS NEXT STEPS FOR STATE WORKFORCE PLAN
The Workforce Board will meet in person from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7, on next steps—along with progress made—in updating the state’s strategic workforce plan, Talent and Prosperity for All (TAP). As a great example of TAP in action, representatives from the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs and the state’s Employment Security Department will present on how they’ve worked together to better deliver services to veterans and transitioning service members. The Board will also consider legislative endorsements for the 2024 session. Meeting details: https://wtb.wa.gov/workforce-board/board-meetings-agendas/
TAP SURVEY: WHAT’S WORKING, WHAT’S NOT IN WA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Workforce development professionals, have we got a survey for you! We’re asking about Washington’s workforce development system as we—along with partners and stakeholders—update Talent and Prosperity for All (TAP), our state’s strategic plan for workforce development. Already, we’ve received nearly 150 responses. This survey is aimed at workforce development folks, along with system customers—both jobseekers and businesses. Take the survey today! Then pass it on. https://tinyurl.com/2p8x9tcj
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD OPEN FOR WASHINGTON BROADBAND EQUITY
The Washington State Broadband Office has opened the public comment period for Washington’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) Volume II. The public comment period ends on November 30. Volume II details the initial proposal's planning and sub-grantee selection process, and other requirements associated with using BEAD funding. The BEAD program is focused on helping more Americans get online through funding partnerships that build needed infrastructure and increase high-speed internet adoption. Washington will receive more than $1.2 billion in federal funds. More: https://tinyurl.com/5dweemfk
GOVERNOR’S COMMITTEE HONORS EMPLOYERS WHO HIRE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
The Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment (GCDE) honored 10 employers earlier last month for their exemplary work recruiting, hiring, retaining, and advancing workers with disabilities. The committee also recognized two individuals for their commitment and dedication to improve the lives of those with disabilities. More details: https://esd.wa.gov/gcde/projects/awards
WE’RE HIRING A CAREER BRIDGE IT SPECIALIST
The Workforce Board is hiring an IT Application Development – Journey-Level, to oversee the improvement and daily operations of the state’s public-facing career and education portal www.CareerBridge.wa.gov. This two-year project position, which we hope to extend if funding is available, runs through the summer of 2025. This project gives you the chance to demonstrate your IT and project management skills on a website that has gained national attention for providing Washington students and jobseekers with a “consumer report card” for thousands of postsecondary education and training programs so they can make informed career and education decisions. The site, nearly 15 years old, is in the middle of a substantial technical upgrade that will lead to a more dynamic user experience and reach more areas of the state, along with diverse and underserved populations, through a new, mobile-friendly design. The position closes Nov. 20. More: https://wtb.wa.gov/about-us/employment/
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