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OLYMPIA – The Employment Security Department is proud to pay tribute to a month-long celebration of the significant effect workforce development programs have in Washington.
September marks the 20th anniversary of National Workforce Development Month. Workforce development programs play a key role in:
- Building our economy.
- Creating a pipeline to quality jobs.
- Supporting underserved communities.
The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) created Workforce Development Month in 2005. The organization aimed to bring together business, labor, education and other critical partners to showcase the impact workforce programs have on the American workforce.
Employment Security is one of many agencies and organizations that serve Washington’s workforce, which includes people who are either working or looking for work. Using the agency’s core values of access, love, belonging, equity and stewardship, Employment Security contributes to healthy communities by aiming to provide people equitable access to resources that improve economic security.
“We are proud to be among the many partners that make up the workforce system,” Employment Security Commissioner Cami Feek said. “Workforce Development Month gives us an opportunity to spotlight this vital partnership, as well as our role supporting Washington’s workforce.”
Washington’s workforce development system
In Washington, a key part of our workforce development system is called WorkSource. It’s a statewide partnership of state, local and nonprofit agencies. A network of WorkSource offices across the state provide employment and training services to job seekers and employers. Learn more on the WorkSource website.
In addition to Employment Security, the WorkSource system includes:
- Local workforce development boards, represented by the Washington Workforce Association. Find a local workforce development board in your area at the Washington Workforce website.
- The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board. Check out the board’s website.
- Other state agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations and community based groups that make up a collaborative network that delivers employment, training and support services across Washington state.
Regional partnerships make each WorkSource office unique. They cater to local customers – job seekers and employers – with hiring events and training programs.
The Washington Workforce Association is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization made up of 12 local workforce development boards. Those boards aim to advance the economic health of their communities through a skilled workforce. Learn more about the Washington Workforce Association on its website.
Employment Security provides unemployment and paid family and medical leave benefits to eligible claimants, detailed labor market information and analysis, and more. Learn about benefits and check out labor market information on the Employment Security website.
Washington’s Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, made up of nine governor-appointed members, advises the governor and state Legislature on workforce development policy. It makes sure the state’s workforce services and programs work together and it evaluates their performance.
“Employment Security works closely with each of these partners to make sure we’re all there for our customers’ needs,” Feek said. “By working closely with one another, we can ensure we’re all best equipped to meet people where they are.”
