Two policies of the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA), regarding Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) and Supportive Services, have been released for public comment.
Please send comments to info@seakingwdc.org by Monday, December 5th.
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The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (the Opportunity Act) was signed by President Obama on July 22, 2014 after passing Congress with broad bipartisan support. The Opportunity Act reauthorizes and amends the Workforce Investment Act (1998) through important workforce system reforms.
The Opportunity Act empowers local areas and private sector-led workforce boards with the responsibility of developing a strategic, integrated plan that supports economic growth and labor force needs intended to grow the capacity and performance of the workforce system. Local Workforce Development Boards are required to develop a four-year plan that describes the strategies, programs, and activities they will carry out to implement the Opportunity Act.
The WDC has developed an action plan for Program Years 2016-2020 based on considerations of local workforce needs and thoughtful contributions from partners and stakeholders. The goals and objectives identified entail collaboration across the full span of the workforce development system and utilize the breadth of the system’s assets and expertise.
After many months of planning and community engagement, we are proud to present to you the 2016-2020 Seattle-King County Workforce Development Plan. The WDC welcomes comments and input. Per the guidelines, the plan will be available for public comment until noon on May 31, 2016.
Please click here to view the plan.
Please email comments or questions with your contact information to hmello@seakingwdc.org by the May 31, 2016 deadline.
National Association of Workforce Boards chooses local workforce board as Trailblazer Award winner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 27, 2016
Seattle, Wash. – The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) has been selected to receive the first Trailblazer Award from the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). Out of the 550 Workforce Investment Boards nationwide, the WDC is being recognized for outstanding practice in planning for and implementing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
The WDC will be honored at NAWB’s Annual Forum in Washington D.C. March 12-15, 2016 as the local board that has made the most progress in adopting the changes envisioned in WIOA and expanding its ability to develop comprehensive workforce solutions for its community.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the detailed research and extensive community participation in implementing WIOA locally,” says Marléna Sessions, chief executive officer of the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County. “Through sector panels, industry partnerships with local colleges, extensive labor market data, and innovation within the WorkSource Seattle-King County one-stop system, we can pull together all of the pieces necessary to drive the job economy in our area.”
In 2014, President Obama signed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, passing with bipartisan support to create more jobs and increase the skilled labor force across the country from within regional economies. WIOA aims to drive workforce solutions from the local level, looking at business needs and connecting opportunities for worker skill development and providing accessible, one-stop resources to job seekers.
NAWB’s WIOA Trailblazer recognition is a new award focused on implementation of national workforce legislation measuring progress in eight areas: Strategic Planning, Integrated Planning, Sector Initiatives, Governance, One-Stop Services, Business Services, Career Pathways, and Integrated Program Delivery.
Among the many milestones achieved in the area of WIOA implementation, the WDC has hosted community forums to gather input on the WorkSource system; addressed its governance through board appointments that represent a cross section of private sector, labor, adult education, higher education, and economic development; and made strides in improving business services and defining career pathways.
“In preparation for implementing WIOA in Seattle-King County, the WDC hosted multiple community forums to gather community input addressing some of the opportunities presented by the Act,” says Tom Peterson, WDC board chair. “Collaboration and participation from these key players helps the WDC bring employers, jobseekers, youth, educators, labor groups and other nonprofits together to find—and fund—solutions to workforce gaps in new ways.”
For more about the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) visit www.nawb.org, and read their official announcement of the Trailblazer Award winner online.
Information about WIOA in Seattle-King County, can be seen at www.seakingwdc.org/wioa. For more about the Workforce Development Council, job seeker programs and workforce initiatives, visit www.seakingwdc.org or call (206) 448-0474.
The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County is a nonprofit organization that oversees employment-related programs for youth, the adult workforce and employers in King County, with the goal of a strong economy and self-sufficiency for every resident.
Media Contact
Sarah Chavez
Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County
schavez@seakingwdc.org
206-448-0474 x 3014
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The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) is a nonprofit workforce think-tank and grant-making organization whose mission is to support a strong economy and the ability of each person to achieve self-sufficiency. We work throughout the community, bringing employers, jobseekers, youth, educators, labor groups and other nonprofits together to find—and fund—solutions to workforce gaps.
Want to help develop the Seattle-King County workforce and help our local economy thrive? Donate to the work of the Workforce Development Council!
The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Telecommunications Relay Service 7-1-1.
