We want everyone to have access to high-quality training programs. These programs should open doors to good jobs with career pathways. We’ve joined forces with Jobs for the Future (JFF) and the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) to figure out what changes we need to make the U.S. workforce training system better for everyone. Especially, to center racial equity and job quality within the needs of both today’s job market and what’s expected in the future.
Read MoreA $500 monthly boost led to significant employment growth, enhanced savings, improved debt management, and better quality of life for diverse King County residents facing poverty. The Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Pilot, designed by the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) and independently evaluated by Applied Inference, showed promising outcomes over its 10-month course.
Read MoreThe Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) is proud to present the draft of the Seattle-King County WIOA Local Plan for the years 2024-2028. This plan is a testament to our steadfast commitment to transforming the regional workforce development system with racial equity at the center.
The WDC’s plan responds to the clear mandate set forth by the local community and leadership. It provides a robust framework for understanding and addressing racism and inequity, grounding action in the rich historical context of the region and the lived experiences of its residents. This comprehensive four-year plan outlines our vision, goals, and strategies to enhance the regional workforce system, address labor market conditions, and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Read MoreThe passage of SB 5236, HB 1451, and HB 1525 represents significant achievements in advancing the WDC's policy priorities. These legislative victories highlight the commitment of Washington state to foster job quality, support workforce development, and address critical issues in healthcare, childcare, and apprenticeship programs. The impact of these bills will be felt across Seattle-King County and beyond.
Read More"We have seen great wealth generation in this city. But we have been gutting middle-class jobs and excluding people of color," says Marie Kurose, executive director of the Seattle- King County Workforce Development Council (WDC), the backbone of the many programs that train and place people in jobs. She adds, "Marginalized people have not been reaping the benefits of this economic growth."
Read MoreMore than one-fourth of Washington's working-age households struggle to meet their basic needs, according to a report released September 26th, 2023 by the University of Washington Center for Women's Welfare. The report shows that an alarming 28% of working-age households struggle to meet their basic needs, a significant rise from 22% in 2019, showing the profound economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The problem, though pervasive across the state, is most pronounced in eastern Washington and the Olympic Peninsula, with some counties reporting 40% of households battling to cover basic needs.
Read MoreSeattle, WA (February 23, 2023) – The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) has awarded $650,000 to twelve community-based organizations to support coordinated services to improve digital equity in the Seattle-King County region. The grant, funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, will amplify community access to affordable internet, devices, and digital skills training.
Read MoreThe Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) is thrilled to embark on our WorkSource Site Certification process for current sites. The purpose of this post is to provide supporting documents and the process timeline for reference along the way. WorkSource Site Certification criteria is based on the Washington State Employment Security Department's One Stop Evaluation and Certification Policy.
Read MoreA new data tool demonstrates the significant gap between racial inequality in King County as compared with state and national averages. Although the region boasts relatively high incomes, this prosperity is concentrated among the White population. The data represents the first phase of “Workforce Dynamics,” a new economic and social visualization project produced by the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC). The project offers detailed and disaggregated data visualizations, with initial focus on Place and Income.
Read MoreNeighborhood House received $275,000 in Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding thanks to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. This new investment is part of an additional $4.1 million in federal funding for key projects Congresswoman Jayapal secured for our region.
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