Review of Workforce Development System

In a March 14 letter, Governor Chris Gregoire asked the Workforce Board to conduct a study of Washington State's workforce development system "...to identify ways in which our workforce development system can be improved to better serve our citizens and meet the needs of employers." Survey data was presented to the Board in early August. A draft report has been issued for review, along with the state's strategic plan for workforce development High Skills, High Wages. Both will be presented for public input in October.

Public Forums for High Skills, High Wages and the Workforce Development System Review Recommendations

High Skills, High Wages 2006, Washington's Strategic Plan for Workforce Development -- DRAFT

Recommendations from the Workforce Development System Review, a comprehensive study of the workforce development system mandated by the 2006 Legislature -- DRAFT

October 10 - 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Weyerhauser Room, Everett Train Station, 3201 Smith Ave., Everett, WA 98201

October 11 - 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Anthon Room, Yakima Valley Community College, 16th & Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima, WA 98902

October 12 - 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Center Place, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA 99216

October 17 - 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Heritage Room F, Vancouver Hilton, 301 W. 6th St., Vancouver, WA 98660

October 18 - 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Bates South Campus, 2201 S. 78th St., Tacoma, WA 98409

How to Comment:
You can offer comment by testifying at a public forum in your region. Comments may also be submitted using a survey form. Download the survey form (Word document), fill it out and email it to Barbara Mix at bmix@wtb.wa.gov.

In addition, written comments on the plans will be accepted until October 23, 2006 and may be submitted to:

Wes Pruitt, Policy Analyst
PO Box 43105, Olympia, WA 98504-3105
(360)586-1652 or wpruitt@wtb.wa.gov

Background materials:

WorkSource Integration:
WorkSource Integration: PowerPoint and report
Participant Overlap: PowerPoint and report

Workforce Education Access and Retention:
Literature Review
Access and Completion: Staff Survey/Participant Survey
Traditional Student Financial Aid: PowerPoint and report
Financial Aid through Workforce Programs

State Workforce System Structure: PowerPoint and report