Washington's Workforce Development System

Washington state’s workforce development system is a network of services, programs, and investments with a shared goal of improving the skills of the state’s workforce.

These programs help people become employed, re-enter the workforce, or move ahead in their careers.
The programs cover a broad territory beginning with high school and reaching through apprenticeships, certificate programs and college but stops short of a four-year degree. With 40 percent of all jobs requiring more than a high school diploma but not requiring a four-year college degree, these programs have the potential to change lives and lift the state economy at the same time.

At the state level, the Workforce Board, through a legislatively required process, coordinates 18 programs administered by seven agencies. Every two years, the Workforce Board develops a state strategic plan to address state needs. The Board reports to the Legislature every year on the progress of this plan.

At the local level, Washington's 12 Workforce Development Councils, in consultation with their chief local elected officials, direct WIA Title I-B activities, provide outreach to employers, and oversees the WorkSource system, the state's one-stop access to employment services. Each council develops a regional strategic plan assessing local employment to coordinate workforce development activities throughout the state using economic development strategies tailored to local communities.

Workforce Development Directory

Organization	Program	Funding
State Board for Community and Technical Colleges	Postsecondary Technical Education Adult Basic Education Worker Retraining Program Volunteer Literacy Program Job Skills Program Customized Training Program	$ 275,753,182 $ 99,665,197 $ 35,259,100 $ 432,573 $ 2,725,000 $ 3,075,000
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction	Secondary Career and Technical Education Even Start Family Literacy Program	$ 294,466,558 $ 1,068,070
Employment Security Department	WIA, Title I-B Dislocated Worker Program WIA, Title I-B Adult Training Programs WIA, Title I-B Youth Activities Programs Training Benefits Program Wagner-Peyser	$ 24,920,842 $ 17,601,075 $ 20,232,310 $20,000,000 $ 14,784,734
Department of Social and Health Services	Division of Vocational Rehabilitation	$ 54,096,000
Department of Services for the Blind	Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind	$ 11,191,420
Department of Labor and Industries	Apprenticeship	$ 1,375,004
Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board	Carl D. Perkins Technical Education Private Vocational School Act	$ 1,174,232 $ 225,770
Total Public Funds		$ 878,046,067

 

ADMINISTERING AGENCY	STATE FUNDS	FEDERAL FUNDS	AGENCY TOTAL
State Board for Community and Technical Colleges	$393,411,188 .	$23,498,864	.$416,910,052
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction	284,408,480	11,126,148	295,534,628
Employment Security Department	20,000,000	77,538,961	97,538,961
Department of Social and Health Services	11,900,000	42,196,000	54,096,000
Department of Services for the Blind	2,361,480	8,829,940	11,191,420
Workforce Board	768,116	631,886	1,400,002
Department of Labor and Industries	1,375,004	0	1,375,004