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 stop 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 17 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 Job Skills Program Customized Training Program	$ 266,260,521 $ 104,843,431 35,259,100 $ 2,725,000 $ 175,000
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction	Secondary Career and Technical Education Even Start Family Literacy Program	$351,505,124 $ 852,779
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	$ 21,181,897 $ 16,872,727 $ 18,236,698 $20,000,000 $ 14,623,623
Department of Social and Health Services	Division of Vocational Rehabilitation	$ 57,433,475
Department of Services for the Blind	Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind	$ 9,699,162
Department of Labor and Industries	Apprenticeship	$ 1,366,850
Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board	Carl D. Perkins Technical Education Private Vocational School Act	$ 1,148,072 $ 208,000
Total Public Funds		$922,391,459

 

ADMINISTERING AGENCY	STATE FUNDS	FEDERAL FUNDS	AGENCY TOTAL
State Board for Community and Technical Colleges	$386,796,100	$22,466,952	$409,263,052
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction	341,941,000	10,416,903	352,357,903
Employment Security Department	20,000,000	70,914,945	90,914,945
Department of Social and Health Services	12,233,330	45,200,145	57,433,475
Department of Services for the Blind	1,722,666	7,976,496	9,699,162
Workforce Board	724,185*	631,887	1,356,072
Department of Labor and Industries	1,366,850	0	1,366,850

*Perkins state match and Private Career College license fees.