(360) 709-4600 workforce@wtb.wa.gov

Governor names Maddy Thompson Workforce Board acting director

Maddy Thompson has been appointed acting executive director of the Workforce Board.

Thompson has broad policy and public affairs experience and deep knowledge of the workforce, education and higher education systems. She has worked in leadership positions in the executive and legislative branches. She most recently served as the board’s director of policy, strategy and research.

“The Workforce Board’s research and policy development support a strong business climate and living wage jobs throughout Washington,” Thompson said. “I look forward to working with lawmakers, board members and partners across the state to create strategies that help students, workers, and employers succeed.”

Expert research and policy analysis

Workforce Board staff provide expert testimony to a variety of legislative committees. Examples include the latest research on Washington’s clean energy workforce, and more.

Workforce Board, partners make progress on coordinated service delivery for job seekers

A project to help job seekers find employment and services more efficiently is making significant progress, Workforce Board officials report. 

Several early milestones have been reached in the No Wrong Door project, which aims to create a new and unified way for job seekers to access Washington’s workforce system.

Workforce Pell represents progress for both workers and employers

A new federal student aid program is a major win for both workers and employers, the Workforce Board’s Marina Parr told lawmakers Thursday.

Workforce Pell grants were approved by Congress and signed into law earlier this year. The grants are intended as financial aid for students enrolled in short-term programs that lead to in-demand jobs.

“Workers need shorter pathways to get the skills they need to give them the momentum in the marketplace,” Parr, director of workforce system advancement, told the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee.

Washington's workforce plan

Talent and Prosperity for All (TAP) is Washington’s strategic workforce plan. The plan supports employer needs for skilled workers and living wage jobs in all communities. The Workforce Board develops and oversees the implementation of the state’s strategic workforce plan.

 

New and improved Career Bridge launches

CareerBridge.wa.gov is an award-winning website created and managed by the Workforce Board, featuring more than 6,500 Washington education programs all in one place. CareerBridge includes detailed program costs and schedules, what graduates earn, how to pay for school and which fields are expanding in the coming years. Learn more!

2026 Workforce Board meetings
    • Special meeting: Friday, Feb. 20
    • Friday, April 3
    • Board Retreat, Monday, May 11-Tuesday, May 12
    • Friday, July 10
    • Wednesday, Aug. 26
    • Wednesday, Oct. 28
    • Tentative: Thursday, Dec. 10
Find the latest research on Washington’s workforce 

The Workorce Board’s research and policy teams produce a variety of reports on the clean energy workforce, employer needs, what jobs are in demand and much more. Learn more.

Find Education and Careers

Explore careers, compare WA higher education program outcomes, more!

Order the Career Guide Today

Our Where Are You Going? career guides are free and ship anywhere in the state. Please note, orders are limited at this time.

Contact Us

Our office is operating in a hybrid model. To request records, schedule a meeting or for more information, please contact our staff.

2025 Workforce Development Poster

Check out the Matrix, our at-a-glance summary of Washington’s key workforce development programs.

Talent and Prosperity for All

Learn about outreach and updates to Washington’s workforce development plan, Talent and Prosperity for All (TAP).

Upcoming Events


Feb. 20, 2026
Workforce Board meeting

 

                     

Resources


Board Meetings & Materials

Learn more about the Workforce Board’s work and get meeting dates and materials.

Career Bridge

Career Bridge is Washington’s one-stop source for career and education planning.

Closed School Transcripts

The Workforce Board holds transcripts from many of Washington’s closed private career schools. Former students may request copies free of charge.

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