Chelsea Mason-Placek of the Washington State Labor Council and Ingrid Stegemoeller of the Washington Roundtable co-present at the June 26 Workforce Board meeting.

July News

TOP NEWS

Industry engagement takes center stage

Industry partnerships were a key focus at the Workforce Board's June 26 meeting. Representatives from the Washington Roundtable and the Washington State Labor Council presented their jointly developed recommendations for implementing Workforce Pell in Washington, emphasizing quality, accountability, employer engagement, and strong workforce outcomes while reinforcing proven pathways such as registered apprenticeship. The meeting also featured the Washington Roundtable's landscape analysis of industry engagement, highlighting how stronger employer partnerships can help shape workforce policy and better align education and training with Washington's workforce needs. Watch the presentations and access the meeting materials and TVW recording on our Board meeting page.

New report highlights lessons from Washington's apprenticeship expansion

The Workforce Board has released a new evaluation of the Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) grant, managed by the Employment Security Department and Career Connect Washington. Based on interviews and focus groups with apprentices, employers, and program builders, the report explores what's working, what's getting in the way, and how Washington can continue to strengthen apprenticeship opportunities. The findings offer practical recommendations to expand access, support employers, and build a stronger workforce.

Career Bridge adds new tools for counselors

Career Bridge continues to roll out new features that make career and education planning easier for Washingtonians. The latest update includes a collaboration portfolio that allows high school and WorkSource counselors to work with students and job seekers on career exploration, save progress, and track goals in one place. Step-by-step guides for setting up accounts and using the new collaboration tools will be available soon. Career Bridge now attracts more than 140,000 page views each month, connecting people with education, training, and career opportunities across Washington.

Amy Martinez joins Workforce Board

The Workforce Board welcomes Amy Martinez as its newest board member. Martinez is CEO of the South Central Workforce Development Council, which serves Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima counties. Martinez has led innovative workforce initiatives, expanded registered apprenticeship opportunities, and strengthened partnerships between business, education, and community leaders to meet regional workforce needs.

OTHER NEWS

Salary negotiation guide helps Washington workers advocate for fair pay

The Washington State Women’s Commission has released a Salary Negotiation Guide to help workers prepare for job offers, negotiate pay with confidence, and better understand their market value. The resource complements the Workforce Board’s draft Job Quality Framework, which identifies fair and transparent compensation as a key component of quality jobs and long-term economic mobility.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

See you at WA-ACTE summer conference in Spokane

The Washington Association for Career and Technical Education (WA-ACTE) is holding its summer conference Aug. 1-5 in Spokane. Workforce Board staffers will be there, running a booth, engaging with CTE teachers and administrators, and providing several presentations. They include a presentation that highlights new features of our newly redesigned Career Bridge career and education platform, along with an interactive session that focuses on expanding youth access to healthcare work. The Workforce Board is also a conference sponsor. More: https://www.wa-acte.org/summer.

Summertime, and the living is easy…well, maybe after you clear your inbox. We hope you have time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the season.

We'd love to hear from you! Seriously! Email me at marina.parr@wtb.wa.gov. Keep those cards and letters coming...:-)

Marina Parr
Director of Workforce System Advancement