Making Quality Training Accessible to Everyone
We want everyone to have access to high-quality training programs. These programs should open doors to good jobs with career pathways. We’ve joined forces with Jobs for the Future (JFF) and the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) to figure out what changes we need to make the U.S. workforce training system better for everyone. Especially, to center racial equity and job quality within the needs of both today’s job market and what’s expected in the future.
Our recommendations aim to leverage the whole workforce development system while making training programs more locally responsive and data-driven.
Who Helps Create These Training Programs?
Creating successful training programs is a team effort. It involves:
Governments (i.e. the funders), federal, state, and local;
Training providers (like community colleges and community-based organizations), who provide degrees, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and other types of credentials; and
Employers, who ensure these programs lead to real jobs where the skills learned are valuable and relevant.
These groups must work closely and share their goals to create effective training that leads to job opportunities.
What are Eligible Training Provider Lists?
In Washington State, there’s a special list called the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). This list helps decide which training programs get public funding. You can find more about this on our website, including links to resources that explain it further: Eligible Training Occupations.
How Can We Improve?
Workforce Transformation Policy Council National Partners
Together with the Workforce Transformation Policy Council, we’ve put forward some ideas for federal policies that can make big improvements to the way we do workforce training. These ideas are all about making sure training helps people move up in their careers.
Here’s a quick overview of our main suggestions:
Expand what we mean by training: Include skills like digital and financial literacy, business communications, problem-solving, and other skills essential for success in today's workplace.
Invest more in pathway programs: These programs help people build on their skills over time, through credentials that are recognized and valued across different jobs.
Give people clear information: Share data and success stories about training programs in a way that's easy to understand, helping people make informed choices about their education.
Make things easier for training providers: Less paperwork means training providers can focus more on teaching and supporting learners.
Want to dive deeper into these ideas? Check out the full report for all the details: Transforming Training for the U.S. Workforce.