Workforce Policy/Operations

Skills for an Inclusive Recovery: An Agenda for President Biden and Congress

National Skills Coalition – and our network of business leaders, labor leaders, community advocates, community colleges, and workforce and education officials – is ready to partner with the Biden Administration to advance an economic agenda that is inclusive and leads to equitable results for every worker in every industry. That’s why we just released Skills for an Inclusive Recovery: An Agenda for President Biden and Congress, which includes concrete legislative proposals that would help build an inclusive economic recovery.

A Job Quality Agenda for the Next Administration

Aspen Institute Job Quality Fellows developed these recommendations for a policy agenda for economic recovery focused on job quality and economic inclusion during a set of meetings this Fall. Our opinions differ on some policy questions, but we are unanimous on the need for effective action now. We share this framework to urge policymakers to focus on the quality of jobs and to act to create meaningful change in the lives and livelihoods of all working people.

Compassion Fatigue: Help You, Help Them

Recording of TAWB webinar provided by Equus Workforce Solutions on November 19, 2020 and featuring Dr. Andy Huls.

America’s Recovery From the 2020 “Shecession”: Building a Female Future of Childcare and Work

The recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has hit women harder than men, according to a new report published by the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin and the YWCA USA, titled “America’s Recovery From the 2020 “Shecession”: Building a Female Future of Childcare and Work.”

Investing in America’s Workforce: An Imperative for Workers and Businesses

The Campaign to Invest in America’s Workforce recently hosted a briefing titled “Investing in America’s Workforce: An Imperative for Workers and Businesses.” Members of the panel included state and local leaders from the education, workforce and business community and discussed the necessary role of Federal policy and investment to meet needs of workers and businesses.

Skills for an Inclusive Economic Recovery: A Call for Action, Equity, and Accountability

This call to action from the National Skills Coalition offers a vision for the role that skills policy can play in an inclusive recovery. A recovery in which workers and businesses most impacted by this recession, as well as workers previously held back by structural barriers of discrimination or opportunity, are empowered to equitably participate in and benefit from economic expansion and restructuring.

Report on Preparing for the Future Workforce

The National Governors Association (NGA) examined 150 state policies and programs to create The State Guide to Preparing the Future Workforce to encourage lifelong learning in an effort to improve the workforce. In the report, the researchers highlight the necessity for retraining, especially during the pandemic.

Funding Resilience: How public policies can support businesses in upskilling workers for a changing economy

A new report from National Skills Coalition provides a roadmap for state policymakers and skills advocates eager to take action on these issues. Funding Resilience: How public policies can support businesses in upskilling workers for a changing economy details the strengths and shortcomings of state incumbent worker training funds, and makes recommendations for better state policies in this important area.

Leading Practices in Modernizing Candidate Recruitment, Hiring, AND Training

Report from American Workforce Policy Advisory Board, June 26, 2020.

Lifelong Learning Recommendations

Recommendations from the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board approved in May, 2020.

Report on Training Data Infrastructure

Report from the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board, June 26, 2020.

SHAPING OUR FUTURE: A Strategic Framework for Texas

Report from Texas 2036 sets out 36 strategic goals across seven policy areas — including education and workforce, health, and government performance — that help determine the strength of the state’s economy and overall quality of life.

NAWB Workforce Resources

The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) has curated resources in key areas such as WIOA compliance, labor market data, publications, and relevant readings that are available to all workforce professionals.

Resources For Workforce Board Members

Listings from the Texas Workforce Commission of government agencies, professional association, publications and other helpful resources for workforce development board members.

Evaluation 2019

This report from the Texas Workforce Investment Council is the fourth annual evaluation report for The Texas Workforce System Strategic Plan FY 2016–FY 2023. The focal point is a balanced scorecard that presents outcome and 16-year trend data for system performance.

Texas Workforce Investment Council Annual Report

The Texas Workforce Investment Council’s annual report summarizes the activities and products of the Council during the previous fiscal year.

Developing Talent to Grow Business in the Garden State

Governor Phil Murphy has announced “Jobs NJ: Developing Talent to Grow Business in the Garden State,” a plan to close the gap between employers’ needs and the skills of prospective workers.

The Roadmap for Racial Equity: An imperative for workforce development advocates

Every person and every worker deserves a fair shot at achieving economic stability and success, yet Black, Latinx, Pacific Islander, Native, and certain Asian American workers face wide racial inequities in educational attainment, employment, and income. In a new report, National Skills Coalition explores these racial and ethnic disparities in educational attainment and access; systemic barriers to equitable workforce training and quality employment; and why advancing equity is an economic and moral imperative.

2019 State of the Workforce Report

The National Association of State Workforce Agencies published its first 2019 State of the Workforce Report, which highlighted each state’s labor market data and profile, and drew attention to exemplary programs states use to help their workforces.

Measuring what matters: shifting Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to an outcomes-based model

In a new joint paper with American Public Human Services Association, “Measuring what matters: shifting Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to an outcomes-based model,” the National Skills Coalition (NSC) proposes TANF shift to an outcomes-based accountability system – where states are rewarded based on how successfully they assist TANF participants in earning the skills and credentials they need to compete in today’s labor market.

EVALUATION 2018: Accomplishments and Outcomes of the Texas Workforce System

This report from the Texas Workforce Investment Council is the third annual evaluation report for The Texas Workforce System Strategic Plan FY 2016–FY 2023. The focal point is a balanced scorecard that presents outcome and 15-year trend data for system performance.

At the intersection of immigration and skills policy: A roadmap to smart policies for state and local leaders

Get practical examples of how states and localities are investing in immigrant workers’ skills, and find out how you can advance good policies in this new report from the National Skills Coalition.

Evaluation 2017: Accomplishments and Outcomes of the Texas Workforce System

This report from the Texas Workforce Investment Council is the second annual evaluation report for The Texas Workforce System Strategic Plan FY 2016–FY 2023. The focal point is a balanced scorecard that presents outcome and 14-year trend data for system performance.

Workforce Solutions East Texas “Quick Look” Primer

Overview of Texas workforce system and Workforce Solutions East Texas developed by the East Texas Workforce Board.

List of Acronyms

Courtesy of the North Texas Workforce Board, here is a comprehensive list of many of the acronyms heard in the world of workforce.

VIDEO: Experts discuss today’s job market

Video by Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas provides succinct explanation of the services provided by WFS Greater Dallas.

INVESTING IN AMERICA’S WORKFORCE CAPSTONE CONFERENCE

Recordings of the plenary session livestream from the Federal Reserve’s “Investing in America’s Workforce” Capstone Conference October 4-6 in Austin.

Investing in America’s Workforce: Report on Workforce Development Needs and Opportunities

New report from the Federal Reserve System analyzes information gathered from nearly 1,000 leaders who work at the intersection of workforce training, recruitment, and finance. The study provides a current snapshot of the workforce development sector and its key challenges. It offers strategies for improving the human capital of America’s labor force, expanding access to jobs, and innovating workforce development funding.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Guide

The Texas Workforce Commission’s recently updated SNAP E&T Guide. A Word document showing the revised sections in track changes is available here.

Overview of the Texas Workforce Investment Council and its Middle-Skill STEM Industry-Based Certification Initiative

Presentation at TAWB Membership Luncheon, August 2, 2017.

WORK-BASED LEARNING POLICY 50-STATE SCAN

National Skills Coalition (NSC) has scanned the fifty states and the District of Columbia to identify the policies that states have in place to support work-based learning that includes paid employment.

NAWB Forum 2017 Post-Conference Materials

View content from the NAWB Forum 2017, including videos from keynote speakers, presentation materials, and event photos.

EVALUATION 2016: ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND OUTCOMES OF THE TEXAS WORKFORCE SYSTEM

This report is the first annual evaluation report for The Texas Workforce System Strategic Plan FY 2016–FY 2023. The focal point is a balanced scorecard that presents outcome and 13-year trend data for system performance.

Texas Workforce Investment Council Annual Report

The Council’s annual report summarizes the activities and products of the Council during the previous fiscal year.

2016 TWC Annual Report

Summary of TWC and Texas Workforce Solutions achievements and financial status in the previous year.

State Workforce and Education Alignment Project (SWEAP)

The State Workforce and Education Alignment Project (SWEAP), an initiative of National Skills Coalition, is helping to develop system-wide information about workforce education and training programs for state policy leaders.

NASWA Legislative Priorities 2017

National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) advocacy agenda supports the states’ efforts for ensuring the workforce system meets employers’ needs for a qualified workforce and promotes high-quality employment and careers for workers.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE 85TH TEXAS STATE LEGISLATURE TO MEET THE TALENT NEEDS OF TEXAS EMPLOYERS BY BUILDING THE SKILLS OF IMMIGRANTS AND OTHER WORKERS IN THE STATE

Several TAWB members provided input for these final policy recommendations from the National Immigration Forum to build the capacity of the Texas workforce, including immigrants, to meet the needs of the state’s employers.

How the 2016 Election Impacted America’s Workforce Programs, Policies

This ResCare-issued analysis is offered as a preliminary summary of how the 2016 elections have already impacted the nation’s workforce programs and policies. This report is also shared with an expectation that a rapidly evolving process will occur throughout all levels of government within the next several months that will result in more substantive workforce developments.

Texas Workforce System Program Directory

A guide from the Texas Workforce Investment Council to funding and programs of the Texas workforce system.

Upskilling the New American Workforce: Demand-Driven Programs that Foster Immigrant Worker Success & Policies that Can Take Them to Scale

A new report from National Skills Coalition, Upskilling the New American Workforce, showcases seven program models from around the United States, along with context on the policies that enable these programs to effectively serve immigrant workers.

A Better Way: Our Vision for a Confident America

A blueprint for the policies recommended by the House Republicans’ Task Force on Poverty, Opportunity and Upward Mobility.

Texas Workforce System Strategic Plan (FY2016-FY2023)

Approved by Governor Abbott, the strategic plan for the Texas workforce system was developed by the Texas Workforce Investment Council and its system partners over a twelve-month period from September 2014 to September 2015. Texas Government Code, Section 2308.104 charges the Council with developing a single strategic plan for the state’s workforce system. The plan is intended to guide system partners in implementing workforce programs, services, and initiatives designed to achieve the strategies, system objectives, and goals that are outlined in the plan. (September 2015).

2015 TWC Agency Annual Report

Summary of TWC and Texas Workforce Solutions achievements and financial status in the previous year.

EVALUATION 2015: ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND OUTCOMES OF THE TEXAS WORKFORCE SYSTEM

The Texas Workforce Investment Council is pleased to present the Evaluation 2015 report on the Texas workforce system.

GUN LAWS IN TEXAS: CAN A NONPROFIT RESTRICT GUNS ON ITS PROPERTY?

The 2015 Legislative Session brought several new laws that adversely affect the ability of nonprofits to restrict gun-carrying on their premises. These new laws may affect nonprofits with gun restrictions in place, especially those in government buildings or that lease property from the state, county or municipality.

NAWB Workforce Central: Lessons From Texas

This episode of NAWB’s “Workforce Central” features Texas directors Frank Almaraz, Mike Temple and Mary Ross discussing the Texas model of workforce, how they integrate their services and the lessons for business, education and workforce development.

Setting a Statewide Vision for Work-based Learning

The state’s role in facilitating work-based learning is the topic of a new series from the National Association of State Directors of CTE Consortium.

Workforce Innovation: A Vision for the Future

Compilation of the dialogue and recommendations of the National Association of Workforce Boards’ Workforce Roundtable.

Sunset Advisory Commission Staff Report with Commission Decisions Texas Workforce Commission; Texas Workforce Investment Council, January 2015

The Sunset Commission adopted a new issue to transfer the Vocational Rehabilitation Program
from Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

Workforce Policy/Operations

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