Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board
April 21, 2011
LEGISLATIVE SESSION ENDS THIS WEEKThe 2011 regular legislative session ends this week. The House and Senate have each approved an operating budget for the 2011-13 biennium and now are attempting to negotiate a budget that both legislative bodies can support. If a budget is not approved by session's end, the Legislature will need to come back into a special session to approve one. Our legislative page continues to track workforce development issues as it relates to the budget and bills that have passed or are still pending. http://www.wtb.wa.gov/
WORKFORCE BOARD WELCOMES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ADMINISTRATOR
Dr. Brenda Dann-Messier, assistant secretary for Vocational and Adult Education with the U.S. Department of Education, is scheduled to attend the next Workforce Board meeting in Olympia on May 5. Agenda and board materials will be available closer to the meeting time. http://www.wtb.wa.gov/
LATEST JOB-VACANCY SURVEY SHOW JOB OPENINGS UP 31 PERCENT
The Employment Security Department released its fall 2010 job-vacancy survey today. According to the survey, most of the growth in job openings appears to be coming from smaller firms. Press release and report at: http://go.usa.gov/TJw
HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD REPORT TARGETS HIGH DEMANDThe Higher Education Coordinating Board has released a regional analysis of workforce needs which urges the state and its higher education institutions - public and private - to continue to ramp up degree production in high-demand, high-wage fields. See "Regional Needs Analysis Report" at http://www.hecb.wa.gov/news/
U.S. CHAMBER REPORT RECOGNIZES IMPORTANCE OF NON-BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce released a report last month that identifies a lack of awareness among business and education leaders regarding the demand for workers with career credentials and associate's degrees. The report urges businesses to work collaboratively with community colleges and similar institutions to ensure they are producing graduates with the competencies they require. http://tinyurl.com/
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Tim Sweeney
Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
360-586-8678
tsweeney@wtb.wa.gov
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