John O’Hearn
The Workforce Development System
9/9/2022
Workforce Development
From what I have gathered thus far, workforce development is a state’s
education and training strategy and system for preparing citizens to meet the
demands of economic development.
Agencies
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
provides information and support to state and local workforce development
systems.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODC) utilizes the information and
support from the ETA to communicate to state education systems, businesses,
and jobseekers about desired competencies, workforce statistics, and career
opportunities.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education incorporates data provided
by the ODC to determine academic standards within higher education to
prepare Oklahoma students with the skill needed in local high-job-growth
sectors.
Activities of Workforce Development
Data collection & analysis – Economic development trends, education statistics,
job openings & unemployment statistics, and geographic data are collected and
analyzed to determine state initiatives, business prospects, workforce skills
gaps, and academic standards.
State and Business partnerships – States and businesses try to form
partnerships. States attract businesses by advertising their workforce and
ability to attract talent. Businesses are searching for areas with a skilled
workforce and an education system that will continue to produce viable
employees in the future.
Aligning academic standards to economic development needs – The
competencies and skills needed within local industries are developed during
citizens’ education. The soft skills employers look for can begin to be
John O’Hearn
The Workforce Development System
9/9/2022
developed in the education system. Communication skills, decision-making
skills, interpersonal skills, and lifelong learning skills can be incorporated into
the curriculum. Trade and technical schools and higher education institutions
can further develop these skills and provide career specific learning
opportunities.
Job Training – As technology develops and business practices change the
established workforce needs opportunities to be reskilled and upskilled.
Job Placement – Connecting talent with job opportunities is an important
function of workforce development. State and local agencies administer
directories of job openings and job seekers to facilitate linking qualified
workers with job opportunities.
Talent Acquisition – The state also advertises the job opportunities, cost of
living, and average wages to attract talent from other states and abroad to
expand and develop the workforce.