Workforce Development

A vital component of the AWB Institute mission, workforce development is an essential factor in creating, sustaining and retaining a viable workforce for economic prosperity.

Our goal is to better meet the requirements of Washington state employers for a skilled workforce. This is accomplished through assessing the skill sets needed by today's employers and developing and implementing training programs that provide workers with a means to secure employment to maintain family-wage jobs or excel in the ranks. Meeting this objective serves the competitive vitality of our state and the growth of the business community at large.

Initiatives include employee assessments, training, job matching, K-12 development programs, scholarships and connecting workforce volunteers to organizations through the Workforce Washington program.

WA Work Ready

Designed to improve job training and drive economic growth for the state, this initiative ensures that companies can more reliably match the right people with the right job through the measurement and assessment of current skill levels.

The initial phase of this program is made up of a work readiness credential which defines, assesses and certifies that individuals can meet the requirements of entry-level work. Initiated in response to business concerns about the difficulty in finding qualified applicants, this standard is based upon a worker's ability to implement soft-skills that will lead to success for themselves and their employers.

Workforce Education

The AWB Institute partners with education, state government, private industry and non-governmental organizations in pursuing effective workforce training programs in Washington state for in-demand worker training.

For workforce training & education, the Institute offers:

• Representation of business needs to the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board a governor-appointed body that advocates for the non-baccalaureate training and education needs of the workers who account for 75 percent of Washington's workforce.

• Representation of business needs to the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges.

• Access to Workforce College an initiative bringing together 34 colleges for employee training.

Leadership Training

In support of strong leadership, the Institute and it's partners have developed process leadership and best-practice programs to aid in workforce interaction and business management strategy for the attainment of business goals.

Scholarship & Assistance Programs

Gathering, supporting and participating in workforce development assistance programs is another way the Institute aids in meeting the business demand for worker training and education needs. Through programs like the Washington State Lifelong Learning Accounts (WA LiLA) or through awarding AWB's Don Brunell Scholarship for future business leaders, the Institute looks to merit-based, need-based, worker-specific or career-specific initiatives to support its mission.