As we close the books on 2018, we look back at all of the exciting initiatives that have been launched and progress made in providing technical assistance tools and training resources through WorkforceGPS.  We started publishing Innovations in Action write-ups and now provide Executive Summaries of all ETA webinars. 

We simplified the navigation of WorkforceGPS by combining Communities of Practice and Collections into a single "Communities" tab, and we spotlighted several Communities and the great work they are doing.  In addition, we improved search by updating the layout, making it easier to find the resources you need.  Finally, we started curating content on specific hot topic areas starting with resources addressing the opioid epidemic, resources to assist in setting up apprenticeship programs, and this month’s focus on licensing and credentialing.  We look forward to 2019 and plan even more improvements to your WorkforceGPS experience – all designed to help you in your everyday work with employers and job seekers.

Happy Holidays!

Resources to Support Licensing and Credentialing

Many challenging and well-paying occupations do not require an associate or baccalaureate degree to show expertise or competence in a job.  Instead, a credential in a particular field can be just as important as a traditional academic degree, or more so in some areas.  The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) defines "recognized postsecondary credential" as a credential consisting of an industry-recognized certificate or certification, a certificate of completion of an apprenticeship, a license recognized by the State involved or Federal Government, or an associate or baccalaureate degree.

There is a great deal of research and work being done by many organizations and government entities on credentials and licensing.  To help you navigate this space, we have identified a number of resources, websites, tools and promising practices in one resource page.  We hope that this will give you a good starting point of references to better understand this topic and growing body of research and information to help you in your work with employers and job seekers.

Workforce Cohort on Disability and Employment

The Workforce Innovation Cohort on Disability and Employment has been launched with 18 states to address disability and employment issues.  The state or local teams are comprised of a cross-section of WIOA core program partners and other key stakeholders that will focus on three topic areas:  Accessibility; Customer Service; and, Employer Engagement.  Even if you are not part of the effort, check out some of the leading resources referenced by the cohort as they all work together to increase the prosperity of people with disabilities.