National Association of Workforce Boards Launches Online Platform to Highlight Success of Federal Employment and Training Programs

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As the debate in Washington about federally funded employment and training programs continues, the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) launched Workforce Investment Works, www.WorkforceInvestmentWorks.com, an online portal highlighting successes of businesses and individuals who have improved their economic well being through these workforce development resources.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110225/LA54987LOGO)

"For many Americans, there has never been a more important time to receive assistance from their local one stop or workforce investment board," said Laurie Moran, chair of NAWB and the president of the Danville-Pittsylvania County (VA) Chamber of Commerce. "As our leaders in Washington continue to find ways to put more Americans back to work, the role of our nation's workforce investment boards becomes increasingly important."

This national system is funded through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) which authorizes 575 local business-led workforce investments boards (WIBs) to oversee and coordinate services through a network of 3,000 One-Stop Career Centers. These WIBs, supported by more than 12,000 business volunteers, provide workforce strategies and leverage resources within their local communities to meet the employment demands of companies of all sizes.

The newly-launched site highlights how the system is meeting that goal through real people and real stories.  For example, in Wisconsin, 5n Plus Corp, a leading producer of high purity metals and compounds, has used a myriad of WIA services. Plant Manager John Schuster said, "It has been nice to have so many [WIA] resources available through the state of Wisconsin, as a start up of any plant is very challenging. The Village of DeForest has been great, and we will continue to use our Industry Partnership and WIB to develop opportunities and manufacturing jobs for the superior workforce available in Wisconsin."

Barbara Brennan Wu, Human Resources Officer for Amtrak in Washington, Oregon and Montana has also experienced success with finding applicants at Washington State's one stop system. "I love WorkSource--I couldn't do my job without it! I can quickly post jobs and get results right away. About half the people I hire come from WorkSource."

In addition to the many stories on the Workforce Investment Works website, a January 2011 GAO report found, "Federally funded employment and training programs serve an important role in our society by helping job seekers enhance their job skills, identify job opportunities, and obtain employment."  With more than 13.9 million unemployed Americans today, the workforce system is helping to put Americans back to work by preparing and matching the skills of workers with the global demands of companies.  

Complementing Workforce Investment Works is a Facebook Cause page as well as a petition page to keep America working.

About Us:  

The National Association of Workforce Boards represents WIBs who oversee state and local workforce development and job training programs. NAWB supports and promotes the work of its members through a comprehensive program of advocacy, technical assistance, and communications activities. 

SOURCE National Association of Workforce Boards