The Connection
November 21, 2024
Welcome to Workforce Services Division (WSD) newsletter - The Connection!
This newsletter focuses on sharing information to connect, engage, support and excel.
We will take a "pause" in December and be back in January with the WSD Connection. If you have thoughts or suggestions, please send them to the WSD Virtual Suggestion Box; and for newsletter article ideas and comments, you can share those by emailing the WSD Communications inbox, and we’ll be in touch with you!
Message from Central Sound Region
Hi, Workforce Services team,
As a guest contributor and a proud veteran, I'm excited to highlight key events from the Central Sound Region. The recent WWA conference in Tacoma was a hub of innovative ideas and celebrated our workforce's achievements. This Veterans Day, we honor the service and sacrifice of our military members. Additionally, November's Native American Heritage Month reminds us of the rich cultures and contributions of Native communities to our nation's fabric. Together, these events reflect our community's spirit and resilience.
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Regional Highlights
In the heart of Pierce and King County, the Central Sound Region Team shines as a hub of community engagement and a bastion of support for employment. They stand unwavering in their dedication to Justice Involved initiatives, offering a beacon of hope and essential resources. Their resource and career fairs are pivotal in forging key connections.
Seattle-Puget Sound skyline at dusk with Mt. Rainier in the background. Image courtesy of Mike Reid.
Notably, the Rainier Office excels in delivering in-person pre-employment services, celebrating cultural diversity with its multilingual staff skilled in employment development. WorkSource JBLM and American Lake are lauded for their dedicated service to veterans and their families, with WorkSource JBLM holding the unique distinction of being the nation's sole certified American Job Center, and American Lake, the exclusive WorkSource on a VA medical campus. These institutions have earned national acclaim for their innovative programs and outreach, truly embodying the principle of serving those who have served.
WorkSource Auburn, a cornerstone of support in south King County, works hand-in-hand with community partners to extend employment opportunities to the underserved, showcasing resilience and excellence, even in the face of staffing challenges.
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WorkSource North Seattle is in the midst of an exciting transformation, propelled by the PROWD grant, which focuses on supporting justice-involved individuals through a partnership with Pioneer Human Services and by organizing events like the Justice-involved Hiring and Resource Fair to strengthen community bonds.
WorkSource North Seattle team sends their love!
The staff at WorkSource Pierce have cultivated a transformative, unified culture, consistently earning accolades from customers for their dynamic, cooperative ethos. The profound commitment of these teams is a testament to the spirit of service and the elevation of community well-being.
Washington Workforce Association Fall Conference
The Washington Workforce Association's recent conference in Tacoma was a resounding success, uniting a diverse group of professionals to forge a path for the future of employment in the state. With a focus on innovation, economic security, and collaborative strategies, the event sparked engaging discussions and workshops aimed at enhancing the workforce system. The gathering not only celebrated past achievements but also set the stage for sharing groundbreaking ideas and best practices to support both employers and job seekers in Washington's dynamic job market. For an in-depth look at the outcomes and insights from this pivotal event, the conference article is a must-read.
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Veterans Day and Native American Heritage Month
In the heart of November, honor and heritage come together. Native American Heritage Month stands as a vibrant tribute to the rich cultures, traditions, and histories of Native Americans, offering a reflective counterpoint to the respectful observance of Veterans Day. It's a time to celebrate the countless contributions of Native Americans, including those who have served with distinction in the military, weaving their courage and resilience into the very fabric of the nation's history.
Including Native American Heritage Month in this period of remembrance and gratitude enriches our understanding of the diverse tapestry of America. It encourages us to embrace a broader perspective, acknowledging the complexity of our past while moving forward with an inclusive vision for the future. This dual observance is a powerful reminder of the multifaceted nature of American identity, where every thread is integral to the strength and beauty of the whole.
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Main Street, City of Auburn, Wash. -- Annual Veterans Day Parade, Nov. 11, 2024. Photo courtesy of Seattle Times.
Lastly, we will all be celebrating Thanksgiving Day and Native American Heritage Day next week on Nov. 28 and Nov. 29. This gives us a long holiday weekend with the opportunity to celebrate, express gratitude and reflect on how impactful our WSD family is in touching jobseekers, supporting employers and working together with community partners.
You all make a difference, and we are grateful for your dedication and passion to this work and the people we serve.
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Washington Workforce Association 2024 Fall Conference
TOGETHER WE THRIVE! And collectively we succeed!
Submitted by Victoria Pruett, WSD communications consultant, and Director Norton Sweet, Central Sound Region.
The Washington Workforce Association's 2024 Fall Conference truly encapsulated the spirit of collaboration and innovation that is vital for shaping the future of work. With a theme like "Our Future Workforce: Together We Thrive," it's clear that the focus was on unity and collective growth.
The conference's lineup of speakers, including the inspiring Christian Paige and the forward-thinking Charlene Li and Eric Termuende, provided attendees with a wealth of knowledge and motivation. The workshops offered practical solutions to tackle the challenges of workforce development, emphasizing the importance of embracing artificial intelligence, supporting justice-impacted individuals, and bridging the digital divide.
These discussions are not just theoretical; they are actionable insights that can transform the way we support job seekers and employers, fostering a robust economy in Washington. It's events like these that remind us of the power of coming together to forge a path toward a thriving, inclusive future.
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At the recent event, ESD Commissioner Cami Feek unveiled 'WA Works' as the new moniker for WorkSource's internal system, succeeding ETO. This name, chosen by the community and partners, signifies a commitment to innovation and collective progress within the WorkSource Integrated Technology Replacement Project.
The WWA conference showcased the power of networking, with Workforce Development Councils, educational bodies, and nonprofits engaging in vital discussions. These collaborations are shaping the future of Washington's public workforce system, with 2024 marking a year of impactful change driven by dedicated individuals.
The recent WWA conference was a hub of innovation and networking, uniting industry leaders, workforce experts, and policymakers. It catalyzed vital discussions and collaborations among Workforce Development Councils, educational bodies, and nonprofits, all aiming to enhance Washington's public workforce system.
This year's event was marked by the zeal and commitment of attendees, who spent three dynamic days sharing insights and forging connections that promise to drive meaningful change. To discover more highlights, including the WWA Partner and Employer of the Year, visit WPC.wa.gov/WWA photo story for a full photo story.
"There's nothing quite like the WWA conference to bring our tapestry of organizations together as one team. It's where ideas take root and connections are made that strengthen our collective mission. Even if you couldn't attend, know that the spirit of collaboration extends beyond the conference walls. We're in this together, and every conversation, every shared experience, enriches us all."
- Anne Goranson, Strategic Initiatives manager
and WIT Replacement Project owner
“The conference was great! Christian Paige, Poet Laureate for Tacoma was amazing and there were really great speakers. I attended the Clean Energy session and am hopeful for new industry and openings in the state. Scheduling this year allowed time to get to and from the sessions, and a chance to talk and network between. The new ETO replacement system and WorkSourceWA.com website name was announced as WA Works!”
- Monique Martin, management analyst, Veteran and Military Families Program
"My sloppy notes from the exquisite expressions of equity advocate, speaker, and renowned poet, Christian Paige.”
“Hope is not a strategy. We’ve got work to do.”
“Equity is a verb.”
“We have to torment the things that torment our children.”
“A plan without a vision is a nightmare.”
“What do you look like in the eyes of your enemy? I hope the answer is: ready.”
- Kelli Martinelli, Communications manager, SkillSource Regional Workforce Board, Wenatchee.
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YesVets and HIRE Vets Medallion Employer of the Year Awards
Washington employers know the value of hiring veterans.
Submitted by Victoria Pruett, WSD communications consultant
YesVets and US Department of Labor announce Employers of the Year
November is the time of year when the Employment Security Department and the YesVets Program recognizes winners of the Washington State YesVets Employer of the Year awards. At the same time, the US Department of Labor honors national HIRE Vets Medallion Awards. All awardees are employers committed to hiring veterans and making a difference in the Veterans’ Community. Congratulations to this year’s award winners!
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Honoring and celebrating our veterans goes beyond Veterans Day and the month of November. It is today and every day. The WDVA showcases this in Washington veterans’ stories. Be sure to watch Veterans Voices 2024: What it Means to be a Veteran (YouTube).
If you know or work with employers you believe merit an award, please share the links below for the US DOL HIRE Vets Medallion program and the Washington YesVets veterans hiring program.
ESD YesVets veteran hiring program
Learn about HIRE Vets Medallion Awards - How to apply.
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National Apprenticeship Week:
November 17 - 23
Celebrating 10 Years of Engagement, Expansion and Innovation
Submitted by Victoria Pruett, WSD communications consultant
National Apprenticeship Week 2024 takes place Nov. 17-23.
This year marks the 10th Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) — a nationwide celebration where employers, industry associations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educational institutions, and Federal, State, and Local government agencies host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships strengthen our economy by developing a highly skilled workforce to meet industry needs, creating pathways for career seekers to catapult into good jobs, and advancing racial and gender equity. These programs play a vital role in rebuilding the economy, advancing racial and gender equity, creating pathways to good jobs, and supporting underserved communities.
What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program?
A Registered Apprenticeship is a formalized, structured training program. It combines on-the-job training (OJT) and related technical instruction in which you receive practical and technical training. Industry determines the essential skills, because apprenticeship is industry-driven career training. Apprentices put in from 2,000 to 8000 work hour to complete their training. They earn a living wage throughout the education process, with periodic raises to reflect increased experience and commitment. Once the apprenticeship is completed they will possess a professional credential that is recognized nationwide.
Almost all industries are supported. The majority, about 80%, are in the construction trades others include aerospace manufacturing, IT and software, healthcare and medical as well as energy efficiency and support businesses like human resources, banking and insurance.
Washington’s Apprenticeships
Washington’s Registered Apprenticeships are managed through the Department of Labor & Industries. Our state also has recognized Apprenticeship Preparation Programs with defined pathways to a registered apprenticeship. A benefit for Veterans is they can use their G.I. Bill benefits to supplement wages while they are enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program. For more information on how those benefits apply, go to Apprenticeship FAQs.
To learn more about what Washington has to offer, go to Become an Apprentice and check out Washington Career Paths. A complete list of programs is available through the Apprenticeship Registration Tracking System (ARTS). This database lists all registered apprenticeship programs available in Washington, and you can search Washington State apprenticeships (by county, occupation or program name).
Visit Apprenticeship.gov/National-Apprenticeship-Week to learn more about NAW.
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Management tips
Embracing change and transition in polarized and fragmented times
Submitted by Victoria Pruett, WSD communications consultant, and Liane Johnson, PPP organizational change leader
Tools to empower us to be resilient, adaptable and keep moving forward.
Embracing change has never been more vital than in our current climate of polarization and fragmentation. As leaders, we are uniquely positioned to guide our teams through turbulent times by fostering resilience, adaptability, and unity. Change is often met with resistance, but in its essence, it is a powerful force for innovation and growth. The key lies in how we approach it and how we inspire our teams to navigate it with confidence.
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In a world where divisions seem to deepen daily, effective leadership requires a delicate balance of empathy and decisiveness. It's about listening to diverse perspectives, validating concerns, and crafting a shared vision that everyone can rally behind. This journey begins with us, as individuals and leaders, embracing change ourselves, setting the tone, and leading by example. By doing so, we create an environment where open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect can thrive, even in the face of adversity.
Moreover, embracing change means cultivating a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Encourage your team to view challenges as opportunities for development rather than obstacles. Provide them with the resources and support they need to adapt to new realities. Recognize and celebrate small victories along the way, reinforcing the belief that together, we can overcome any challenge. In times of division, it is our collective strength and adaptability that will drive us forward, uniting us in our shared mission and values.
Harvard Business Review offers some solid information on embracing change and managing through:
To take it a step further, ESD and DES both have trainings to support change and transition providing professional development opportunities for managers and their teams on human-centered design, emotional intelligence and more.
Find out more by going to ESD Training and development/LMS and DES Trainings.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Send us your photos and tell us all about your holiday weekend!
ESDGPECComms@esd.wa.gov
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