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Unlocking Productivity: Innovative Paths for People, Performance, and Progress
“Productivity isn’t everything, but in the long run it is almost everything.” — Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize-winning economist We talk a lot about jobs, training, and economic growth—but if there’s one concept that quietly drives all of these, it’s productivity. It may not make flashy headlines, but it holds the key to understanding where the […]
IAWP Event Recap: BLS Expert Shares Key Workforce Trends and Forecasts
Yesterday, IAWP had the privilege of hosting Matt Insco, Branch Chief of the Economic Analysis & Information Division at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as our featured speaker. With over 20 years of experience at BLS, Matt delivered a clear and compelling presentation that unpacked key labor market trends and projections, helping workforce professionals […]
3 Words That Will Make or Break Your Cover Letter
Let’s face it: cover letters are one of the most misunderstood parts of the job search. Most people dread writing them. Many hiring managers skim them. But when done right, a cover letter can be your secret weapon. As workforce professionals, we often coach clients through job applications, and we’ve seen how a few simple […]
DOL Emphasizes Work Authorization in Unemployment Benefit Eligibility: Implications for State Workforce Agencies
A recent communication from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has placed renewed emphasis on the eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits, specifically highlighting the necessity of ensuring that recipients are legally authorized to work in the United States. Addressed to state governors, the DOL letter underscores the importance of safeguarding taxpayer funds and maintaining the […]
Why GDP Isn’t Just for Economists—It’s a Signal for Jobs
When you hear “GDP” in the news, your eyes might glaze over. It sounds like something meant for economists—not those of us focused on job seekers, training programs, or helping businesses find talent. But here’s the truth: GDP is one of the most important numbers you can follow if you care about jobs, workforce trends, […]
Registered Apprenticeships: Expanding Access to High-Quality Career Pathways
As workforce development efforts increasingly emphasize skill-based hiring and industry-aligned training, Registered Apprenticeships have gained renewed attention. A central component of recent federal initiatives—including the April 2025 Executive Order on skilled trade jobs—is the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs in high-growth sectors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the model, its history, implementation strategies, […]
Workforce Executive Order Highlights Federal Focus on Skilled Trade Jobs
On April 23, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order titled Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future. The action is part of a broader workforce strategy to review and revise federal programs supporting the development of technical and skilled trade occupations. A companion fact sheet outlines the administration’s rationale and […]
The New Skills Agenda: Redesigning Workforce Development for a Changing Labor Market
A recent Brookings Institution report, titled Workforce Development Policy in the U.S., provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolving landscape of workforce development programs in the United States. The report delves into federal and state-level initiatives, highlighting challenges and proposing solutions pertinent to workforce development professionals. Key Challenges Identified 1. Structural Economic Shifts The U.S. […]
Where Did the Workers Go? Understanding and Addressing Declining Workforce Participation Rates
In recent years, workforce development professionals and employers alike have been asking a critical question: Where did the workers go? While job openings remain high in many sectors, labor force participation has yet to rebound to pre-pandemic levels. Understanding why—and what can be done about it—is essential to building a more inclusive, resilient workforce. What […]
Better Together: Aligning Workforce and Economic Development for Stronger Outcomes
In today’s fast-changing economy, the traditional separation between workforce development and economic development is increasingly obsolete. Both fields ultimately pursue the same goal—prosperous communities supported by a thriving workforce and strong local businesses. But all too often, they operate in silos. To meet the challenges of the 21st-century labor market, we must recognize a truth […]
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"IAWP has been crucial to being able to establish key connections in my field and stay current in workforce development. I wouldn't be where I am today professionally and personally without IAWP. And no matter how much I think I already know, I have 'aha' moments at every conference I attend. I believe all members can have these moments either during workshops, conference sessions, talking with fellow members about what they do, in addition to sharing information and best practices. There is nowhere else I know of where we can connect to others who are in the 'trenches' doing the same work we do with individuals on the front line every day."
Kathy Gundlach - Manager, Colorado Office of Compliance
IAWP Member Since 2009
"IAWP has afforded me the opportunity to meet Workforce Development professionals from around the globe. I have utilized some of their best practices in my own day to day tasks, improving my service skills to the citizens of Ohio.
Being able to network and connect with individuals has proven to be an invaluable resource."
BJ Knutson
"IAWP feeds my soul both professionally and personally. The training I receive through IAWP gives me the skills I need to do my job, develops me as a person and connects me with workforce professionals from around the world."
Donna Glacken ,
Washington Employment Security Department
"If you are seeking to step up your professional and personal game, and excel in delivering exceptional service to your customers, then IAWP is a must!!"
Walton Roper III
-New York State Department of Labor