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 […]
3 Words That Will Make or Break Your Cover Letter Read More »
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
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,
Why GDP Isn’t Just for Economists—It’s a Signal for Jobs Read More »
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,
Registered Apprenticeships: Expanding Access to High-Quality Career Pathways Read More »
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
Workforce Executive Order Highlights Federal Focus on Skilled Trade Jobs Read More »
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.
The New Skills Agenda: Redesigning Workforce Development for a Changing Labor Market Read More »
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
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
Better Together: Aligning Workforce and Economic Development for Stronger Outcomes Read More »
As workforce development professionals, we stand at a pivotal moment. The evolving nature of work, the rapid advancement of technology, and shifting worker expectations demand new strategies, faster innovation, and deeper understanding. Fortunately, the Deloitte 2025 Global Human Capital Trends Report, titled “Turning Tensions into Triumphs: Helping Leaders Transform Uncertainty into Opportunity,” delivers timely and
How Workforce Development Must Evolve: Top 2025 Insights Read More »
Top 15 Fastest-Growing Skills and What They Mean for the Future of Work As workforce transformation accelerates, staying competitive means staying ahead of the curve. According to the newly released LinkedIn Skills on the Rise 2025, the skills professionals need to succeed are rapidly evolving. By 2030, 70% of the skills used in today’s jobs
Skills on the Rise: What Workforce Professionals Need to Know Read More »