The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has released the Program Year (PY) 2025 allotments for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I programs, including Youth, Adult, and Dislocated Worker Activities, as well as Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service (ES) and Workforce Information Grants. These funds support state workforce development initiatives aimed […]
“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
Unlocking Productivity: Innovative Paths for People, Performance, and Progress Read More »
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
IAWP Event Recap: BLS Expert Shares Key Workforce Trends and Forecasts Read More »
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