The job market is shifting fast. Artificial intelligence and automation are changing what companies look for, making the old advice of just “updating your resume and applying online” less effective than ever. For workforce development professionals, it’s a new challenge: how to guide job seekers to not just survive, but to stand out and thrive. […]
10 Innovative Strategies for Job Seekers in the AI-Driven Market Read More »
A Turning Point for the Nation’s Workforce A new plan emerged from Washington — one that aims to redefine how the United States prepares its people for work in an era of constant change. America’s Talent Strategy: Building the Workforce for the Golden Age was introduced by the Departments of Labor, Commerce, and Education as
America’s Talent Strategy: Building the Workforce for the Golden Age Read More »
In the rapidly shifting world of workforce development, some opportunities come and go quietly. This is not one of them. On August 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) announced a $30 million Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund, and State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) are in prime position to lead. With awards
You may have seen the headlines: the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) just issued one of the largest two‑month downward revisions to job growth outside the pandemic era. May’s job gains were revised from +144,000 down to just +19,000, and June’s from +147,000 to +14,000—a combined loss of 258,000 jobs from the initial estimates. For
On July 24, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor released Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) No. 14-25, officially launching the next round of planning for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 State Quality Service Plans. If you work in or alongside unemployment insurance (UI) programs—or support job seekers affected by them—this guidance will shape your priorities
New Federal Guidance for State UI Plans: What Workforce Professionals Need to Know Read More »
On July 15, 2025, the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education jointly announced a structural realignment that changes how certain federally funded education and workforce programs are administered. Under the new arrangement, the Department of Labor (DOL) will take over management of two major programs previously administered by the Department of Education: WIOA Title II:
If you work in a state workforce agency, you’re probably already feeling it: the winds are shifting. Federal workforce priorities are changing, and those changes are making their way from policy memos to your daily work. What happens in D.C. may seem far away, but let’s be honest—it shows up pretty quickly in our centers,
Adapting to Change: How Workforce Professionals Can Lead Through Federal Shifts Read More »
For decades, a college degree served as a universal signal of employability. It appeared on job descriptions as a default requirement—even when the actual work did not require the knowledge gained in a formal classroom setting. Today, that dynamic is changing rapidly. Across industries, employers are moving away from degree-based hiring toward a skills-first approach.
The New Currency of Hiring: Why Skills Are Overtaking Degrees Read More »
For decades, the resume has been the go-to tool for jobseekers. And to be fair, it’s still important. But in today’s job market, it’s no longer the only thing that matters—and often, it’s not the most important. Employers today want more than just a list of past jobs. They’re looking for skills, adaptability, and proof
Resumes Are Evolving — So Must Our Workforce Strategies Read More »
In a labor market defined by rapid technological change, demographic shifts, and evolving employer expectations, workforce development professionals face a critical challenge: Are we training for the jobs of today or preparing for the skills of tomorrow? The International Association of Workforce Professionals (IAWP) believes that staying relevant requires more than adapting to change—it means
How Workforce Development Must Evolve: Top 5 Skills for 2025 and Beyond Read More »