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 »
As leaders in workforce development, you’re constantly looking ahead, anticipating shifts that impact the individuals and businesses you serve. Well, a significant piece of legislation just landed that demands our strategic attention: H.R. 1, officially known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA). This isn’t just another bill with a few tweaks here and
Welcome to the Q2 2025 Edition In a rapidly evolving labor market, staying ahead requires timely data, sharp analysis, and proactive solutions. The IAWP Workforce Insights & Action Brief delivers curated intelligence to help workforce professionals, employers, and partners navigate current trends, challenges, and opportunities. Our mission: Data-driven insights. Actionable strategies. Workforce excellence. 🔍 Job
IAWP Workforce Insights & Action Brief Q2 2025 Edition Read More »
When Maria dropped out of high school at 17, she figured her future was fixed. She worked low-wage jobs with little hope for advancement—until she took a free CNA course offered by her local workforce board. Over the next decade, Maria advanced from nursing assistant to LPN to RN. Today, she runs a care team
Why Career Pathways Are the Future of Workforce Development Read More »
A legislative proposal to establish nationwide work requirements for certain Medicaid recipients has advanced in Congress, signaling a potential fundamental shift in the 60-year-old social insurance program. Passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in a major reconciliation package (H.R. 1), the measure would condition healthcare access for millions of able-bodied adults on their participation
The term “agentic AI” is rapidly moving from tech circles to the forefront of our professional conversations. This isn’t just another buzzword; it’s a fundamental technological shift that will redefine how we support jobseekers, engage with employers, and build the future of work. So, what is agentic AI, and why must it be on every
Beyond the Prompt: How Agentic AI Is Reshaping Workforce Development Read More »