Workforce development and job training programs provide opportunities for workers to find quality employment by increasing access to education, training and critical support services, while allowing them to obtain the necessary credentials and certifications. Created in 2005 by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP), and designated in September annually by Congress, Workforce Development Month provides a chance for stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of the industry in ensuring the prosperity of our national economy.

A skilled workforce is essential for the economic success of the nation’s employers, and counties strongly support efforts to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the national workforce development system. Since the enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), America’s counties have been working hard implementing Recovery Funds to spur equitable economic recovery. As shown in an analysis of 200 county ARPA Recovery Fund plans last year, 46 percent of county plans included investments in workforce and employment. As sound financial stewards, counties are continuing to invest these critical Recovery Funds to ensure the health and well-being of our nation’s residents, and the economic vitality of our local communities.

Workforce development is now more important than ever as the country continues to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and new opportunities are introduced such as: the CHIPS and Science Act (CHIPS+), Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These three pieces of legislation will invest billions in climate and energy programs, our nation’s infrastructure and semiconductor manufacturing, and a strong, skilled workforce will be essential in carrying out these new programs and investments.

To ensure that the programs and investments created from these laws are distributed and implemented equitably among counties, the Administration has introduced two new initiatives known as the Good Jobs Initiative, and the Justice40 initiative. The Good Jobs Initiative, led by the U.S. Department Labor (DOL), is focused on providing critical information to workers, employers, and government as they work to improve job quality and build partnerships with investments primarily from the BIL. The Justice40 initiative applies to federal programs across nearly all federal agencies, and aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of climate, clean energy, training and workforce development, and other federal investments to disadvantaged communities.

In order to highlight the essential work counties have been doing to strengthen their communities’ workforces across the country, NACo will be celebrating Workforce Development Month by highlighting several county success stories each week. Each week will highlight workforce investments in a different industry, including public health, childcare, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, youth and justice-involved individuals.

If you would like to share a successful investment in workforce development your county has made this past year, please reach out to NACo’s Legislative Associate Julia Cortina at jcortina@naco.org. Counties can also utilize this toolkit created by NAWDP to participate in Workforce Development Month through social media or meeting with their congressional representatives.