The Western Governors’ Workforce Development Initiative of South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard, launched in 2017, leveraged the region’s best thinking to help bridge the gap between prospective workers and employers in the West. The Initiative also explored how to create enhanced career opportunities for students, graduates and displaced workers to help build a more vibrant regional economy.
South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard hosted the first workshop of the Western Governors' Workforce Development Initiative on Aug. 3-4 in Sioux Falls, at which he delivered a keynote that illuminated the changing job market and encouraged more skills training. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta also delivered a keynote.
This webinar examined the wide variety of elements, from funding to policy, that play a role in implementing youth apprenticeships. Panelists also discussed strategies for expanding apprenticeship programs. Moderator: Brent Parton, Deputy Director, Center on Education and Skills at New America. Panelists: Diane Jones, Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor; Christopher Nesmith, Career and Technical Education Director, West Valley School District – Yakima, Washington; Mark Tapy, Apprenticeship Program Manager, Pinnacol Assurance. Watch the webinar, download slides
In this workforce development roundup, learn about Utah, Idaho, Nevada and Colorado leading the nation in employment growth and apprenticeship on the rise in California. Also read the Western Governors’ Workforce Development Initiative Year One Report and more.
In this Workforce Roundup, learn about Utah capitalizing on outdoor recreation, Arizona welcoming Amazon’s expansion, and Alaska creating more than 18,000 new jobs as part of a gas line project. Also read about Wyoming’s focus on the aerospace industry, Montana's new tech office and more.
The Western Governors’ Workforce Development Initiative was the central policy effort of South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard as Chair of the Western Governors’ Association. The work of the initiative resulted in findings that included how Governors can better integrate state efforts to address workforce development, the importance of highlighting postsecondary credentials, and the need to expand broadband access in rural communities. A report on the Initiative was released at WGA’s 2018 Annual Meeting in South Dakota. Learn more by watching the video.
