5 Ways Workforce Development Programs Transform Local Communities
Workforce development and training isn’t just about one person gaining a new skill; it’s the kind of program that goes beyond job seekers and employers, improving the local and regional community. In this article, the first in a two-part series, we look at how workforce training positively contributes to the entire surrounding area and why civic and government organizations should get on board. In part two, we hone in on the incredible impacts seen by businesses and employers who invest in workforce training.
What Is Workforce Development?
Let’s start first by defining what we’re talking about when we say “workforce development” or “workforce training.” At its core, workforce development programs are about enhancing the skills and capabilities of a specific group of people—whether that’s with a certain region or industry or company. From the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals:
Workforce development is a comprehensive approach to preparing individuals for success in the labor market while ensuring that businesses have access to the talent they need to grow and thrive.
There are three ways that workforce training is implemented:
- On-the-job, where employers provide training specific to their business needs
- Educational, where workforce development programs partner with educational institutions to upskill employees
- Community-based, where community organizations offer programs that teach soft skills like communication and critical thinking
How Workforce Training Benefits Communities
The presence of workforce training in a community has positive ripple effects in several different ways:
1. Economic Growth
This is one of the biggest and most measurable benefits of workforce development programs; they can bolster the local economy by driving both growth and resilience. Today’s job market requires workers to be adaptable to remain in-demand and relevant, which means growing and continuously building their skillsets. Opportunities for individuals to upskill and reskill help them pivot when the labor market shifts or the national economy fluctuates.
2. Unemployment
Bolstering local economic growth can have a positive effect on unemployment rates as well, especially as workforce development programs are key to addressing skills gaps. Industries and technologies evolve quickly and continuously, which can leave individuals behind because their skills don’t match what employers are looking for. By providing government-funded workforce training that addresses the skills gap in the local area, potential employees can get the updated knowledge and skills to fill the gaps, businesses have access to better trained talent, which can then have an impact on local unemployment rates.
3. Community Engagement
Better skills, better employment, and better economic growth all have trickle-down effects on other areas of the community. Individuals and families with more job stability and improved wages are more secure, and that security leads to better school performance, lower crime rates, and better access to and utilization of healthcare. These communities also feel more invested, so they engage more with local events and local politics.
4. Competitiveness
A better educated workforce with in-demand skills strengthens a community’s economic competitiveness. When a region offers a deep and adaptable talent pool, employers are more likely to locate, expand, and invest there – driving innovation and growth. For local communities this translates into more job opportunities and a stronger regional economy.
5. Economic Inequality
Workforce development programs can deliver an opportunity for increased wages and career path growth, which can lead to improved economic stability for workers in the area. Providing citizens with a path for improving their lives and finances can help them close societal gaps and improve the whole community. A rising tide lifts all boats, as they say.
How Civic Institutions Can Implement Effective Workforce Training
With those benefits in mind, there are a lot of factors to consider when implementing effective workforce development programs in a local community so that the training opportunities fulfill the needs of both job seekers and employers. Government organizations should do research work upfront so they clearly understand what skills local employers are looking for, what training gaps are present, and how they can best help bridge the two.
Working with a partner like Ancora Training can make it easier to juggle all these different considerations. Organizations across the country have chosen Ancora to deliver comprehensive, consistent workforce development programs designed to help adults start their careers—or start over and begin a new employment path. Our goal is to tailor specific programs that provide tangible benefits to the surrounding communities.
Contact us today to begin exploring a workforce development program that helps you and your local community.
