October 29, 2024 By Allyssa JohnsonProgram Manager, Grants and Federal Relations On September 9th, the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) issued updated guidance on sector strategies, aimed at aligning public workforce system resources and strategies to better connect populations with quality career opportunities. These sector strategies, a key requirement of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), emphasize the importance of coordinated efforts among workforce system partners, including community colleges, to develop a robust and responsive workforce. The updated guidance highlights essential elements such as engaged partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and the inclusion of worker representation and job quality, all woven throughout the sector strategy framework. This comprehensive approach covers areas such as industry engagement, sector-based service delivery, and continuous improvement. Additionally, the guidance introduces new elements, including leadership, vision, alignment, resources, and capacity, which encourage a collaborative approach in leveraging financial resources, attracting diverse populations, and engaging employers effectively. This guidance recognizes the need to address both the supply (workers) and demand (employers) aspects of the public workforce system, ensuring that sector strategies are responsive to the needs of all stakeholders. The impact of this updated guidance will be felt across communities and states nationwide. For those involved with MI-WPC, you have a unique opportunity to align your existing sector strategies with this updated guidance. Although the USDOL has not yet provided a template for sector strategy development, it's essential to consider how your MI-WPC sector strategy can inform and support your community and state workforce leadership moving forward.
