How to maximize workforce development efforts for workers, employers and communities

A skilled workforce is the foundation of a thriving economy. Investing in training—both for new workers entering the job market and for those looking to advance—is essential for businesses and communities alike. With more opportunities than ever to gain in-demand skills, a thoughtful, results-driven approach ensures these investments pay off.

The Role of Awareness in Training Success

For training to be effective, people must know it exists—and why it matters. Many programs struggle with enrollment not due to lack of value but because participants don’t see a clear link to their career and personal goals.

Awareness must go beyond marketing, helping individuals understand job opportunities, employer needs, and the long-term benefits of training. When people see a clear career path that aligns with their interests, they’re more likely to engage and succeed.

Training Starts Before the Workforce: The Role of K-12 and CTE

Done right, K-12 education and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs serve as powerful training pipelines, providing students with foundational skills and career exposure early on.

CTE programs introduce students to in-demand fields like manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and skilled trades, offering hands-on learning before they enter the workforce.
High school-industry partnerships help students earn certifications, apprenticeships, or college credits, preparing them for career success.
A strong career awareness approach in schools helps students make informed choices, reducing the number of people entering the workforce without direction.

By strengthening these pathways, we reduce the need for costly retraining later and help more students transition smoothly into careers.

The Two Sides of Training: Hard Skills and Soft Skills

Successful workforce development balances two types of training:

Hard skills are job-specific technical abilities like welding, coding, machining, or medical assisting, typically learned through certifications, apprenticeships, or college courses.
Soft skills—such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—are harder to measure but just as vital, often determining long-term career success and retention.

While technical skills are essential, soft skills often determine long-term success. Employees may have the right technical knowledge, but without teamwork, adaptability, or communication, they may struggle to thrive. Employers consistently prioritize soft skills in hiring and training.

Effective programs integrate both, ensuring workers not only perform their jobs but also collaborate, innovate, and grow within an organization.

Building Training Programs That Deliver Results

To maximize training investments, we must continuously assess both workforce needs and program effectiveness. The job market evolves rapidly, and training must keep pace. Key strategies for success include:

Regular workforce assessments to identify skill gaps and ensure training aligns with industry demands.
Evaluating training program success through completion rates, job placements, and wage growth to ensure they provide real value.
Stronger employer partnerships to create programs that lead directly to career opportunities. Apprenticeships, internships, and other work-based learning models improve outcomes.
Flexible training pathways that include short-term credentials, hands-on experience, and skill-based learning, ensuring training is accessible and aligned with industry needs—whether or not a formal credential is required.

Continuously refining training programs and measuring their impact, ensures they deliver meaningful results for both workers and employers. However, beyond improving individual outcomes, the success of workforce programs directly affects economic growth and industry sustainability.

Ensuring ROI: Are Training Investments Paying Off?

With significant funding in workforce programs, we must ask: Are they delivering results? Success isn’t just about enrollment—it’s about completion, job placement, and wage growth.

Many programs struggle with low completion rates, not due to lack of value but a need for improvement. Strengthening engagement, program structure, and employer alignment can drive better outcomes and maximize ROI.

The Path Forward

Workforce training isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment in the future. When done right, it strengthens businesses, creates economic opportunities, and helps individuals build rewarding careers. By integrating training into K-12 education, expanding CTE pathways, and ensuring measurable outcomes, we can build a workforce that meets the needs of today’s economy and drives future growth.