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Maryland’s public workforce development
system is a publicly funded, comprehensive, aligned system that trains
workers for current and future employment. This system includes education
and training, from the K-16 system to re-employing retired seniors and
every employment stage in between, and is geared towards meeting the needs
of business. Integrated into this system of training is also the support
services needed for workers, such as daycare and transportation services.
The system is essential to filling the skill gap between those people that
need employment, incumbent workers in need of training and businesses that
need skilled employees. A successful public workforce development system
is at the heart of any successful economic development policy
In Maryland, as in other states, local
workforce investment areas (LWIA) and their local boards serve as the
primary coordinator for the provision of workforce services. The LWIAs are
required to coordinate services with local Job Service offices,
twenty-four departments of social services, the sixteen community
colleges, state-operated rehabilitation services and adult literacy
programs. Local delivery of services is funded by the federal government,
the state, and by some local government contributions. Eight partner state
agencies also oversee components of federal and state workforce programs
in Maryland.
The GWIB's mission is to ensure the system
is aligned with the economic and educational goals of the State of
Maryland and results in a qualified workforce that meets the needs of
Maryland's employers. This is accomplished by, among other things,
coordinating with its partner agencies, making Maryland a cutting-edge
state when it comes to its workforce system. This coordination encompasses
economic development, the preK-16 educational system, social services and
labor. The workforce development system has made great strides to meet the
needs of business by helping incumbent workers upgrade their skills and
coordinating resources to help job seekers attain the skills they need to
work in industries facing significant shortages. This effort is
accomplished through legislative mandates, such as the Workforce
Investment Act, the across-the-board support of Maryland's educational
system and the commitment and dedication of workforce, economic
development and education professionals to develop a seamless workforce
system.
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