Achieving Financial Stability Through Regional Workforce Funder Collaboratives

Increased global competition has led to declines in the American manufacturing sector, requiring U.S. workers to possess stronger skills and broader competencies in order to succeed in the current job market; in particular, postsecondary education or technical training is fundamental to an individual’s long-term earning potential. Recognizing that traditional training and job-placement programs may not address today’s complex work-force challenges, a wide variety of local organizations are coming together to form sector-based workforce partnerships. These collaborations engage employers and training providers to address both workforce needs of employers in specific sectors and the training, employment, and career advancement needs of workers and jobseekers. This report provides an overview of sector-based workforce partnerships and their value to communities, and makes suggestions for growing and sustaining these partnerships.