Economic & Workforce Development

An educated workforce is essential for a prosperous economy. The Washington Student Achievement Council collaborates with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board to provide decision makers with forecasts of demand for skilled and educated workers in the economy.  This information can be used in making resource decisions aimed at meeting employer demand.

Every two years, the agencies produce an assessment that includes the number of forecasted net job openings at each level of higher education and training, and the number of credentials the education system needs to produce in order to match the job forecast.   

A Skilled and Educated Workforce 2011 Update (Feb. 2012)

How Higher Education Benefits the Economy

Additional Resources

Reports, policy briefs, and other research used to develop strategies for meeting future state workforce needs and filling existing workforce shortages.

Governor's Office

The Governor’s GMAP reports on Education and Economic Vitality

Washington State Employment Security Division

Washington State Green Economy Jobs (2010)

Washington Economic Development Commission

The Washington Innovation Economy: New Economic Strategy for Prosperity (2009)