What Is Workforce Development?

Postsecondary education, skills training, apprenticeship programs, and other workforce programs are examples of workforce development strategies. The overall goal of workforce development is to improve employee skill levels in order to benefit the local workforce and company.

Definition of Workforce Development

Workforce development is defined as the overall method of increasing employees' skills in order to benefit employees, businesses, the community, and their own career paths.

Individuals who participate in workforce development can position themselves for career success by identifying areas for growth. Workforce development looks different in each company, but the program should be tailored to the needs and interests of the individuals.

Community colleges, high schools, labor unions, nonprofits, local governments, and other organizations all contribute to workforce development. Workforce development includes internal programs, but there are also initiatives in place across the country to boost economic growth and career advancement.

3 Advantages of Workforce Development

Employees, workplaces, and communities benefit from workforce development systems in a variety of ways, including:

1. Increased productivity: When employees are exhausted and stressed out, their productivity naturally suffers. This lack of concentration impairs your employee's ability to complete their work. However, workforce development identifies ways to keep employees engaged, which can make them more enthusiastic about their work. As a result, they may experience less stress.

2. Increased employee retention: Companies that invest in workforce development have lower employee turnover because employees believe their employers value and invest in them. Without this program, employees may look for companies that want to develop their skills.

3. Increased employee satisfaction: A workforce development program prioritizes employee well-being, which leads to increased job satisfaction. Employee satisfaction leads to people wanting to stay at their jobs, less stress, and a better quality of life.

Workforce Development vs. Job Training

Employees benefit from both job training and workforce development, but they are not the same thing.

1. Job training is completed in a short period of time. New hires typically go through a brief probation period while they are trained to do their jobs. Workforce development opportunities, on the other hand, are available throughout a person's employment. Before promoting or firing skilled employees, companies may begin retraining them.

2. Workforce development is an interim program. While job training helps employees understand their new job responsibilities, workforce development assists them in transitioning into different roles. These programs assist skilled workers in obtaining the certifications and experience required to advance their careers in the workplace.

3. More diverse skill training programs are included in workforce development. Job training focuses on what employees need to know to do their jobs, whereas workforce development looks ahead. Workforce development includes training in diversity and inclusion, conflict resolution, and leadership.