Refers to an integrated approach to improving the skills and employment opportunities for workers across a state. Systems align the efforts of various stakeholders (e.g., government agencies, educational institutions, employers, community organizations) to meet the workforce needs of individuals and businesses. The goal is to create a pipeline of skilled workers who can fill in-demand jobs and provide pathways for workers to advance in their careers.

A statewide workforce development system usually has a legal framework grounded in both federal legislation such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and state-specific legislation or executive actions. WIOA provides the primary federal funding mechanism for workforce development, giving states the flexibility to design programs that address local economic needs while meeting performance metrics.

Key agencies in systems include the Departments of labor, economic development, and education, and these agencies usually oversee the system at the state level, often in collaboration with regional/local workforce boards. Workforce development systems are generally measured based on employment outcomes, retention rates, wage growth, and employer satisfaction with the workforce.

Key roles of the system:

1. Coordination Integration: Collaboration among state and local agencies, educational institutions (K-12, community colleges, universities), workforce boards, nonprofits, and employers includes centralizing resources such as training programs, career counseling, and job placement services.
2. Education/Training:  Access to upskilling, career/vocational training, apprenticeships, and continuing education to prepare individuals for entry-level jobs and advanced career opportunities.
3. Employer Partnerships: Collaborating with industries to identify current and future workforce needs and tailoring training programs to meet needs. Employers often provide internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities.
4. Workforce Boards: Local and state workforce boards (under Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act - WIOA) oversee and coordinate training programs, career services, and employment initiatives.
5. Technology/Data Integration: Using data to track labor market trends, analyze workforce needs, and match workers with opportunities. This includes online platforms for job searches, training enrollment, and skills assessments.
6. Access/Equity: Ensuring underserved populations (e.g., veterans, people with disabilities, low-income individuals, people of color) have access to training and employment opportunities, with special focus on overcoming barriers to employment.

 Trends and innovations in systems include:

• Sector-based strategies: Focus on specific industries critical to the state’s economy (e.g., IT, healthcare, manufacturing).
• Apprenticeships and Earn-and-Learn Programs: Enable workers to gain experience while earning wages, addressing skill gaps in real-time.
• Credentialing and Industry Certifications: Emphasize industry-recognized credentials valued by employers and that provide career mobility to workers.
• Digital Access and Virtual Training: Expansion of online resources and virtual training programs.

Examples of state systems include:

• California: The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) coordinates with local boards and partners to meet the diverse needs of the state's workforce. The CWDB is known for its sector-based strategies, focusing on in-demand industries like technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. California has specific initiatives like the High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP) that promote job quality, wage increases, and career mobility in key sectors.
• Michigan: Michigan Works connects job seekers with career opportunities and employers with talent. Michigan focuses on regional partnerships and integrated service delivery through its Going PRO Talent Fund, which supports employers in training and developing skilled workers.
• North Carolina: NCWorks aligns education, economic development, and workforce services. It operates with a regional focus but integrates services statewide, ensuring access to career counseling, job training, and placement services. The MyFutureNC initiative is a statewide goal to align the workforce with educational outcomes, targeting postsecondary attainment to ensure that residents are prepared for high-quality jobs.
• Ohio: The OhioMeansJobs system connects employers and job seekers statewide and offers workforce services through local centers. The TechCred program which helps businesses train employees in technology-related skills, emphasizing upskilling and industry certification.
• Texas: Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) partners with community colleges, technical schools, and local workforce development boards to provide training aligned with the needs of industries like energy, healthcare, and technology. TWC emphasizes dual credit programs in high schools, where students can earn college credits and credentials, as well as strong employer partnerships.
• Washington: Washington's Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board brings together various stakeholders to develop statewide strategies and programs. The Career Connect Washington initiative links K-12 education, technical training, and employers to help students move into high-demand careers.