The Retail Workforce Workgroup, composed of employers, educators, workforce professionals, and labor representatives, delivered its report to the Legislature this month outlining progress on the five charges required under SB 6296. The report highlights persistent challenges in affordability, regional access to training, and the integration of “durable” or soft skills critical for long-term career success.
Employers reported difficulty finding applicants with strong communication and interpersonal skills and noted limited awareness of existing workforce-training resources. They also emphasized the need for short, flexible, and modular training programs that align with business operations.
Workers and students continue to face affordability barriers, uneven access to Career and Technical Education (CTE), particularly in rural areas, and limited recognition of prior learning or real-world experience toward academic credit.
Drawing from WR’s understanding of current workforce development programs, several no-cost, attainable actions stand out as promising solutions:
- Modify the state’s Customized Training Program and Job Skills Program to further support micro-credentials and short-term certifications.
- Leverage the newly expanded Federal Pell Grant eligibility for micro-credential programs through coordination with workforce partners.
- Recommend collaboration of workforce training organizations with the State’s Small Business Liaison Team.
- Review and replicate successful models such as Everett Community College’s Academic Credit for Prior Learning (ACPL), which helps adult learners convert work experience into college credit through community partnerships.
WR will work with the Legislature and state agencies to implement these no-cost solutions to address gaps identified in the report. Our team is committed to connecting existing resources and strengthening collaboration among employers, educators, and workforce partners to advance retail career pathways without new funding.
