Assuming duties of the State Council on Vocational-Technical Education in 1993, the Workforce Investment Board served as Maryland's human resource investment council under the federal Job Training Partnership Act (Chapter 463, Acts of 1993), which became the Workforce Investment Act in 2001. Later in 1993, the Board was made an independent agency, separate from the Department of Economic and Employment Development (Executive Order 01.01.1993.30). In accordance with the federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998, the Board reorganized as the Governor's Workforce Investment Board in August 1998 (Executive Order 01.01.1998.23) and further reformed its membership in November 2004 (Executive Order 01.01.2004.60). In accordance with the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, membership on the Governor's Workforce Investment Board was further amended in June 2015 (Executive Order 01.01.2015.19). Since 2003, the Board has been housed in the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation for administrative and budgetary purposes only.
The Governor's Workforce Investment Board helps plan, coordinate, and monitor State programs and services for workforce development, and advises the Governor on the development, implementation, and modification of the 4-year State Plan, as required by federal law. The next State Plan, covering 2016 to 2020, is to be submitted by March 2016.
Statewide workforce policies and programs are reviewed by the Board, which recommends ways to improve workforce development, remove barriers to employment; support workers' transition from education and training into the workforce; provide effective outreach and access for individuals and employers; and expand sector partnerships.
To meet the needs of employers, workers, and job seekers, the Board oversees a one-stop delivery system of employment services. The Board identifies and disseminates best practices related to effective operation of one-stop centers, local boards, training programs, and placement services; and identifies technological upgrades for improving the quality of services, and access to them.
To assess the effectiveness of core programs, the Board develops and updates accountability standards. By these standards, workforce outcomes are measured, gauging short- and long-term employment rates, earnings, credential completions, skill gains, and effectiveness in serving employers.
Board membership was reconstituted in June 2015 (Executive Order 01.01.2015.19). Members include those appointed by the Governor to four-years terms, as well as one member appointed by the Senate President, and one by the House Speaker. Nine members serve ex offico. The Governor names the chair (Code Labor and Employment Article, sec. 11-505; Executive Order 01.01.2004.60; Chapter 123, Acts of 2005; Executive Order 01.01.2015.19).
TASK FORCE ON DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS TO AID UNEMPLOYED STATE RESIDENTS
In October 2011, the Governor's Workforce Investment Board was authorized to establish an advisory committee. That committee now is called the Task Force on Development of Educational Programs to Aid Unemployed State Residents (Chapter 359, Acts of 2011; Code Labor & Employment Article, sec. 11-505.1).
The Task Force is charged with identifying the workforce needs and the educational and training requirements for employment sectors showing growth opportunities and job availability. For regions of Maryland with the highest levels of unemployment, the Task Force determines their workforce education and training needs.
Annually, the Task Force submits recommendations to the Governor, the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, and the House Committee on Ways and Means.
INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE ON WORKFORCE
The Interagency Committee on Workforce coordinates workforce development programs and policies among State agencies to meet the demands of Maryland industries.
|
|| Search the Archives || Education & Outreach || Archives of Maryland Online ] Governor General Assembly Judiciary Maryland.Gov
|