Insights and Perspectives

Workforce Development Month: An Interview with Geographic Solutions’ President and Founder, Paul Toomey

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 19:05:53 GMT

Every September, Workforce Development Month provides an opportunity to recognize the professionals, programs, partnerships, and technologies helping people build meaningful careers and businesses find the talent they need.

Created by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) in 2005, Workforce Development Month was established to raise awareness about the importance of the workforce development industry to the national economy. Originally observed in May, the designation moved to September in 2012. Today, the month serves as an opportunity to celebrate workforce professionals while highlighting the role their work plays in strengthening individuals, businesses, and communities.

That role has become increasingly important as the workforce development system responds to changing labor markets, evolving technologies, new expectations from job seeker and employers, and continued pressure on public agencies to deliver more services with limited resources.

Few people have witnessed that evolution as closely as Paul Toomey, President and Founder of Geographic Solutions. Since founding the company in 1992, Toomey has watched technology reshape the way workforce services are delivered. His tenure in workforce development has spanned the emergence of the internet and online workforce systems to remote service delivery, integrated platforms, and most recently, artificial intelligence.

During a recording of an upcoming episode of Geographic Solutions’ VOScast Podcast, Toomey reflected on those changes and what they could mean for the future of workforce development.

Doing More With Less

When asked about the greatest challenge facing public workforce development today, Toomey pointed to one familiar to agencies across the country: resources.

“The biggest challenge facing the public sector workforce development industry today is lack of resources,” Toomey said, describing an environment in which agencies are increasingly being asked to do more with less.

That challenge places greater importance on finding ways to make existing resources, particularly staff time, go further.

Technology is increasingly part of that equation. Online service delivery can expand access without requiring every interaction to take place inside a physical workforce center. Automation can reduce repetitive administrative work. And, artificial intelligence can help workforce professionals complete time-consuming tasks more efficiently, leaving additional time for the human interactions that often matter most.

Toomey highlighted AI applications, such as VOS Sapphire AI, that can summarize extensive case notes and help staff develop Individualized Employment Plans. Rather than requiring a case manager to manually review dozens of notes or begin an employment plan from scratch, AI can create a starting point for the professional to review, refine, and apply to the participant’s circumstances.

Expanding When and Where Workforce Development Happens

Technology is also changing where workforce services can reach people.

One example Toomey highlighted is the use of workforce technology within correctional institutions. Traditionally, employment services for justice-impacted individuals starts after release. Through new approaches, those services now start before release.

“People within the correctional institution can look at their careers, their skills, jobs that are out there that might match those skills, and create a résumé, all within the confines of the correctional facility,” said Toomey.

It represents a broader shift in workforce development: meeting people where they are instead of waiting for them to find the system.

Building a More Connected Workforce System

Looking several years ahead, Toomey expects the continued expansion of digital services to be accompanied by another significant trend: greater integration.

Public workforce systems encompass numerous programs, each with its own requirements, services, and terminology. But the person seeking assistance may not know the difference between WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), unemployment insurance, and other programs.

Toomey sees the industry as moving toward a stronger “no wrong door” model in which technology helps guide individuals toward appropriate programs and services through a more unified experience.

“The system will guide you through that process,” Toomey said, envisioning a more seamless experience where individuals can access multiple programs without navigating separate, fragmented systems.

Making Workforce Services Easier to Find

The industry faces challenges that extend beyond technology to the issue of awareness.

Toomey noted that many people simply don’t realize the breadth of services available through the public workforce systems. Businesses, especially, can turn to workforce agencies for help identifying qualified candidates and connecting with talent, often at no cost to the employer.

“A lot of employers don’t realize the resources that are available to them, essentially free of charge, to help them find correct and appropriate talent,” said Toomey.
Services like these available to business owners makes Workforce Development Month not only valuable to the professionals in the field, but also to the entrepreneurs, the startup founders, and the small businesses trying to make it through their fiscal year.

The People Behind the Technology

Software and hardware alone doesn’t create workforce outcomes.

Behind every platform, program, career plan, training, referral, employer connection, and successful placement are workforce professionals applying their experience and judgement to help people move forward.

That’s why Toomey’s message to workforce professionals during Workforce Development Month is a simple one:

“Keep up the great work that you’re doing. It’s so important, and we really appreciate everything you do to help individuals and employers every day.”

As new technologies and challenges reshape the labor market, workforce professionals will continue serving as the connection between people searching for opportunity, employers searching for talent, and communities working toward stronger economies.

The tools may change, but the mission remains at the heart of workforce development.

Celebrating a Milestone with 20 Key Facts About Workforce Development

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 21:02:47 GMT

Workforce Development Month, founded in 2005, celebrates the programs and professionals who connect people with meaningful careers and businesses to skilled talent. This year, it is the 20th anniversary of Workforce Development Month. We are honoring the two-decade tradition of recognizing the impact of workforce development initiatives in shaping careers, strengthening businesses, and building thriving communities. To mark this special occasion, we've compiled 20 facts about Workforce Development Month and the industry it celebrates.

It’s important to understand where this tradition began, so let's hit rewind. The first five facts on our list focus on the history of Workforce Development Month, from its beginning in 2005 to key milestones that have shaped this observance over the past two decades.

#1: The Founding Organization. Workforce Development Month was established in 2005 by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP). NAWDP is a professional organization that works to connect job seekers, educators, and companies to advance the workforce development community and build innovative partnerships with other industry-leading organizations.

#2: The Month Changed! Workforce Development Month was originally celebrated in May. NAWDP moved the observance to September in 2012.

#3: From WIA to WIOA. The transition from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was a major change. Signed into law in 2014, WIOA put a greater emphasis on serving individuals with barriers to employment and aligning services more closely with the needs of businesses.

#4: Gaining Official Acknowledgement. Workforce Development Month received official recognition in 2022. The U.S. Senate passed a resolution marking September as National Workforce Development Month, and this designation has been renewed every year since.

#5: State and Local Recognition. While NAWDP started it, its success is a result of widespread support. Every September, governors and mayors across the nation issue official statements, called proclamations, that formally recognize the month.

While workforce development is celebrated in September, the work takes place all year, and American Job Centers are where the action takes place. The next facts are all about American Job Centers (AJC), also known as one-stop shops. These centers are the front lines of workforce development, offering resources and personalized help to job seekers and employers in communities nationwide.

#6: They are Everywhere: There are nearly 2,400 American Job Centers nationwide, with a location in almost every community. They serve as a central hub where people can access a wide variety of career services in one place.

#7: They are a Product of WIOA: The modern American Job Center system exists because of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. WIOA requires states to provide an integrated system, ensuring job seekers can access the resources they need to succeed in a competitive economy.

#8: Built on Collaboration: AJCs are a collaborative effort, bringing together a variety of programs and agencies under one roof. They work with mandatory partners, including services for adult education, vocational rehabilitation, and veterans, to provide a coordinated approach to workforce development.

#9: Free and Accessible Help: The services offered by AJCs, such as career counseling, job search assistance, résumé writing workshops, and access to computers and phones, are provided at no cost to the public.

#10: They Are Locally Driven: The American Job Center network is a national system, but it is designed for local needs. State and local workforce development boards, which are made up of community and business leaders, manage the centers in their area. This ensures that the services that are offered align with the specific labor market demands of that community.

The American Job Centers are where workforce development happens, but the professionals and front-line staff make it work. These individuals are responsible for carrying out the mission of workforce development, helping job seekers and businesses in communities nationwide. The following five facts shine a light on those professionals who staff AJCs and other organizations.

#11: A Growing Field: The demand for skilled workforce development professionals is expected to remain strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of Training and Development Specialists is projected to grow 12% from 2023 to 2033, a rate much faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to roughly 48,500 new jobs over the decade.

#12: Certification is Key: Many professionals in the field get certified to demonstrate their skills and expertise. The most recognized credential is the Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP), offered by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP). This certification proves a professional's expertise in key areas like communication, ethics, and job market knowledge.

#13: Leaders in the Industry: NAWDP is a member-driven organization. Its leadership, including the Board of Directors and staff, consists of elected members who represent different regions and states. This ensures the organization’s leadership reflects the interests of workforce development professionals nationwide. The Board and NAWDP staff work together to set goals and support the profession.

#14: Skills for Success: To work as a workforce development professional, certain skills are essential. The top skills requested in thousands of job listings are Workforce Development (53%), followed by Writing (38%), and Management (31%). These are the skills hiring employers look for most often.

#15: Diverse Career Paths: Workforce development professionals hold a wide range of jobs, from career counselors to program managers, and they work in diverse settings, including government agencies, non-profits, and private companies. Their main goal is to identify and address challenges in the workforce, helping people get the skills and support they need to succeed in their careers.

The individuals on the front lines are key, but what do their combined efforts achieve? The final five facts explore the impact of workforce development and why celebrating each September is so important.

#16: Growing Individual Income: Workforce development programs have a tangible impact on the earning potential of participants. People who complete these programs have the potential to earn more, and some participants do see a significant increase in their income. A study by the US Department of Labor on job training found that participants' earnings increased by an average of 49% after finishing their apprenticeship.

#17: Bridging the Skills Gap: The skills gap is a major challenge for businesses, with many employers reporting they cannot find qualified talent. Workforce development helps close this gap. According to a 2024 Workforce Skills Gap Trends survey, 70% of corporate leaders report a critical skills gap, and 63% identify skill gaps as the biggest barrier to business transformation. Programs like apprenticeships and customized training ensure that companies have skilled talent, boosting productivity and innovation.

#18: Driving Economic Growth: Workforce development strengthens local and national economies. Employees with relevant skills contribute more effectively to their industries, earn higher wages, and stimulate economic mobility. A skilled workforce can also quickly change to meet the demands of new industries or adapt to changes, making the economy more resilient.

#19: Employee Retention: Employee retention is directly tied to career development. Businesses that offer opportunities for growth and skill-building are more likely to retain their employees. According to Gallup's 2024 research, 42% of employee turnover is preventable, and career advancement opportunities are crucial. Employees with a clear path for growth and opportunities are more engaged and less likely to look for work elsewhere.

#20: Support for All: Workforce development provides resources for specific groups to help them overcome unique employment challenges. This includes services for veterans transitioning to civilian careers, individuals with disabilities seeking accommodations, youth looking for their first job, and older workers seeking to reskill. These programs ensure everyone has an opportunity to succeed in the job market.

We've covered the history, the professionals, the places, and the powerful impact of workforce development. This work is about more than a single month. It is a year-round commitment to building a more skilled, resilient, and equitable workforce.

Geographic Solutions celebrates this important month and the essential work that happens year-round. We are honored to provide the technology that helps connect job seekers with training and careers, supporting the mission of workforce development professionals every day.

Celebrating Workforce Development Month: Looking Towards A Stronger Workforce for America Act with Promise and Excitement

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 19:41:20 GMT

What is Workforce Development Month?
Every September, Geographic Solutions celebrates Workforce Development Month and recognizes the importance of workforce development initiatives and professionals within the industry. Workforce Development Month was created in 2005 by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) to raise awareness about the importance of the workforce industry and highlight the efforts of organizations, policymakers, and professionals committed to helping prepare the labor force to meet the evolving needs of the labor market. NAWDP celebrates Workforce Development Month with initiatives like the ‘Workforce Heroes’ program, which highlights multiple workforce heroes over the course of the month.

A Stronger Workforce for America Act (ASWA) was recently introduced to build on the foundation of, and reauthorize, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which has been the grounds of workforce development legislation for the past decade. We interviewed Melissa Robbins, CEO of the NAWDP, to gain further insights on the new legislation. Her wisdom offered a valuable perspective on the importance of Workforce Development Month, the promise of ASWA, and the future of the workforce industry.

Understanding A Stronger Workforce for America Act
A Stronger Workforce for America Act (ASWA) was introduced on December 7, 2023, passed by the House of Representatives on April 9, 2024, and will go to the Senate next for consideration. Since then, ASWA has received support from workforce organizations and policymakers, who view it as essential for meeting the changing needs of the labor market. ASWA aims to build upon the existing Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Signed into law on July 22, 2014, WIOA was the first major reform of the public workforce system since 1998, with the goal of helping job seekers access employment, education, training, and support needed to thrive within the labor market and match employers to skilled workers.

Melissa Robbins shared what she thought to be the biggest challenge in workforce development today and how ASWA addresses that challenge. “I think right now the biggest challenge is to make sure that we’re meeting the needs of businesses and job seekers in the current environment,” said Robbins. “WIOA passed in 2014, so we’re ten years from the last legislation passing, and a lot has happened in those years.”

Robbins added that while the workforce system did a wonderful job adapting, especially during the pandemic when we had to find ways to deliver our programs and services without human contact, that the legislation hasn’t changed. It is imperative that the new legislation focuses on flexibility to meet the changing needs of businesses and job seekers. WIOA’s reauthorization via ASWA aims to modernize education and training programs to better align with current and future job market needs.

Components of A Stronger Workforce for America Act:

Skills Upgrading: Allocate 50% of funds to upskill workers through Individual Training Accounts (ITAs), on-the-job learning, and prioritizing employer-led programs for skill training.
Efficiency and Accountability: Focus on the Eligible Training Provider List to streamline outcomes and ensure that programs align with employers' demands. Fully implement a performance accountability system to hold states and local workforce boards accountable.
Economic Opportunity: Places a greater emphasis on work-based learning for youth, supports reentry programs, and strengthen workforce education programs at community colleges.
Innovation and Hiring: Provide flexibility to states and local workforce boards to modernize their workforce systems and support skills-based hiring practices.

Differences From WIOA:
When asked about the main differences between ASWA and WIOA, Robbins stated that while the new legislation builds on WIOA, it also introduces the following changes:

Focus on Eligible Training Provider List: The new legislation emphasizes the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL), a public statewide list of qualified training providers eligible for WIOA worker training funds.
Funding: ASWA addresses fund ceilings and floors. WIOA allocates specific percentages to various programs and activities, compared to ASWA, which allows states and local boards to diversify programs and funds.
Flexibility: Overall flexibility for programs so that they can adapt to the changing needs of the industry.

Potential Challenges, Benefits, and Outcomes
Geographic Solutions President, Paul Toomey shared his insights on the benefits of ASWA in a recent Forbes article where he stated, “This legislation’s renewed vision for creating a stronger, more adaptable workforce offers numerous benefits to not only the economy, but also to dislocated, remote, and future generations of workers.”
ASWA will have short and long-term benefits for job seekers and employers. In the short term, changes will allow state and local workforce boards to take on new initiatives that were not previously possible. “Any kind of change in the legislation, there's going to be things that change quickly," said Robbins.

One of the main challenges in implementing ASWA will be ensuring that everyone is trained on the new compliance requirements. Robbins stated, "Just like WIOA, with any new legislation, there's going to be new compliance issues that are going to be black and white, and we have to make sure that they get rolled out to everybody."

She further explained that workforce organizations need to be aware of the complexity of new legislation as it involves hundreds of pages of laws and regulations. Then states and local boards will add their own additional things particular to their area, further complicating compliance requirements. Workforce organizations will need to be prepared to ensure a smooth implementation.

Workforce organizations may also encounter challenges in balancing innovation with compliance while implementing the new legislation. ASWA aims to create innovative strategies and partnerships. Robbins highlighted the need to balance innovation with compliance:

"How do we strategically impact the new innovative ideas on how we're going to implement… the essence of this new legislation," said Robbins.

The role of NAWDP will evolve with the implementation of ASWA, as it has since the early 80’s and adapting to legislative changes and integrating non-traditional workforce partners. Robbins emphasized that NAWDP will remain committed to meeting the needs of its members and the workforce industry.

Supporting Workforce Development for a Stronger Future
Geographic Solutions is dedicated to supporting workforce development initiatives and providing job seekers with the support they need to succeed within the labor market. As workforce legislation and development change, Geographic Solutions remains committed to building a strong and adaptable workforce.

Workforce development takes a collaborative effort between workforce agencies and service providers to close the skills gap, increase job placements, reduce unemployment durations, and ultimately strengthen economic development initiatives. Workforce Development Month gives us a chance to honor those who go to great lengths to positively impact the workforce. We give our thanks to all workforce professionals, the true heart of workforce development.

Click here to watch the whole interview with Melissa Robbins.

As AI Increases, So Does the Need for Workforce Development Professionals

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:17:00 GMT

As we wrap up Workforce Development Month, not only is it a moment to reflect on the past, it’s a perfect time to watch for future trends.

For industry professionals, the elephant in the room is artificial intelligence (AI). Defined in a 2004 paper by Stanford University’s John McCarthy as the use of intelligent machines and computers, AI is everywhere you look. And unlike recent trends such as non-fungible tokens, the Internet of Things, and the metaverse, AI has the longevity to impact the US workforce, the folks that help others along their career journey, and all connected industries.

But, taking it one step further, AI has the potential to increase the need for workforce development.

Read on to find out more.

You Are Here

Chances are you’re already using AI or an application that relies on machine learning. Visit your favorite website and interact with their chat agent. That may be a virtual assistant. Check your spelling and style with a tool like Grammarly. Yup, that’s AI. Searching for something new to watch on Netflix? A form of AI just helped you binge the latest hit show.

The professionals of the future who harness AI as an assistant while learning the soft skills that robots can’t, will see their careers accelerate.
But let’s take a step back.

Why Workforce Development Month?

Across the United States, there are more than 500 workforce development boards and 2,300 American Job Centers. Thousands of career counselors, employment specialists, youth advocates, and program managers work every day to ensure that the 167 million-strong U.S. workforce is skilled, willed, and ready to work.

And that’s why in 2005, the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) created Workforce Development Month to help raise awareness for the industry’s economic impact.

A Brief History of Workforce Development

1862 -- the Morill Act makes it possible for the roots of workforce development to take hold. With this act, states establish public colleges using funds from developing or selling federal land grants.
1913 -- President William Howard Taft signs an act that established the U.S. Department of Labor.
1933 -- The New Deal allows the federal government to invest in workforce development services.
1962 -- Kennedy’s Manpower Development and Training Act paves the way for training to unemployed adults and youth workers.
1982 -- The Job Training Partnership Act yields Regional Service Delivery areas and renewed focus on training for dislocated workers and other populations in need.
1990 -- Workforce development matures with the Workforce Investment Act’s focus on service delivery through a nationwide network of one-stop career centers.
2014 -- The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in 2014 strengthens the role of local workforce development boards and increases the need for stakeholder collaboration.

Let’s Talk Stats

As of August 2023, Employment Services accounted for more jobs in Administrative and Support Services than any other category at 3.6 million. It also made up 2.4% of national employment.

According to statistics from the NAWB, an advocate for workforce boards, 12 million people touch the workforce development system each year. During COVID, over 9 million people used career services.

The Brookings Institute estimates that the collective knowledge and capabilities of the U.S. workforce is worth an estimated $240 trillion, placing its value above 10 times that of all urban zones throughout the country. For the record, some of the largest zones of this nature are metropolitan statistical areas such as:

New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the National Skills Coalition found that closing the digital skills divide could raise pay by an average of 45%. At the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, leaders from across the world met to discuss new innovations and their skills requirements. They found that at the current pace of technological change, 44% of workers skills will be disrupted in the next five years.

“I think that digital literacy today is what literacy used to be in the past,” said international workforce development consultant, Miguel Peromingo. “You cannot take part in the world of work properly if you are not able to express yourself in a digital way or deliver your skills digitally.”

AI in Workforce Development

The future of workforce development could hinge on the introduction of artificial intelligence to platforms that support upskilling, training, and hiring.

In a July 2023, a report from McKinsey Global Institute showed that by 2030, 30% of hours worked across the US economy could be automated. This trend could be accelerated by generative AI.

The most noteworthy insight from McKinsey’s report is that as the use of generative AI increases, the US will need workforce development on a far larger scale. According to the report “employers will need to hire for skills and competencies rather than credentials.”

Could AI lend a hand to self-guided skills building sessions? Bruce Sylva, Senior Director of Sales at StandOut is confident that it will.

“What we’re doing with AI is using different tools to build confidence in interview practice,” said Sylva.

StandOut is amongst a group of companies that offer these training and practice options.

Good Times for Soft Skills

Metrix Learning, a company that provides skills building and training solutions, echoed these sentiments in a recent edition of Partnership Marketplace. Those in hiring positions have called for more candidates with the soft skills needed to complement AI and automation.

“Employers are always asking for somebody that has core communications, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking skills,” said Christine Peng, Metrix Learning’s Workforce Development Product Manager.

Future Looking Forward

AI is only going to enhance the ways in which we can train and upskill workers. Skills gain and skills-based training stand to benefit greatly from the use of artificial intelligence in the same way that writers benefit from tools like Grammarly for editing and Hemingway App style. And, professionals who help folks in their career journey are perhaps already using tool or feature that relies on an application of AI.

September is the ideal time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of workforce development professionals but we should recognize these folks year round. When Senator Justin Morrill of Vermont submitted his initial legislation, he couldn’t have foreseen that he would be creating a new type of people power that would be observed yearly. And, he couldn’t have imagined that artificial intelligence generated by computers would be part of the conversation.

But as we look to 2024, we are here – and we’re ready.