What are WIBs?
WIBs are part of the Public Workforce System, a network of federal, state, and local offices that support economic expansion and develop the talent of the nation’s workforce.
State and local WIBs serve as connectors between the U.S. Department of Labor and more than 2,500 local Business & Career Solutions Centers that deliver services to workers and employers. The WIBs’ role is to develop regional strategic plans and set funding priorities for their area.
Think of your local WIB as your link to the public workforce system. As one of their many functions, many WIBs facilitate partnerships between local businesses with similar training needs. WIBs also rely on labor market information to develop sector strategies that focus resources on a particular high growth industry for their area, often involving skill training for local businesses.
More than 50 percent of each WIB’s members must come from the business community. In addition, WIBs are required to have representation from local community colleges and other training providers, as well as elected officials and workforce program leaders. This ensures that current skill needs of local businesses are communicated to relevant training programs.
You can save training costs by connecting with other businesses in your area that have similar training needs. Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) facilitate these connections to maximize the productivity and success of businesses in their region.
