A trained, readily available workforce is essential to retain existing industries and to attract new ones in America’s communities. Regional councils and MPOs promote regional and market-based approaches to worker training through strategic alliances with the private sector, community leaders and academic institutions. Local elected officials, many who serve on regional council and MPO boards, provide strong leadership and sound oversight for workforce programs, including by participating in state and local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs).

NARC Projects

In April 2012, NARC and several national and regional partners completed a Pathways Out of Poverty project funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The program was designed to serve dislocated and disadvantaged individuals in four regions across the country with a green job training and placement program. Additional information is available at www.narc.org/pathways.

Federal Resources

U. S. Department of Labor

• Employment Training Administration
• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Veterans’ Employment Training Service
• Women’s Bureau