The public is invited to comment on strategies aimed at helping Washington residents obtain the education and training needed to not only land jobs, but advance in them, as Washington’s economy grows more competitive and workplace expectations rise. The forum is at 5:30 p.m., Thurs., July 19 at UW-Tacoma, Carwein Auditorium, 1754 Commerce St., in downtown Tacoma.

Public comments are needed to help shape Washington’s strategic plan for workforce development. Comments can be provided by e-mail, letter or through the public forum-one of four forums to be held around the state.

The draft strategic plan and additional information on how to submit comments are available online here. The draft strategic plan focuses on creating multiple pathways for both young people and adult workers to acquire education throughout their lives. Working with stakeholders, Washington’s Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board has refined this multiple pathway focus into specific goals, objectives and strategies. The final plan will be submitted to the Governor and Legislature in December.

The Workforce Board is a state agency that monitors and evaluates the state’s key workforce programs and also provides leadership on policies that help all Washington residents get the education and training they need to obtain living-wage jobs.