The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) is a valued DirectEmployers partner representing all 50 state workforce agencies, D.C., and U.S. territories. These agencies are responsible for administering workforce development and administering unemployment insurance programs, among other important services.
Key Aspects of NASWA
- Mission: NASWA’s mission is to enhance the effectiveness of state workforce agencies and their partnerships with federal agencies, employers, and other stakeholders to promote workforce development and economic security for all Americans.
- Membership: NASWA’s members include state workforce agency executives from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It serves as a platform for collaboration and information sharing among these agencies.
- Roles & Responsibilities
- Policy Development: NASWA develops and advocates for policies that support the workforce system’s goals, including employment services, unemployment insurance, labor market information, and workforce training programs.
- Technical Assistance: NASWA provides technical assistance and support to state workforce agencies in implementing federal and state workforce policies and programs effectively.
- Data & Research: NASWA collects, analyzes, and disseminates labor market information and best practices to help inform decision-making and program development.
- Federal Partnerships: NASWA collaborates closely with federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and other national organizations to coordinate workforce development efforts and ensure alignment with federal policies.
- Initiatives & Projects: NASWA initiates projects and initiatives aimed at addressing workforce challenges, improving employment outcomes, and enhancing the delivery of workforce services across states.
- National Labor Exchange (NLx): A formal partnership between NASWA and DirectEmployers, the NLx is the only nonprofit national online labor exchange system in the United States. It collects and distributes job openings exclusively found on corporate career websites, state job banks, and federal government job sites.
- Conferences & Training: NASWA organizes conferences, workshops, and training sessions for state workforce agency professionals to enhance their skills, share knowledge, and stay updated on emerging trends and best practices in workforce development.
Overall, the National Association of State Workforce Agencies plays a pivotal role in supporting state workforce agencies in their mission to connect job seekers with employers, administer unemployment benefits, and contribute to economic stability and growth in their respective states and territories.