Community Colleges' Role in Workforce Development and Education: Past, Present, and Future of Workforce Education Programs

Workforce Programs

Workforce development programs are considered essential to individuals, society, and the U.S. economy. No other nation has extensively responded to the workforce's talent needs through programs such as workforce development (Fletcher, 2017; Jacobs, 2019). Workforce development programs can boost the economy by helping individuals earn credentials, which will allow them to be more marketable and employable. Employers across the U.S. are searching for individuals with soft skills across various industries, which has allowed community colleges to revise their courses by inserting readiness skills into the curricula. According to data from the American Association of Community Colleges, “the Department of Labor reported that, in July 2017, there were a record 6.2 million unfilled jobs” (Community Colleges: Addressing the Skills Gap, 2017, p. 3). Out of the 6.2 million unfilled jobs, not all required college education, but may be linked to the inability to find qualified workers. AACE shows that community colleges play a crucial role in helping employers in this issue by assisting millions of workers in upgrading their skills (Community Colleges: Addressing the Skills Gap, 2017, p. 3). More than 1100 community college institutions are offering low tuition and fees are who are available to respond to the needs of the private sector (Community Colleges: Addressing the Skills Gap, 2017, p. 3).