Center for Workforce Development Research and Practice

The Center for Workforce Development Research and Practice conducts research to support workforce development policy and practice. The Center also provides technical assistance to colleges and employers, including support for apprenticeships, local needs assessments, program development, and high-quality professional development for workforce professionals across business, higher education, and public sectors.

The center aims to strengthen workforce development systems that help businesses fill their talent pipeline, foster economic development, narrow the skills gap, and promote economic and social mobility for workers. The Center aims to strengthen workforce development systems by building sustainable talent pipelines, fostering economic development, narrowing the skills gap, and promoting economic and social mobility for workers.

The Center hosts an Annual Virtual Summer Research Forum on Postsecondary Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development.

About the Center

The Center for Workforce Development Research and Practice (CWDRP) is dedicated to advancing policy and practice in workforce development through high-quality research, technical assistance, and professional development.

We partner with colleges, employers, and community organizations to:

• Support the design and implementation of apprenticeships and other work-based learning initiatives

• Conduct local workforce needs assessments and program development

• Provide professional development for workforce practitioners across higher education, business, and public sectors

Purpose & Impact

Our work strengthens workforce development systems by:

• Building sustainable talent pipelines for business and industry

• Narrowing the skills gap in high-demand fields

• Supporting regional and national economic development

• Expanding opportunities for workers to achieve economic and social mobility

Mission

The mission of the CWDRP is to be a national leader in providing research, technical assistance, and professional development that improves U.S. workforce development systems.

Goals

We pursue this mission by:

• Bridging the gap between education and work

• Reducing disparities in technical and employability skills

• Expanding the availability of skilled talent

• Building systems that prepare workers with adaptable skills for future jobs

Signature Event

Each year, the Center hosts the Annual Virtual Summer Research Forum on Postsecondary Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to advance the field.