Why Workforce Matters and How Harmful Decisions Are Setting Us Back
Workforce development isn’t just about jobs—it’s about creating pathways for individuals to achieve stability, dignity, and growth in a rapidly changing economy. It’s also a vital component of building a more equitable society by addressing systemic barriers that prevent many people from accessing meaningful employment. Yet recent decisions to cut funding for the Department of Education, weaken the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives threaten to undo the progress we’ve made. This post will explore what workforce development is, why it’s critical, and how these harmful decisions could set us back.
What Is Workforce Development?
Workforce development is the system designed to assist individuals in preparing for, seeking, and advancing in the labor market while enabling employers to connect with skilled job seekers and enhance the skills of their workforce. The Chicago Jobs Council (CJC) champions this cause by advocating for job seekers, building capacity in the workforce development field through our world-class training, and influencing policies that promote equitable opportunities for all. Additionally, the public workforce system plays a crucial role in helping businesses find qualified workers through services like job fairs, candidate screening, and apprenticeships. By collaborating with entities such as American Job Centers, businesses can access diverse talent pools, including youth, older workers, individuals with disabilities, and other untapped sources of skilled labor. (U.S. Department of Labor, "Workforce Development Solutions," Employment and Training Administration, Workforce Development Solutions | U.S. Department of Labor Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.)
The workforce development system comprises:
Community-Based Organizations
Training Providers
Community Colleges
Public Administrators
Employers
These entities work together to serve diverse populations, including dislocated workers, immigrants, refugees, English Language Learners, people with disabilities, mature workers, rentering citizens, and youth. By offering tailored support, the system addresses the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups, helping them overcome barriers to employment.
Why Is Workforce Development Needed?
Workforce development is essential for several reasons:
Addressing Systemic Barriers: Many individuals face challenges such as racial inequities, language barriers, or lack of access to education and training. Workforce programs help level the playing field by providing the tools and resources needed to succeed.
Supporting Economic Stability: By equipping people with in-demand skills, workforce development helps reduce unemployment and underemployment, contributing to a more stable economy.
Building Inclusive Workplaces: Initiatives like DEI programs foster workplace environments where diverse talents can thrive, ultimately benefiting employers and employees alike.
Key program models, such as Work-Based Learning, Career Pathways, and Sector Strategies, demonstrate how workforce development creates sustainable opportunities for individuals and businesses. Programs like Transitional Jobs offer real work experience and support services, while Sector-Based Training prepares participants for high-demand industries.
Harmful Impacts of Cutting Workforce Resources
Cuts to critical resources such as the Department of Education, EEOC, and DEI initiatives pose significant risks to the workforce development system:
Department of Education: Reducing funding to the Department of Education undermines programs that bridge the gap between education and employment. For instance, expanding Pell Grant eligibility to include short-term training programs would provide vital support to individuals seeking rapid entry into the workforce. Such cuts disproportionately harm marginalized communities and impede efforts to create equitable opportunities.
EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission): Weakening the EEOC diminishes protections against workplace discrimination. This impacts not only people of color but also individuals facing bias due to their gender, age, disability, or other factors. The erosion of these protections exacerbates inequities and creates barriers to employment for many.
DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion): DEI initiatives are often misunderstood as being solely about race. In reality, DEI encompasses a broad spectrum of inclusion, addressing inequities related to gender, disability, socioeconomic background, and more. Cuts to DEI efforts limit the workforce system's ability to foster environments where all individuals—regardless of race, gender, or ability—can thrive. These initiatives are fundamental to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities it serves and to ensuring equitable access to opportunities.
The Ripple Effect of These Decisions
The consequences of these policy shifts are far-reaching. Marginalized communities—already facing significant barriers—will bear the brunt of reduced access to education, fewer protections against discrimination, and diminished support for workplace equity. This, in turn, affects the broader workforce by limiting diversity, stifling innovation, and reducing competitiveness in a global economy.
Moving Forward: The Case for Collective Advocacy
Now, more than ever, we must advocate for policies that support workforce development, education, and equity. By uniting individuals, organizations, and policymakers, we can rebuild and sustain systems that empower everyone to succeed. The Chicago Jobs Council’s commitment to an antiracist workforce development system is a vital example of the impact collective action can achieve.
Workforce development is the cornerstone of a fair and thriving society. To ensure that everyone—regardless of their background—has the opportunity to succeed, we must protect and strengthen this system. Together, we can stand against harmful decisions and champion pathways to equity and opportunity for all. Download our Workforce Development 101 infographic and share it today to raise awareness and advocate for a stronger, more inclusive workforce economy.
