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Governor Kevin Stitt has signed an executive order creating the Workforce Transformation Task Force. The taskforce will focus on designing a new workforce delivery system in Oklahoma, by consolidating state workforce resources through creating a single entity responsible for workforce development.
“Oklahoma’s workforce must keep pace with the growing number of businesses expanding in and relocating to the state,” said Governor Stitt. “This Workforce Transformation Task Force is a good first step to help us maximize our full potential and provide a workforce that can meet the needs of employers.”
“Workforce is the number one challenge facing businesses in our state. We need to get more Oklahomans career-ready to address our immediate needs, while also building a pipeline to educate and train the future workforce,” said State Chamber President and CEO Chad Warmington. “This executive order is the first step in creating clear pathways to help Oklahomans get ready for the workforce. The reorganization will also better align workforce systems and provide accountability for their responsibilities. Other states have successfully implemented similar plans that continue to pay dividends. This is the right move for Oklahomans, as well as the future of our state’s economy.”
Stitt says the task force goals are to:
- Evaluate the operations of the state’s current workforce delivery system, as well as those of other states, and develop recommendations to enhance coordination, efficiency, and effectiveness of workforce development efforts within and among stakeholder state agencies and local entities;
- Determine the best structure, operating procedures, and chain of command of the new workforce delivery system to achieve the goals directed by this Order;
- Guide the transition of all existing workforce programs, including but not limited to those funded by or operating pursuant to WIOA;
- Recommend a reporting structure that ensures accountability for public funds and program results;
- Design a workforce delivery system structure adequate to developing the quantity and quality of the labor force required to meet the needs of employers currently and in the future; and
- Identify ways to maximize federal and other funding, including but not limited to funds available under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Executive Order 2023-02, as well as more information on the key features of the new system, can be read in full HERE.