ABMA members had the opportunity to speak with Manoach (Manny) Lamarre and Dr. Stephanie Rodriguez of the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) sector of the Department of Labor (DOL) regarding workforce development (WFD) on Monday, April 18. During the meeting, Lamarre gave a brief overview of the programs the ETA oversees and explained the distribution of funds.

According to Lamarre, the ETA program most relevant to the lumber and building materials (LBM) industry is the Job Corps, and more specifically their Office of Apprenticeships. Other opportunistic WFD resources mentioned include but are not limited to local and state youth workforce boards, industry sector councils, and the DOL’s workforce GPS site.

One of the most effective ways to get involved and make a difference regarding WFD, according to Lamarre and Rodriguez, is by approaching your local workforce boards to inquire about speakers. You can do this by filing a Request for Information (RFI) or Request for a Proposal (RFP).

Lastly, Lamarre touched upon the relevance of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and how we as an industry should pay close attention to advocating on its behalf.

ABMA will be sure to keep WFD a top priority and continue to advocate for it on behalf of the LBM industry.