What is a Workforce Development Specialist Job?
A Workforce Development Specialist is a professional who works to design, implement, and evaluate training programs for employees in a company or organization. They play a crucial role in ensuring that employees are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs effectively.
What Usually Do in This Position?
A Workforce Development Specialist is responsible for identifying the training needs of employees, developing and delivering training programs, and evaluating the effectiveness of those programs. They work closely with managers and supervisors to ensure that training programs are aligned with the company's goals and objectives.
Top 5 Skills for Position
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders
How to Become a Workforce Development Specialist
To become a Workforce Development Specialist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field such as human resources, business administration, or education. Some employers may require a master's degree or professional certification in training and development. Relevant work experience in human resources, training, or teaching is also valuable.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Training and Development Specialists, which includes Workforce Development Specialists, was $62,700 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, industry, and level of experience.
Roles and Types
Workforce Development Specialists can work in a variety of industries, including government, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Some common job titles in this field include Training and Development Specialist, Learning and Development Specialist, and Talent Development Specialist. Within these roles, Workforce Development Specialists may focus on areas such as leadership development, compliance training, or technical skills training.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
According to Indeed, some of the top cities for Workforce Development Specialist jobs in the United States include Washington, DC, New York, NY, Atlanta, GA, and Chicago, IL. However, there are opportunities for these professionals in many other cities and regions as well.
What are the Typical Tools?
Workforce Development Specialists use a variety of tools to design, deliver, and evaluate training programs. These may include learning management systems, authoring tools for e-learning content, survey tools for gathering feedback from employees, and data analysis tools for evaluating the effectiveness of training programs.
In Conclusion
Workforce Development Specialist jobs are critical to ensuring that employees have the skills and knowledge they need to perform their jobs effectively. These professionals need strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills, as well as a bachelor's degree and relevant work experience. Salaries can vary depending on location, industry, and experience, but the median annual salary for Training and Development Specialists was $62,700 in May 2020. With opportunities available in a variety of industries and locations, Workforce Development Specialists play a vital role in the success of organizations across the country.