What in the World is Workforce Development?
What in the World is Workforce Development?
Why we must go beyond the buzzword to build inclusive opportunity, purposeful work, and thriving futures
Workforce development has quickly become one of the most universal terms in today’s employment landscape. Unlike many policy or labor-related buzzwords that often invite confusion or contention, this phrase has gained traction across sectors, from education and tech to arts and public service. But with its growing popularity, a fundamental question remains: What is workforce development really, and why does it matter now more than ever?
At its core, workforce development is about more than job training. It is the continuous process of equipping people with the skills, support, and structures they need to grow professionally and economically. It’s also about aligning the internal purpose of businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies with the realities and aspirations of the people who power them. Workforce development challenges us to look inward at our systems and outward at our communities. It pushes us to consider our hiring practices; hiring more and hiring better, while cultivating people, partnerships, and policies that allow everyone, especially those facing barriers, to thrive.
The urgency of workforce development becomes even clearer when we consider the data. As of July 2025, the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.2 percent. In contrast, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate has remained steady at 3.4 percent for several months, showing signs of regional resilience. Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s labor force participation continues to climb, reflecting both opportunity and increased competition. These numbers tell a complicated story: job growth is happening, but it is uneven. Employers and policymakers must be intentional about who gets included in that growth, and how.
This is especially true for industries like education, the arts, and technology, which are three sectors where innovation, creativity, and connection are essential. In education, hiring remains steady in schools, higher education, and workforce training programs. The arts, though still recovering from pandemic-era setbacks, are regaining momentum in cities like Philadelphia through public grants, creative entrepreneurship, and community investment. And the tech sector, particularly in edtech and digital media, is seeing an uptick in flexible, project-based roles. Leaders in these fields must ask: are we investing in the growth of the people we rely on? Are we building pathways that reflect the values we say we stand for?
Answering those questions starts internally. Workforce development begins at home, within the organization. Employers can build strong, sustainable workplaces by offering upskilling programs, aligning their brand’s mission with the lived experience of employees, and developing career ladders that make room for people at all stages of growth. Externally, collaboration with community colleges, re-entry programs, and recovery networks creates broader access and economic mobility. I recently led a resume workshop for individuals re-entering the workforce, many of whom were returning citizens or in recovery. Their questions were thoughtful, and their ambitions clear. They were navigating systems not always built with them in mind, and yet were still hopeful about their futures. Their stories were a reminder that the work of workforce development is deeply human and deeply needed.
Despite the challenges, there are bright spots. Employment is growing in health care, education services, and small creative businesses. Minority-owned businesses are growing at record rates, particularly among Black and Latina women. Small businesses now account for nearly half of all private-sector jobs in the U.S., serving as both economic engines and innovation incubators. Philadelphia’s own economy benefits greatly from these ventures, yet access to capital, mentorship, and flexible support remains a hurdle. This is where workforce development meets entrepreneurship. Supporting founders through coaching, capital, and community can make the difference between a stalled vision and a sustainable business.
In today’s shifting economy, another element of workforce development deserves attention: the ability to build multiple streams of income. The security that once came from a single job is no longer guaranteed for many households. Increasing numbers of Americans report working more than one job or blending traditional employment with freelance, creative, or contract work. Employers who understand this trend and create space for flexibility while maintaining transparency and avoiding conflicts of interest can attract and retain a more adaptive, loyal, and resilient workforce.
As a small business owner myself, I understand this firsthand. Navigating multiple income streams, project cycles, and contract negotiations takes planning, persistence, and vision. I encourage those who are considering launching or restarting a business to move forward with intention. Leverage the full scale of your talents and gifts. Let them support your professional work, your sense of purpose, and your personal liberation. When you design with care, entrepreneurship becomes a path toward emotional, creative, and financial freedom. It is strategic, and it builds resilience.
Ultimately, workforce development is about investing in people and designing systems that reflect their dignity and potential. It is about creating spaces where purpose and productivity align. It is about recognizing the challenges of today while building toward the possibilities of tomorrow. Whether you are hiring, job-seeking, managing, mentoring, or creating, this moment asks us to be bold, flexible, and deeply human. Let us continue to cultivate opportunity, reimagine what’s possible, and ensure that every person has the educational and economic foundation they need to grow and thrive.
Sources
MarketWatch, “July 2025 Jobs Report: What You Need to Know”
USAFacts, “What is the Current Unemployment Rate?”
Investopedia, “What to Expect from July's Jobs Report”
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Labor & Industry
Philadelphia Works, “Quarterly Labor Market Report”
Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, “Non-Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey”
U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy
Pew Research Center, “Trends in Gig and Multiple Job Holding”