Building Skills for the Future During Workforce Development Month

By Mitch Coppes, Federal Government Affairs Manager, Goodwill Industries International

Goodwill® is celebrating National Workforce Development Month throughout September. The month recognizes the important contributions of workforce professionals and highlights the programs, partnerships and initiatives that help job seekers develop their skills while connecting employers with the talent they need.

States across the country are also recognizing the importance of workforce development programs and professionals. In a proclamation recognizing Workforce Development Month in Virginia, Governor Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) noted that expanding access to education and training for high-demand careers strengthens families and businesses while advancing the state’s economic competitiveness. Governor Mike Kehoe (R-MO )similarly recognized the state’s efforts to reduce barriers to employment and expand access to training, education and workforce services so that more people can pursue meaningful and rewarding careers. He also highlighted Missouri’s work to expand its artificial intelligence talent pipeline and increase opportunities for people to pursue education and training in AI and related technologies.

In communities across the country, local Goodwill organizations are helping people gain the skills, credentials and support they need to compete in today’s labor market. These efforts connect job seekers with opportunities in high-growth industries such as healthcare, technology, clean energy and the skilled trades. In 2025, the Goodwill network served more than 1.9 million people and helped place more than 142,000 individuals into employment, making Goodwill one of the largest nonprofit workforce development providers in North America.

As technology reshapes the workplace, Goodwill is expanding digital skills and AI-focused workforce initiatives to help workers build practical skills for today’s jobs and future opportunities. Across the Goodwill network, these programs are preparing people to succeed in an AI-driven economy while helping ensure individuals facing barriers to employment are not left behind.

During September and throughout the year, Goodwill helps people overcome barriers to employment, earn credentials, build in-demand skills and find meaningful work. Through partnerships with employers, educators and community organizations, Goodwill is expanding access to career opportunities while helping strengthen the workforce of the future.