Employers and Industry and Business Groups

What do they do? Employers and business and industry groups contribute to local workforce systems by hiring and training workers, helping develop and deliver career and technical education, and providing resources for workforce development activities. Employers employ people, but they also train them to perform their jobs and advance. Training can be on-the-job, such as internships and apprenticeships, or through other instruction or classes offered by the employer or training provider. Employers and industry and business associations may coordinate with other employers and members of the community by sitting in on workforce development boards and participating in sector partnerships that address the workforce needs of an industry.

Who are they? Employers in a community can be large, medium, or small, in different industries, and with various skill needs. Industry and business associations, such as chambers of commerce, represent employers within a community or an industry sector to help them address their needs.

Why are they important? Employers are the primary providers of training for workers, based on estimates of resources spent on training. But employers and their associations have an important role in communicating and partnering with government agencies, service providers, intermediaries, and others in the local workforce system about the skills and credentials they need.