Document Icon NBLP Matrix
Document Icon Learner/Mentor Matches
Document Icon Regions and
Regional Contacts

The Employment and Training Administration's National Business Learning Partnership (NBLP) brings together workforce investment boards and economic development organizations from around the country to participate as peer mentors around key issues areas. The National Business Learning Partnership uses a peer-to-peer learning approach to build the capacity of state and local workforce investment boards to become a key component of regional economic growth strategies. Through this learning structure, workforce practitioners and their regional partners learn from one another and replicate best practices across the system. Workforce investment boards identify strategies and governance structures that facilitate innovation and further integrate workforce and economic development with education at the regional level Ð where companies, workers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and governments come together to create a competitive advantage.

In the current NBLP initiative, partnerships have formed to focus on the following areas:



NBLP Matrix
Partnership 1
Learner Partner : Arapahoe/Douglas Works! (Colorado)
Mentor Partner : SWWDC & Worksystems, Inc. (Washington)
Topic : Talent Development
Challenges : Building Staff Capacity
Description of Projects: The overall goal of the learning partnership between the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Organization and its Mentor partners, Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council and Worksystems, Inc. is to develop and implement a Workforce Staff Capacity Building Model and Academy. To achieve this goal the partners worked through a process begin Workforce Informationth researching and documenting current practices at many workforce organizations, identifying gaps and potential strategies, developing a workable model and draft system, implementing and piloting the model, evaluation results and refining and revising the model as needed. The learning partners also plan to present the resulting Workforce Staff Capacity Building Academy model at conferences as well as post the results on line in 2008 for access by the entire workforce development system.
Tools: Create Staff Capacity Building Academy (Final curriculum available 4/2008 at www.adworks.org)
Partnership 2
Learner Partner : Atlanta Regional Commission (Georgia)
Mentor Partner : Gulfcoast WB (Texas)
Topic : Strategic Partnerships; Leveraged Resources
Challenges : Engaging and Communicating Workforce Informationth Stakeholders
Description of Projects: The goal of the Atlanta Regional Commission, Atlanta Regional Workforce Board (ARC ARWB) is to develop plans and strategies that will assist it in becoming recognized as a key player in demand-driven economic development in the ten-county metro Atlanta region. Working with its NBLP partner, the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, Houston, Texas, ARC ARWB is working through a series of activities in order to achieve its goal including the development of a new vision and five-year strategic plan for the organization. Securing partner buy-in and participation to help develop this new internal vision and related implementation activities was an initial step followed by resource mapping across the broad base of workforce, education and economic development arenas. Monthly Employer Roundtables focusing on workforce sustainability issues have been implemented as well as convening the first Metro-Atlanta Workforce Boards (5 WIBs) Executive Committee meeting to discuss natural partnerships, areas of expertise and cost-efficient practicies.
Tools: Implement process to secure internal buy-in to vision, resulting in a Strategic Plan for the Board (Plan available 10/2008 on http://www.atlantaregional.com/workforcesolutions); Monthly Employer Roundtables (workforce sustainability issues); Convene the first Metro-Atlanta Workforce Boards (5 WIBS) Executive Committee Meeting to discuss natural partnerships, areas of expertise and cost-efficient practices
Partnership 3
Learner Partner : Detroit WDB(Michigan)
Mentor Partner : Full Employment Council (Kansas)
Topic : Talent Development
Challenges : Meeting Employer Needs
Description of Projects: The goal of the learning partnership between the Learner, the Detroit Workforce Development Board (Detroit, Michigan) and its Mentor, the Full Employment Council (Kansas City, Missouri) is to help to develop a comprehensive Business Services model as well as enhancing relationships with local business, educators and economic development agencies in order to better match regional employer skill needs with available talent.
Tools: One Stop Customer Flow and Business Services Model from Mentor; New Business Process Model from Learner
Partnership 4
Learner Partner : Eastern Plains COG (New Mexico)
Mentor Partner : North Shore WIB (Massachusetts)
Topic : Workforce Information; Leveraged Resources; Talent Development; Strategic Partnerships
Challenges : Engaging and Communicating with Stakeholders
Description of Projects: The learning partnership between the Eastern Plains Council of Governments (Clovis, New Mexico) and its partner the North Shore Workforce Investment Board (Salem, Massachusetts) is to enhance program performance through the analysis and use of data driven research to better target training resources in order to develop talent and cultivate strong regional partnerships. The primary focus of the partnership begins with conducting a comprehensive mapping audit the includes education, employment and economic development data as well as a county-wide industry sector analysis. The use of this data collection tool will enable a predictive supply/demand forecast model with gap analysis for strategic job categories as well as drive regional policy development. This information will help to better align available education and training resources as well as identify additional needs strategic to a strong regional economy
Tools: Community Mapping Audit; E-Newsletter; Data Academy Partnerships; Team Blog
Partnership 5
Learner Partner : Eastern Plains COG (New Mexico)
Mentor Partner : North Shore WIB (Massachusetts)
Topic : Workforce Information; Leveraged Resources; Talent Development; Strategic Partnerships
Challenges : Engaging and Communicating with Stakeholders
Description of Projects: The learning partnership between the Eastern Plains Council of Governments (Clovis, New Mexico) and its partner the North Shore Workforce Investment Board (Salem, Massachusetts) is to enhance program performance through the analysis and use of data driven research to better target training resources in order to develop talent and cultivate strong regional partnerships. The primary focus of the partnership begins with conducting a comprehensive mapping audit the includes education, employment and economic development data as well as a county-wide industry sector analysis. The use of this data collection tool will enable a predictive supply/demand forecast model with gap analysis for strategic job categories as well as drive regional policy development. This information will help to better align available education and training resources as well as identify additional needs strategic to a strong regional economy
Tools: Community Mapping Audit; E-Newsletter; Data Academy Partnerships; Team Blog
Partnership 6
Learner Partner : Eastern Oregon (Oregon)
Mentor Partner : WorkSource Solutions (Texas)
Topic : Talent Development; Leveraged Resources
Challenges : Promoting Local Economic Growth; IRP Financial Aid
Description of Projects: The goal of the learning partnership between Eastern Oregon - Workforce Oregon Employment Department (Ontario, Oregon) (Learner) and its Mentor partner the Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Board (Edinburg, Texas) is to decrease area unemployment through better assessment and training for needed skills. Additionally the project includes development community development consensus by implementing an economic development taskforce which serves the local areas. A pilot for implementing Prove-It assessment software in order to complete skills assessments has been approved. The pilot will include utilizing local schools to take established career competencies and develop customized assessments for developing job readiness preparation.
Tools: Prove It Skills Assessment Software (www.kenexa.com; www.proveit.com); Write new grant application
Partnership 7
Learner Partner : High Country WDB (North Carolina)
Mentor Partner : SWWDC & Worksystems, Inc. (Washington)
Topic : Strategic Partnerships; Talent Development
Challenges : Engaging and Communicating with Stakeholders; Developing Strategic Vision; Developing Partnerships
Description of Projects: The overall goal of the learning partnership between the High Country Workforce Development Board (Boone, North Carolina) (Learner) and its Mentor partners the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council and Worksystems, Inc. is to develop strong and sustained regional partnerships and a strategic vision with a workplan that includes measurable, achievable goals. To begin the strategic planning process, the Strategic Advantage Economic Modeling Tool was used to begin to identify regional sectoral strategies which supply a qualified workforce to targeted industry sectors. Following these targeting activities, opportunities for the emerging workforce to obtain academic and skill competencies required by employers were maximized by collaborating with potential partners and garnering stakeholder buy-in.
Tools: Use Strategic Advantage Economic Modeling Tool (www.economicmodeling.com); Conduct other site visits; Update Strategic Plan; Sample Board Book; Workforce Board self-assessment; Regional collaboration grant application; Board website: www.highcountrywdb.com
Partnership 8
Learner Partner : Los Angeles County WIB (California)
Mentor Partner : Denver OED (Colorado)
Topic : Leveraged Resources; Strategic Partnerships
Challenges : Creating Demand-Driven Workforce Development System
Description of Projects: The goal of the learning partnership between the Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board (Learner) and the Denver Office of Economic Development (Mentor) is to help to create a demand-driven workforce development system by finding common issues between the two organizations as well as leveraging resources to enhance services. Champions are being identified and educated about the value of regional collaboration using approaches and practices identified by the Mentor's experience. A working partnership is being developed with the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation through sharing the value that the Denver OED has gained through the integration and partnership of multiple offices
Tools: Use Mentor's organizational information and success stories
Partnership 9
Learner Partner : WB of Metro Denver (Colorado)
Mentor Partner : WBDs of Metro Chicago (Illinois)
Topic : Strategic Partnerships
Challenges : Using Local Economic/Workforce Development Resources
Description of Projects: The goal of the learning partnership between the Workforce Board of Metro Denver (Colorado) (Learner) and its mentor, the Workforce Boards of Metro Chicago is to better utilize regional workforce development resources. An implementation plan was developed beginning with vision and an organization structure and concluding with the development of as strategic plan for a regional workforce board.
Tools: Document lessons learned from other regions; Develop strategic plan including three-year timelime; Develop marketing materials; Attend Chicago Finance and Insurance Workforce Summit to incorporate approaches for Metro Denver Summit
Partnership 10
Learner Partner : Mid-Region COG (New Mexico)
Mentor Partner : Workforce Solutions (Texas)
Topic : Talent Development; Strategic Partnerships; Leveraged Resources
Challenges : Meeting Employer Needs; Writing Proposals
Description of Projects: The objective of the learning partnership between the Mid-Region Council of Governments (Albuquerque, New Mexico) and its Mentor organization, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Board ( Edinburg, Texas) is to redesign its proposal process to become a more business-driven model and to enhance workforce services integration. An RFP manual provided by the Mentor assisted the Learner organization in developing new business plans for four counties within the Learner's region. A web-based assessment tool has helped to better identify employer needs which has helped to better prioritize resources in order to better target workforce development resources.
Tools: Mentor organization RFP Manual and Board Business Plan; Web-based assessment tool: Prove It (www.proveit.com)
Partnership 11
Learner Partner : Riverside County WDB (California)
Mentor Partner : SCMichigan Works! (Michigan)
Topic : Strategic Partnerships
Challenges : Developing Partnerships
Description of Projects: The goal of the learning partnership between Riverside County Workforce Development Board (California) (Learner) and its Mentor partner the South Central Michigan Works! (Hillsdale, Michigan) is to develop cohesive collaborative regional relationships with strategic partners in order to deliver successful solutions to business customers. The process began with identifying regional resources and assets through use of various tools some of which have been used by the Mentor to also identify key regional partners and contacts.
Tools: Develop Gap Analysis Form, Asset Sheet, Community Mapping Tool; Jobfit (www.profilesinternational.com/SYC_poorjobfit.aspx); Executive Pulse (www.executivepulse.com); BEST Material; Cost/Benefit Analysis Model
Partnership 12
Learner Partner : SE TN Development District (Tennessee)
Mentor Partner : WorkSource (Florida)
Topic : Talent Development; Strategic Partnerships; Leveraged Resources
Challenges : Using Local Economic/Workforce Development Resources
Description of Projects: The objective of the learning partnership between the Southeast Tennessee Development District (including Northeast Alabama Community College and Coosa Valley Regional Development Center Ð Georgia) and its Mentor partner, Worksource of Jacksonville, Florida, is to create a regional workforce organization that bring resources together from three states coupled with new talent development strategies to support regional economic competitiveness. This will be accomplished by identifying regional assets through the use of business and workforce survey tools and focus groups, analyzing data and creating a services matrix, identifying key partners, and identifying potential funding sources to create and sustain a regional organization. The partnership will also help to promote the value of workforce credentials among workers and employers within the region.
Tools: Create a Tri-State Workforce Alliance using existing data and newly created business and workforce survey tools (www.tristateworkforce.com); Conduct a focus group of regional businesses; Develop and disseminate a regional asset report; Analyze data and create a services matrix; Promote value of worker skills and credentials (www.certificatekey.com); Create a Memorandum of Understanding among regional partners; Obtain funding to sustain new organization; Completed WIRED grant application
Partnership 13
Learner Partner : Silicon Valley WIB (California)
Mentor Partner : Frederick Co. Workforce Services (Maryland)
Topic : Leveraged Resources
Challenges : Using Local Economic/Workforce Development Resources
Description of Projects: The goal of the learning partnership between the Silicon Valley Workforce Investment Board (San Jose, California) (Learner) and its Mentor, Frederick County Workforce Services (Frederick, Maryland) is to explore the potential of area bioscience and green/clean industries, to identify and leverage available workforce development resources, and to work together in a partnership to develop demonstration models for outside funding. Various tools have been shared in order conduct an analysis of potential solution-based strategies and identify relevant stakeholders. The use of GeoMapper tools have been explored as a resource for trend analysis and collaboration on a possible biogrant application has been researched as well.
Tools: Conduct site visits between two sites; Create and use Team Blog and continue conference calls to document learnings; Prepare PowerPoint presentation and relevant case studies for each other's organizations and staff; Utilize WIRED website tools (www.doleta.gov/wired/tools/resourceLibrary.cfm); Explore possibility of using GeoMapper tools as local resource and for trend analysis; Target outside funding together; Continue to explore potential of a collaboration on a biogrant application with NSF and DOL
Partnership 14
Learner Partner : "Snohomish County WDC (Washington)"
Mentor Partner : "NoRTEC (California)"
Topic : Strategic Partnerships; Leveraged Resources; Talent Development
Challenges : Meeting Employer Needs
Description of Projects: The goal of the learning partnership between the Snohomish County Workforce Development Council (Everett, Washington) (Learner) and its Mentor, Northern Rural Training Employment Consortium (Paradise, California) is to re-engineer the workforce development system to focus on business as the primary customer. Various tools were used to restructure and realign the organization, including a staff talent assessment and tracking of customer satisfaction. A skills pool is being established in the One Stop to provide information and access for customers of the workforce development system as well as a website that provides business tools.
Tools: Mission Statement; Trend Paper and RFP; Resource Notebook; Organizational Chart; Staff training and credentialing; Develop and distribute marketing materials; Develop website (www.worksourceonline.com/index.html)
Partnership 15
Learner Partner : Workforce Development Group, Inc. (Indiana)
Mentor Partner : Gulfcoast WBD (Texas)
Topic : Strategic Partnerships; Leveraged Resources
Challenges : Meeting Employer Needs; Using Local Economic/Workforce Development Resources
Description of Projects: The goal of the learning partnership between the Workforce Development Group, Inc (South Bend, Indiana) (Learner) and the Gulf Coast Workforce Board (Houston, Texas) (Mentor) is to help develop strategies that support regional demand driven, employer-focused systems as well as to better integrate programs and services to meet One Stop customer needs. Using suggestions and strategies from the Mentor, research is being conducted to determine demand industries and occupations for building a strategic approach for the development and implementation of a regional strategic plan for One Stop integration.
Tools: Conduct site visits, one with Board members; Conduct WorkOne Management Retreat; Collect usage data for job seeker and employer customers; Research State strategies for adoption into integration plan
Partnership 16
Learner Partner : South Central WIB (Virginia)
Mentor Partner : "Michigan Works! (Michigan)
Topic : Strategic Partnerships
Challenges : Promoting Local Economic Growth; Engaging and Communicating with Stakeholders
Description of Projects: The South Central Workforce Investment Board, Charlotte Court, Virginia, has a goal to be viewed as a convener and catalyst for regional workforce and economic development activities. Working with its learning partner, Michigan Works! The Job Force Board, Escanaba, Michigan, it is systematically identifying all potential stakeholders and partners in the region in order to design and implement a capacity building process. An indepth self-assessment and SWOT analysis process was used as a foundation for development of a strategic plan. Staff from the Mentor organization are assisting the South Central WIB in defining a Ôvalue proposition' that includes WIB competencies, features and benefits, as well as assistance in positioning the WIB's leadership role in the community. The partnership workplan also includes implementing a communication strategy for gaining regional stakeholder buy-in and utilizing WIB Champions for boundary-spanning economic development activities. Research will also be conducted to identify and pursue industry cluster initiatives.
Tools: SWOT Analysis (www.doleta.gov/wired/tools/resourceLibrary.cfm); Self-assessment Tool; Strategic Plan; Marketing Plan
Partnership 17
Learner Partner : Workforce Dev., Inc. (Minnesota)
Mentor Partner : Lane Workforce Partnership (Oregon)
Topic : Leveraged Resources; Talent Development
Challenges : Building Career Ladders
Description of Projects: Southeast Minnesota Workforce Investment Board (Rochester, Minnesota) selected its Mentor learning partner Lane Workforce Partnership (Eugene, Oregon) based upon its expertise and experience in developing career ladders within their area healthcare providers, as well as the work they have done in bringing together economic development partners. The goals of this partnership are to identify and map regional health care careers, to better connect with and engage the economic development system, as well as to expand career awareness for area adults and youth. The Mentor shared samples of survey instruments and processes the Learner used with area small to medium sized manufacturers which indicated employers needs and resulted in a partnership with an adjoining workforce board to address these needs. The Learner has also developed a collaboration with area educators to create a healthcare career ladder with segmented skills upgrading.
Tools: Building Career Ladders for Low-wage Workers (www.bostonworkforce.org/page-1.pdf); Mentor's Career Pathways Website (www.laneworkforce.org/LINKS/HEALTHCARE/healthcare_center.html); PowerPoint Presentation to help sell career pathways to employers; Develop a manufacturers' survey using Survey Monkey; Career Ladders: A Guidebook for Workforce Intermediaries (www.jff.org/JFF_KC_Pages.php?KC_M_ID=91&WhichLevel=1&lv1_id=4&lv2_id=0&lv3_id=0); Copies of Memoranda of Understanding; Industry of the Month Campaigns; Health Career Awareness Module; Regional Economic Development event using Regional Employment & Economic Development Report; Development grant application for Long-term Care Training
Partnership 18
Learner Partner : "SW MO WIB (Missouri)"
Mentor Partner : "SC PA WIB (Pennsylvania)"
Topic : Strategic Partnerships; Talent Development
Challenges : Developing Partnerships
Description of Projects: The goal of the learning partnership between the Workforce Investment Board of Southwest Missouri (Joplin, Missouri) (Learner) and the South Central Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) (Mentor) is to implement data-drive intelligence tools to leverage regional partnerships. Economic modeling tools, as well as specific skill gap analysis and best practices for launching industry sector partnerships tools used by the Mentor were accessed by the Learner organization. Specific activities have been undertaken to improve and sustain a four-state healthcare consortium beginning with a healthcare industry assessment. The model development for the healthcare consortium will also be tested in other key regional industry areas including manufacturing. These efforts will further develop a regional, interstate collaborative that positions the One Stop system for ongoing talent development.
Tools: Best practices resources for Board and One-Stop leadership and for developing/launching Industry Sector Partnerships (SC PA documents); Commuting Pattern Information, Commuting pattern analysis to define multi-jurisdictional regional context; Location Quotient; Replicate R-DAT (data resources) thru ESMI tools (www.economicmodeling.com); Comprehensive Skill Gap Analysis research framework (SC PA documents); Prosperity Index (Council on Competitiveness asset mapping model with peer benchmarks identified to measure local workforce and economic development impact); Apply for MO Skilled Workforce Initiative grant; Implementation of advanced LMI tools (WITS and Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc ÒStrategic AdvantageÓ); Quad-States Regional Transformation proposal for DOL's Regional Innovation Grant opportunity, incorporates WIRED framework into cross-state, multi-WIB partnerships (numerous documents cataloged online at www.qsrt.org);
Partnership 19
Learner Partner : Virgin Islands WIB (Virgin Islands)
Mentor Partner : Tulare County WIB (California)
Topic : Talent Development; Leveraged Resources
Challenges : Promoting Local Economic Growth
Description of Projects: The U.S. Virgin Islands Workforce Investment Board, Christianstead, Virgin Islands, has two primary talent development challenges including talent availability and talent retention based upon a cyclical workforce and long periods of unemployment. To address these challenges, the VI WIB partnered with the Tulare County (CA) Workforce Investment Board in order to study and learn from their successful model of talent develop in alternate areas of interest during slow work periods as a strategy to mitigate long unemployment periods. The VI WIB is also learning how its Mentor developed a customer-focused, seamless services system and uses advanced technology for both the employer and job seeker's advantage. The VI WIB is developing a Universal Tracking System based upon the mentor's model and is adopting elements of the Mentor's System Monitoring Tool.
Tools: Review and analyze existing best practices information, including cyclical talent development model and determine applicability; Review and analyze existing Strategic Plans and other documents available from Mentor (i.e., service agreements); Develop Action Plan; Develop a VI website; Developing a Universal Tracking System based upon the mentor's model; Adopting elements of mentor's System Monitoring Tool
Partnership 20
Learner Partner : WIB of Herkimer, Madison and Onedia Counties (New York)
Mentor Partner : The Workplace, Inc. (Connecticut)
Topic : Strategic Partnerships; Leveraged Resources
Challenges : Developing Partnerships
Description of Projects: The Workforce Investment Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties, Utica, New York is focused on developing a sustainable regional partnership for economic development and development of a leveraged resource campaign to increase funds for program operations. To achieve this goal, a learning partnership has been formed with The Workplace, Inc, Bridgeport, Connecticut and a workplan is in place that includes reviewing regional economic development data, conducting an analysis of economic development programs and building a consensus strategy among potential stakeholders. An organizational assessment of the partner organization was conducted to determine baseline resource development information. A Leveraged Resource Campaign model will be a model for other WIBs to increase unrestricted funds.
Tools: Comprehensive Plans; CEDS; Community Audit; Matrix Exercise with all relevant stakeholders to develop holistic approach and consensus strategy; Assessment Model; Leveraged Resource Campaign Model
Partnership 21
Learner Partner : WIB of Mid-Ohio Valley (West Virginia)
Mentor Partner : Tri-Co WIB (Maine)
Topic : Talent Development; Strategic Partnerships
Challenges : Developing Partnerships
Description of Projects: The goal of the Workforce Investment Board of Mid-Ohio Valley (Parkersburg, West Virginia) is to expand the role of the WIB within the regional economy. To begin this process, the WIB of Mid-Ohio Valley entered into a learning partnership with the Tri-County Workforce Investment Board in Bangor, Maine, and utilized their Employment and Training Asset Map in order to identify demand and targeted occupations, as well as career path activities and select specific industries (healthcare and industrial facilities) for pilots. The WIB MOV also identified other area organizations and met to discuss partnering opportunities which can assist area employers in upgrading skills as well as identified common goals and activities to better leverage area resources.
Tools: Mentor's Employment & Training Asset Map