National Association of Workforce Boards and Microsoft Elevate Partner to Build AI Skills Across the American Workforce

Posted on by Grace Moster

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 26, 2026

National Association of Workforce Boards and Microsoft Elevate Partner to Build AI Skills Across the American Workforce

New collaboration delivers free, LinkedIn Learning-based AI courses aligned to the U.S. Department of Labor’s AI Literacy Framework

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) today announced a partnership with Microsoft Elevate to equip job seekers, career coaches, and workforce agency professionals with the artificial intelligence skills needed to succeed in today’s rapidly changing labor market. The initiative brings free, practical AI training to workforce development organizations nationwide.

Through this collaboration, NAWB and Microsoft Elevate have developed a suite of LinkedIn Learning courses grounded in real-world scenarios created with workforce professionals. The curriculum is shaped directly by the needs of workforce agencies and aligned to the U.S. Department of Labor’s AI Literacy Framework, ensuring learners build skills that are both practical and nationally recognized.

“Workforce boards across the country are on the frontlines of preparing Americans for the jobs of tomorrow. This partnership with Microsoft Elevate gives our members the tools and training they need to help workers adopt AI responsibly and confidently — and positions the workforce system as a leader in AI readiness.” — Andrew Bercich, CEO, National Association of Workforce Boards

“At Microsoft Elevate, we believe in the power and potential of individuals first. That’s why our partnership with NAWB is focused on meeting job seekers, coaches, and workforce professionals right where they are. By empowering people across the workforce with AI literacy and skills aligned to their roles, we can help people not just adapt but truly flourish in the AI era.” — Justin Spelhaug, Vice President, Microsoft Elevate

The partnership offers three dedicated AI courses available at no cost through LinkedIn Learning:

  • Generative AI for Career Growth and Job Search — Designed to help job seekers leverage AI tools in their employment journey. aka.ms/AIforJobseekers
  • Generative AI for Career Coaches — Equips career coaches with AI skills to better serve clients. aka.ms/AIforCareerCoaches
  • Generative AI for Workforce Agency Administrators — Helps agency staff integrate AI into their operations and service delivery. aka.ms/AIforWorkforceAdmin

Participants who complete a course will earn a certificate through LinkedIn Learning. For more information about the program, visit aka.ms/AIforWorkforce.

About NAWB The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) represents approximately 550 workforce development boards and their partners across the United States. NAWB advocates for policies and investments in workforce development that help individuals connect to meaningful employment and help businesses find the skilled workers they need to grow.

About Microsoft Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

Media Contacts

Microsoft Media Relations We. Communications (425) 638-7777 rapidresponse@wecommunications.com

Grace Moster Novel Strategies gmoster@noveldc.com

 

National Association of Workforce Boards Appoints Andrew Bercich as Chief Executive Officer

Posted on by Grace Moster

Washington, D.C., January 5th, 2026 — The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) today announced the appointment of Andrew Bercich as its new Chief Executive Officer. Bercich brings deep institutional knowledge of NAWB and the nation’s workforce system, having served on the organization’s Board of Directors for 11 years, including a term as Board Chair.

Bercich was appointed by NAWB’s Board of Directors and will lead the organization at a pivotal moment for the workforce system, as workforce boards play an increasingly critical role in shaping the future of work amid rapid technological and economic change.

“Andrew’s long-standing commitment to NAWB, combined with his experience across every level of the workforce system, make him uniquely suited to lead the organization forward,” said Al Searles, Chair of NAWB’s Board of Directors. “His ability to see the system from multiple stakeholder perspectives will strengthen NAWB’s value to members and elevate our voice nationally.”

“I’m deeply honored to step into the role of CEO at NAWB,” said Bercich. “I’m grateful to the Board of Directors for their trust and for the opportunity to serve an organization that sits at the center of our nation’s workforce system. Having worked across the system—as a board member, employer partner, operator, and consultant, I’ve seen what’s possible when we align strategy with execution. I’m excited to help elevate NAWB’s standing, strengthen the value we deliver to members, and ensure the workforce system is leading, not following, the changes ahead.”

In addition to his service with NAWB, Bercich has served on multiple local workforce development boards and as a member of the Colorado Workforce Development Council, providing him with experience across the local, state, and national workforce system.

Over the past 25 years, Bercich has also worked as a private sector talent leader, partnering with dozens of local workforce areas nationwide to meet hiring needs. As a consultant, he has served as a one-stop operator and advised workforce boards on strategy and system design, experience that gives him a unique perspective across employers, boards, operators, and jobseekers.

NAWB represents the nation’s workforce development boards, which serve as conveners of employers, education and training providers, and community partners to connect jobseekers with opportunity and help businesses access skilled talent.

Bercich assumes the role effective January 5th, 2026.

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For more information about NAWB, visit nawb.org.

NAWB Press Release on the Assistant Secretary of Labor’s Nomination

Posted on by Support

February 14, 2025 —  President Trump nominated Henry Mack III to serve as the next Assistant Secretary of Labor, leading the Department’s Employment and Training Administration. Mack has extensive experience in workforce development, previously serving on CareerSource Florida’s state workforce board and as a Chancellor of Florida’s Department of Education. Mack’s nomination to Assistant Secretary will require Senate confirmation– timing for which is forthcoming

President and CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards, Brad Turner-Little, made a statement regarding the nomination:

“We are pleased to see someone with such an extensive background in workforce development be nominated for this critical leadership position. Supporting and developing a skilled workforce needed for the future is one of the best investments we can collectively make for our nation, and we look forward to the Senate’s consideration of Henry Mack’s nomination to lead the Employment and Training Administration.”

NAWB Announces Changes to Board of Directors

Posted on by Support

January 17, 2025 — The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) today announced that two members of its Board of Directors, Kathy Jewett and Debra Giordano have stepped down from their roles for personal reasons. Al Searles, a member of the board’s executive committee, has been elected to the Vice Chair position vacated by Jewett during the board’s most recent meeting.

“On behalf of the NAWB team, I extend my gratitude to both Kathy and Deb for their valuable contributions and commitment during their tenure on the Board,” said President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little. “Their leadership and dedication have played an integral role in shaping our growth and I appreciate their guidance during a time of transformation for the organization.”

“As Board Chair, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Kathy for her exceptional leadership and dedication as a board director over the past six years and most recently as vice chair,” said NAWB Board Chair, Lisanne McNew. “Her vision and commitment have been pivotal in advancing NAWB’s mission and strengthening workforce boards nationwide. As Al steps into the role of Vice Chair, I am confident his expertise and passion will guide us forward, building on Kathy’s legacy and driving continued innovation and impact in workforce development.”

She added, “Deb’s expertise and dedication to workforce development have been invaluable to our industry. Her thoughtful leadership and contributions have left a lasting impact on workforce boards and the communities they serve. We are deeply grateful for all she has done for our board.”