CWIS: Enhancing Workforce Data Capacity Through Training and State Partnerships in Michigan
The Center for Workforce Innovation and Solutions (CWIS) manages employment and training services in southwest Michigan. CWIS, affiliated with the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, works closely with employers, other workforce boards, state agencies, and community organizations to improve workforce outcomes and strengthen regional workforce systems.
Over time, CWIS has built a strong reputation for using data to support workforce planning, strengthen partnerships, and improve decision-making across the region. Through intentional investment in staff capacity, strong state partnerships, and user-friendly data tools, CWIS has created a model that demonstrates how workforce boards can move beyond basic reporting and use data strategically to support communities, employers, and policymakers.
Moving Beyond Data Collection to Data Analysis
Like many workforce boards, CWIS collects large amounts of federally required workforce data. However, CWIS recognized early that collecting data alone was not enough to meet market needs. Leadership understood that the real value comes from helping staff interpret data, identify trends, and turning that information into actionable insights. CWIS noticed that many workforce systems focus heavily on compliance and reporting requirements, while the analytical side of workforce data often receives less attention.
This insight into the value of data analysis helped shape CWIS’s broader approach to workforce data to focus on building the internal capacity needed to use data strategically for planning, communication, and regional decision-making.
Building Staff Capacity Through Statewide Training
One of the key factors behind CWIS’s success has been its investment in staff training and technical skill development. CWIS and other Michigan workforce boards and state agencies partnered closely with the state Labor Market Information (LMI) office to strengthen local data capacity across workforce boards.
The state developed a dedicated two-day labor market information training specifically for workforce board staff. The training focused on helping staff better understand labor market information, workforce trends, and data analysis techniques that could be applied in their day-to-day work. Staff who participated described the training as highly beneficial and eye-opening because it provided practical skills that could immediately be used to support local workforce planning and reporting.
CWIS also benefited from Michigan’s broader workforce structure, which allows workforce boards to manage and coordinate multiple workforce funding streams and programs. This structure helped create the administrative capacity and resources needed to support long-term investments in data training and technical expertise.
Strengthening Partnerships Across State and Local Agencies
CWIS’s data capacity efforts are strengthened by strong relationships between local workforce boards and state agency leaders. Michigan workforce directors regularly meet with state-level representatives from labor, human services, transportation, corrections, and other agencies to discuss workforce priorities, regional challenges, and emerging opportunities.
These regular meetings create opportunities for collaboration and relationship building that went beyond formal reporting requirements. Through ongoing communication, workforce boards are able to identify areas where additional support or technical assistance was needed. The labor market information training itself emerged from these conversations and partnerships.
CWIS leaders emphasize that a strong relationship with state LMI staff is critical to their success. Having state partners who were willing to collaborate, share expertise, and engage directly with local workforce boards made it much easier to build sustainable data capacity at the regional level.
Using Dashboards and Visualization to Support Decision-Making
CWIS also invests heavily in making workforce data easier to understand and use. The organization developed regional dashboards and data visualizations that are updated monthly and designed to support board members, elected officials, economic development organizations, and other regional partners.
Leadership found that data visualization significantly improved stakeholder understanding which fueled engagement. Instead of relying only on tables or lengthy reports, CWIS presented workforce data in ways that were clear, visual, and easy to understand. This approach helped community members and policymakers better understand labor market conditions, workforce participation trends, and regional economic challenges.
The dashboards and visualizations are valuable tools for external partners. Economic development organizations and elected officials regularly use these tools to better understand regional workforce trends and support local planning efforts.
Exploring AI and Emerging Tools in Workforce Development
In addition to traditional workforce data tools, CWIS has also explored how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence can support workforce operations and service delivery. The organization has experimented with chatbot projects, AI-supported training efforts, and new approaches to data visualization and reporting.
These efforts reflect a broader culture of innovation within the organization. Rather than waiting for perfect solutions, CWIS has actively explored ways technology can improve communication, customer service, staff training, and workforce analysis.
Expanding Impact Through Strategic Partnerships and Funding
CWIS’s success has been strengthened through strategic partnerships and external investment. One example is its partnership with the Kellogg Foundation, which provides support for workforce dashboards and regional initiatives focused on the Battle Creek area.
These partnerships provide resources to help CWIS expand its technical capacity and develop tools that better support community organizations, local governments, and workforce partners. They reinforce the importance of combining strong data practices with long-term community collaboration.
CWIS demonstrates how workforce boards can move beyond compliance-focused reporting and build a strong culture of data-informed decision-making. Through investments in staff development, state partnerships, data visualization, and innovation, CWIS created systems that help workforce leaders better understand regional conditions and respond to community needs. Its experience also highlights that strong data capacity is not built through technology alone. Sustainable success depends on leadership support, ongoing collaboration, staff training, and a commitment to making data accessible and actionable for the people who rely on it.
Key Insights and Lessons for Workforce Boards
- Invest in Data Analysis Skills: Collecting workforce data is only the first step. Workforce boards need staff who can analyze data, identify trends, and translate findings into meaningful insights for decision-makers and community partners. Ongoing training and technical skill development are critical.
- Build Strong Partnerships with State LMI Offices and Other Agencies: CWIS’s success was driven by consistent collaboration with state partners. Regular communication and relationship building created opportunities for training, shared problem-solving, and stronger alignment between state and local workforce goals.
- Make Data Easy to Understand and Use: Dashboards, visualizations, and clear storytelling help stakeholders engage more effectively with workforce data. When data is presented in a practical and accessible way, board members, elected officials, and community partners are more likely to use it in planning and decision-making.
Learn more about CWIS here.