Across the nation a variety of socioeconomic issues are driving the demand for a highly skilled workforce.  Among others, changes in demographics and technology, decentralized organizational structures, and increasing global competition has spurred public and private sector interest in workforce development.  Public and private support for workforce development has set the tone for the new Southern Illinois University Center for Workforce Development.  

The Center for Workforce Development is committed to helping employers meet the fast paced needs of today's workplace.  Research, education and training groups will provide students and faculty with the opportunity to collaborate on research and development, education and training, and information dissemination.

The Center is broad based, focusing on workforce development in the array of settings where people prepare to work.  This includes workforce development in public secondary and post-secondary schools, military and other governmental programs, proprietary vocational schools, community based organizations, business/industry and organized labor.  Linkages have already been established in each of these settings by faculty in the Department of Workforce Education and Development.