The Workforce Education Council (WEC) is a council of the Instruction Commission (IC) and the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges (WACTC). In collaboration with representatives of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, organized labor and the Association of Washington Business, WEC explores and develops initiatives to improve access to workforce training, boost local economic development, and expand services for dislocated workers in the state.Guiding Principles - The WEC work plan will align with the following objectives:To provide ongoing education and training to WEC members in workforce education issues.To assume and maintain leadership in the promotion and support of workforce education at the local, state, and federal levelsTo align goals and outcomes with the SBCTC vision of leading with racial equity to maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities.To support the implementation of Guided Pathways within the CTC system in alignment with the Guided Pathways equity principles.To cooperate/partner with business, labor, community organizations, and educational institutions in the selection, development and training of qualified faculty and to promote high quality programs and services to maintain Washington leadership in workforce education.To develop, adopt, and promote professional standards for the certification of instructional personnel.To provide input to the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges (WACTC), the Instruction Commission (IC) and other stakeholders on workforce issues.In concert with other state agencies, assist the state legislature and subcommittees thereof in the development of legislation to encourage students to realistically pursue collegiate goals through workforce education leading to employment in their field of choice.To recommend the expenditure of state leadership and other available funds in support of the WEC goals and objectives for the support of workforce education.Guided Pathways Equity PrinciplesGuided Career Pathways require embracing radical, equity-minded, transformational organizational changeGuided Career Pathways require commitment to racial and social equity and the dismantling of systemic policies and practices that create and/ or maintain inequitiesThe voices of students, faculty, staff and community members are essential to fully engage in effective problem-focused inquiry processes leading to meaningful action and sustained systemic changeGuided Career Pathways require the system to foster learning amongst colleges through partnerships, professional development, and other vital resources across the ecosystemGuided Career Pathways require a focus on learning and outcomes aligned with community and industry workforce and economic needs