EED supports state agencies by providing required training, leadership development, DEI training, procurement training, vendor-supported learning, LinkedIn Learning, and enterprise systems support through the Learning Center and NeoGov. EED’s work helps employees build skills, meet statewide requirements, access training equitably, and better serve Washingtonians.

Division overview

The division serves as a statewide center of excellence that strengthens Washington's workforce through learning, leadership development, equity support, and enterprise-wide workforce systems. Since its founding in 2011, the division has helped employees build skills, grow in their careers, and access fair opportunities across all state agencies.

The division brings together several specialized workgroups that each play a vital role in supporting the state's workforce:

• DES Equity provides consultation and guidance to embed equity into the division's work and across DES, supporting fair and inclusive practices.
• Small Agency Equity partners closely with small agencies to support their equity plans, processes, and implementation in collaboration with the Office of Equity.
• Learning Solutions provides statewide access to high-quality learning through vendor partnerships, open enrollment courses, single-agency agreements, LinkedIn Learning, and other enterprise learning options. The team supports Washington State agencies by coordinating learning opportunities that meet workforce needs, expand professional development, support required training where applicable, and improve access to consistent, effective training across state government.
• Leadership Development & eLearning develops statewide leadership and mandated learning programs that help Washington State employees build skills, meet requirements, and apply learning in their work. The team designs accessible eLearning, supports leadership pathways, and creates practical learning experiences that strengthen employee growth, compliance, and public service outcomes.
• DEI Training develops and delivers statewide learning that helps Washington State employees build understanding, inclusion, belonging, and respectful workplace practices. The team supports required DEI learning connected to Executive Order 22-02 and helps agencies strengthen workplace culture through equity-centered training, reflection, and practical application.
• Workforce Product Support ensures agencies can rely on the statewide Learning Management System and Online Recruitment System (OLRS) by providing responsive technical support and guidance.
• Contracts and Procurement provides statewide procurement learning that helps employees understand and apply procurement laws, rules, policies, and best practices. The team designs and maintains accessible training that supports RCW 39.26.110, strengthens consistent procurement practices, reduces compliance risk, and helps agencies make fair, effective, and responsible purchasing decisions.

Together, these workgroups advance the division's mission to deliver inclusive training, leadership development, and equity-centered programs that support a skilled, engaged, and equitable workforce across Washington State.

Goal

To strengthen Washington's workforce by providing inclusive training, leadership development, equity support, and reliable workforce technologies. The division builds employee skills, supports career growth, and helps agencies meet statewide requirements while advancing fairness and opportunity for all employees.

This goal directly supports DES's mission to strengthen the business of government and EED's commitment to cultivating a skilled, engaged, and equitable workforce.