Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs often work alongside workforce systems to help families prepare for and find employment, but navigating those systems can be challenging when programs operate separately. This Jobs for the Future report looks at how Michigan, New Jersey, and Ohio are strengthening workforce systems and highlights an integrated service delivery model in Utah. The examples show how states can coordinate programs, improve service delivery, and use their flexibility to make workforce systems more responsive to people’s needs.

For TANF practitioners, this resource provides insights into what states are already doing rather than simply describing what workforce modernization should look like. The case studies can help TANF leaders identify ideas that may be adaptable in their own programs, including stronger coordination across agencies, more connected services, and approaches that make it easier for people to access employment and training opportunities. The report is a useful resource for practitioners looking for concrete examples of how workforce systems can become more flexible, coordinated, and focused on helping people reach quality employment.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common tool in workforce services, but knowing when and how to use it effectively is key. This MDRC resource shares lessons from an evaluation of an AI-powered career coaching tool and offers practical guidance on how AI can best support job seekers. The findings highlight how AI can help with early career exploration while reinforcing the importance of personalized support from workforce professionals. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) practitioners can use these insights to thoughtfully incorporate AI into employment services, helping participants explore career pathways, training opportunities, and job options while ensuring they receive the guidance needed to make informed decisions.

The Workforce Pell initiative expands federal Pell Grant eligibility to certain short-term training programs, creating new opportunities for individuals seeking credentials that can lead to employment in high-demand industries. As states and training providers begin implementing the program, understanding how Workforce Pell will operate is essential for workforce and human services professionals.

This Jobs for the Future roadmap provides a practical overview of Workforce Pell, including eligibility requirements, the role states play in approving programs, and key implementation considerations. It also highlights the challenges states and institutions may face as they build the systems needed to support eligible nondegree credential programs.

For Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) practitioners, the Workforce Pell has potential to increase access to financial aid for participants pursuing short-term training that aligns with employment goals. This resource can help TANF programs understand emerging opportunities, identify eligible training pathways, and prepare to connect participants with programs as they become available.

This Annie E. Casey Foundation podcast highlights CareerReady ATL, a youth apprenticeship program, and shows how targeted workforce strategies can connect young people to education and employment pathways. For Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs, it highlights approaches that can be adapted for youth and young adults in TANF households. It addresses a key gap: how to move beyond short-term job placement toward longer-term career development. Practitioners can draw on these ideas to design programs that engage younger participants early, helping them build employment skills and avoid long-term reliance on government assistance.

This National Apprenticeship Week webpage identifies live sessions, webinars, and local activities focused on apprenticeships across different industries and workforce systems. For Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), this is a practical entry point for understanding how apprenticeships can strengthen program outcomes. TANF practitioners can use this calendar to select sessions that align with their local labor market or participant needs—such as healthcare, construction, or emerging tech—and learn how other programs are building apprenticeship pathways.

The National Youth Employment Coalition will host a webinar on April 30, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. ET to provide an overview of the current apprenticeship landscape and where opportunities are expanding across industries. For Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) practitioners, this is a practical way to understand where to focus efforts when connecting participants to work. It can help staff identify high-demand sectors, partnership opportunities, and strategies that can lead to quicker employment outcomes. By offering a clearer picture of how apprenticeships are evolving, this resource can support TANF programs in building stronger pathways to employment—helping participants gain skills, earn income, and move toward greater financial independence.

TAG-Ed will host a webinar on April 29, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET to explore how apprenticeships are being used to prepare workers for jobs that involve artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. For Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs, this will highlight how “earn while you learn” models can extend beyond traditional industries into growing, higher-wage fields. Practitioners can use this resource to identify new apprenticeship opportunities that incorporate digital skills, helping participants stay competitive in a changing job market.

Vertical Leap Learning Center and New Chapel Christian Academy will host a webinar on April 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting how Registered Apprenticeships drive growth and innovation across critical industries. The webinar will showcase how education and workforce partners can work together to introduce apprenticeships earlier and build clear pathways into employment. Many Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program participants need structured, supportive entry points into the workforce. TANF practitioners can use examples from this webinar to think about how partnerships with training providers or community organizations can create smoother transitions into apprenticeships. It can help fill a gap around early engagement and preparation, making it easier for participants to step into work-based learning opportunities that support long-term employment.

This online community offers a space for workforce professionals to share ideas, tools, and real-world experiences related to apprenticeships. For Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) practitioners, this is a practical way to learn from peers who are working through similar challenges. It can help staff stay current on apprenticeship strategies, discover partnership opportunities, and troubleshoot implementation issues. This resource is valuable because it supports ongoing learning and connection, which can lead to stronger programs over time. By tapping into shared knowledge, TANF programs can more effectively engage participants in apprenticeship opportunities that lead to employment and long-term stability.

This Department of Labor report shares lessons learned from efforts to expand apprenticeships into new industries and reach more diverse populations, including individuals facing barriers to employment. Many Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) participants need opportunities that are designed with their challenges in mind. TANF practitioners can use this resource to identify what works when engaging populations similar to TANF clients, including strategies to improve retention and completion. It helps address the gap between access and success by showing how apprenticeship programs can be adapted to better support participants as they work toward employment and reduced reliance on benefits.