The purpose of this briefing paper is to provide practical guidance for workforce collaboratives interested in embedding qualitative research into their Learning Community Partnership (LCP). The content in this report is informed by the work of SkillUp Washington, a Seattle-based workforce funder collaborative.

This work complements, and is intended to be reviewed in tandem with, quantitative approaches. The qualitative research strategies presented in this report are aimed at developing a comprehensive view of how different workforce development programs are working from the vantage point of workforce participants, instructors, navigators, college administrators, employers, and other key partners. Qualitative data provides insight into the work under way, setting the stage for LCP members to collectively analyze their work and resolve challenges.