The Center for Transportation Workforce Development provides national leadership, coordination, and assistance that supports initiatives to develop and expand the nation's transportation workforce. From early education through ongoing professional development, the center provides program support, technical assistance, and workforce development activities in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies, industry organizations, schools, colleges and universities, and other education providers. The center's efforts are critical to attracting, retaining, and advancing the transportation workforce in the face of retirement, competition from other industries, and new technologies. Programs seek to build awareness and interest in transportation career options, promote an understanding of how they positively impact our mobility, safety, and economic opportunity, and encourage professionals to take next steps in their careers through skills acquisition and enhancement. Many programs place a particular emphasis on reaching women, minorities, and other disadvantaged groups.