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Workforce Equity in the Jobs and Opportunity ReportsEven as the workforce grows more diverse, people of color face barriers to good jobs and economic mobility. With support from JPMorgan Chase, the National Fund for Workforce Solutions and PolicyLink are studying current and future labor market trends and identifying strategies to remove barriers, build viable career pathways, and create better opportunities to good jobs and advancement for vulnerable populations. We sat down with the team leading this work to learn more about what we can expect from the Jobs and Opportunity Reports.
President’s CornerAs we hurtle toward an incredibly consequential election, now just days away, we must face the tragedy of another police killing of a Black man. Walter Wallace was reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis when he was killed by police in Philadelphia on Monday. These killings weigh on our collective spirit, but they are especially hard on the communities where they happen — not only the tragedy of death, but the anger, unrest, and the calls for justice. Nationally, we are facing a time of grief and trauma. There is trauma caused by the ongoing health pandemic. There is trauma caused by racial unrest. And there is trauma caused by the loss of employment. The trauma workers are dealing with is going to affect the workplace — if it hasn’t already. Employers may see changes in workers’ performance, productivity, attendance, and health. When employers build in trauma-informed management and employment strategies, they can help see their employees through a difficult time. There are many ways for companies to support their workers. We are working to develop strategies for addressing trauma as part of broader workforce development practices. We will share these strategies across our network and look forward to learning from each other as we begin to implement them. Job Quality Learning ReportsAdvancing Careers in RetailThe retail sector has a giant footprint in today’s workforce – employing one in ten U.S. workers, of which about half are women and more than a third are people of color. The sector is often described as a “flat pyramid,” with a narrow career ladder and limited opportunities for advancement. With support from Walmart, the National Fund co-invested in three communities – Baltimore, Des Moines, and Seattle – to learn how to scale industry partnerships in the retail sector and integrate job quality strategies. Our newest report highlights the key lessons learned from the initiative, including the unique challenges and opportunities for engaging the retail sector, and next steps for future work in retail and the broader service sector.
Meet Tom Strong, Director of Employer Activation
I’ve done that as a funder at the Hitachi Foundation, where I led research and implementation projects about “pioneer employers” who based their business model on investment in frontline workers. I’ve also done it as a practitioner, working directly with employers who sought to implement new management approaches that empower workers, develop financial literacy, and share profits, while also improving the bottom line. Finally, I have considerable experience working with National Fund collaboratives, including Incourage in Central Wisconsin and CareerRise in my hometown of Atlanta. I am excited to join the National Fund team, get to know the network and help you in your work with your employer partners. CareerSTAT Webinar SeriesHow to Find and Secure Grant Funds to Support Workforce Development in COVID-19 RecoveryWith no nationwide effort to get the coronavirus pandemic under control, healthcare organizations continue to face decreased revenue, disrupted pipeline programs, and too many vacancies in high-demand positions. One thing is clear: the need to leverage funding streams and partnerships to invest in workforce development strategy is critical to a successful recovery. The latest CareerSTAT webinar featured presentations from leaders in New Orleans and Des Moines on how to leverage private and public dollars to support workforce development strategy in a COVID recovery landscape. Watch the recording of this webinar below. Breaking Down the Election: Prospects for Skills and Inclusive RecoveryJoin the National Skills Coalition November 12, 2020 for Breaking Down the Election: Prospects for Skills and Inclusive Recovery. This exciting webinar will bring together workforce leaders from across the country, including CareerSTAT Vice Chair Gerard Camacho, to discuss building a skills-based agenda for an inclusive economic recovery. What to expect from the event?
Success Across the NetworkNews from the FieldOctober is manufacturing month. Learn how CareerEdge Funders Collaborative has been able to partner with a local employer and the regional technical college to provide on-the-job training, apprenticeship, and skills training to employees at Atlantic Mold. Watch the video here. Media and Articles
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I’ve worked in a variety of roles in workforce development over the last dozen years. One constant is my passionate interest in job quality, especially what motivates employers to build businesses that value people. Much of my professional life has been spent working directly with employers of choice to better understand their systems, mindsets, and business models.
