Jonathan Clingan’s Post

While 90% of jobs in Alabama require some form of post-secondary credential, only 46% of the population holds one. And of every 100 high school graduates, only 24 attain a bachelor's degree within six years. What about the rest? That's where Alabama steps in, shifting the focus from traditional degrees to apprenticeships, occupational licenses, certifications, and more. This isn't about downplaying degrees but about elevating every form of learning that equips our workforce for in-demand jobs. But it doesn't stop there. Alabama’s approach involves organized sectoral partnerships, encompassing business, industry, and education leaders. The Alabama Committee on Credentialing and Career Pathways, co-chaired by key educational figures, is a testament to this collaborative effort. This committee is creating a 'DNA' for in-demand jobs – a blend of required competencies, qualifications, and the essence of what each job entails. They’re crafting a workforce adaptable across various sectors, not just climbing a traditional ladder but navigating a dynamic career landscape. Alabama isn't just preparing for the future of work; it's actively constructing it. A future where skills, adaptability, and lifelong learning are the currency of the job market. #AlTalentTriad #AlabamaWorks #EBSCOed #Skills #FutureOfWork

Four days into my new job at the East Sussex College Group advising and guiding employers through the complex apprenticeship and adult skills landscape. As it is with all new jobs, especially in a new sector, I realise how much I don't know, and each day is full of discoveries which sometimes leave me with my mouth agape........ One such is the "Multiply" programme.........? It's a maths based training programme where any East Sussex employer can develop a bespoke 6-hour maths-based training event for a minimum of 8 people. It can be on any work-related maths subject in any sector. The course can be delivered on site or at any of our campuses across the county. And it doesn't cost the employer a penny. Nothing. Nada. Zip, Zilch - actually, it's better than that, they're paid £120 for any employee who completes the course. So if any outfit puts 8 people through, they get a better trained work-force - and £960. Now, you'd think we'd have employers scaling the walls trying to get in on this - They'd be banging on the doors, and we'd be hiding under our desks to avoid the clamour...... But no. It's undersubscribed 😮 But I know a man who can change that. Me 😎 East Sussex employers. Please form an orderly queue..........

This is exciting news! This will help increase the long-term value of an apprenticeship experience by making sure participants gain college credits that can eventually stack into a degree. While employers and states continue to address degree inflation, degrees are still one of the most well-known credentials for workers to increase their lifelong earnings. Even better, this will help higher education institutes better position themselves to compete for the much broader swath of "non-traditional" talent and foster tighter employer relationships.

Workforce watchers project the country could face critical worker shortages in many of the skilled trades in coming years. The Nebraska Winnebago Tribe is taking a proactive approach to the issue. Its apprenticeship program helps high school juniors and seniors learn skills while helping the community build its skilled workforce. It is a collaboration between Ho-Chunk, Inc., Winnebago High School, the Winnebago Tribe Education Department and local businesses. Willy Bass, manager of community impact and engagement for Ho-Chunk, Inc., said tribal leaders realized they needed programs for their youth who might not pursue higher education. "This program was intended to get students interested, and a foot in the door, in the fields of construction, IT, nursing, education, etc.," Bass outlined. "Any of those sort of technical-related careers." Bass explained the students earn credits for spending two hours at their worksite four days a week. On Fridays, they learn "soft skills," such as resume building, interviewing and the importance of a good attitude and good attendance. In the latest Harris Poll, more than 80% of employers reported many of their youngest workers lack these important soft skills. Disclosure: Ho-Chunk, Inc. contributes to our fund for reporting on Cultural Resources, Housing/Homelessness, and Native American Issues.

Great article about a workforce development program dedicated to helping minorities get into the trades through pre-apprenticeship programming. The program highlighted has a focus on preparing people for apprenticeship opportunities with local building trades unions. Pre-apprenticeship programming is key to assisting low income communities, and those with significant barriers to employment, secure livable wage employment in the building trades, and with unions. You can also use pre-apprenticeships for healthcare, IT, automotive, and culinary. Lastly, and from a WIOA perspective, we need pre-apprenticeships included and more prominent in the next WIOA reauthorization. Overall, I love seeing this and it reminds me of Employ Prince George's, Inc. Apprenticeship Innovation Program (AIP). Check it out Lakita Green, Claudia Marin, and Adrienne L. Stay, SHRM-SCP, GCDF, CPRW! #DEIA #Apprenticeship #PreApprenticeship #BuildingTrades #Unions

🌟 Empowerment Through Learning 🌟 Newcomers possess immense talent and potential that deserve to shine. 🚀 Upgrading skills is a path to break barriers and seize opportunities. By investing in education, we pave the way for personal growth and career advancement. Let's champion diversity and inclusion together by equipping ourselves with the tools to excel in our chosen fields. Your journey to success starts with learning – embrace it! 💪 #Empower #SkillsUpgrade #InclusionMatters

In reflecting on the Apprenticeship Degree, which the state of Arkansas has deployed to support 110 school districts in training hundreds of future teachers, Mike Rogers, the state's inaugural Chief Workforce Officer, shared: “It attracts a different talent pool. People who can’t put their lives on hold for a year or four years.” Beyond K-12, Rogers envisions this job-embedded model addressing continued labor shortages in healthcare, "cybersecurity, data analysis, business administration, industrial maintenance, prison guards, surveying, lithium production, and more." “I can’t think of an hourly profession that couldn’t be an apprenticeship. The Apprenticeship Degree needs to be part of an à la carte that leads to an entrée. We need to be able to customize,” to best meet the needs of the learner and employer. Read more in Paul Fain’s "The Job": 🔗: https://lnkd.in/g3jDxTrU #ApprenticeshipDegree #Careers #LaborShortageSolutions #Arkansas

Meet Clint Bryson, a Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council board member and Assistant Business Manager for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 76.  Keep reading to learn more about his first work experience and why he’s a union leader active in workforce development. Thank you, Clint, for your contributions to the workforce system! Q&A with Clint: What was your first job and what did it teach you about work? My first job was farm labor, including working in the hay fields and barns, cleaning stalls and barns and building fences during the summer while in High school. Farm work taught me that attitude is everything. Work can be hard, but with a good attitude everything goes better. It also taught me that although I’m not afraid of hard work, I wanted to learn and expand my training for a good career. My first job in the electrical industry was delivering parts and tools for an electrical contractor while attending community college. What drives you in your role as a union leader in workforce development? I feel very fortunate to have the opportunities that apprenticeship and a career in a union trade have brought me and my family. I really enjoy the chance to help others find training and apprenticeships that can help them find a fulfilling career as well. I’m a firm believer that apprenticeships change lives and helping our young people find the paths that fit them best is where we need to focus our efforts. #ibew #ibew76 #union #unionjobs #1u #workforcedevelopment #careerdevelopment #laborleader #workforceboard #boardmember #workforcesystem #goodjobs #rewardingcareers 

Gen-Z is realizing what Building Trades members have always known: Apprenticeship Readiness Programs offer wages & benefits from day one, no college debt, and a secure pathway to a family-sustaining union career. North America's Building Trades Unions TradesFutures #support #educate #promote #skilledtrades #careeropportunities #unionstrong #ulanetwork

Amidst transformative changes in the traditional education landscape, changes are underway to equip students with tangible real-world skills, highlighting a shift away from conventional graduation standards and postsecondary planning. 💡 The State of Indiana is a great example. 👏 Indiana legislators and education officials are spearheading a transformative shift in high school education, focusing on career skills through internships, apprenticeships, and early career credentialing. 🛠 With research from Georgetown University emphasizing the need for skills beyond a diploma, the state is overhauling graduation requirements to better prepare students for the workforce. 🎓 The introduction of Career Scholarship Accounts and a renewed emphasis on career planning showcase Indiana's commitment to equipping students with practical skills that meet their needs and interests. Legislation requires schools to teach students about career planning, training programs and high-demand jobs. 💼 The Indiana Department of Education is hosting community and parent focus groups to help guide the vision and changes for the upcoming year. Some of the topics being discussed include: 1) A greater emphasis on work-based learning experiences, internships and apprenticeships; 2) More time spent with career counselors and/or employers; and 3) Requiring students to earn credentials for careers before graduation This forward-thinking initiative is gaining national attention, positioning Indiana as a leader in career-focused education! Thanks to The 74 Media for highlighting the story. #EducationTransformation #IndianaInnovation #FutureOfLearning #workbasedlearning #cte #careerpathways