Workforce Central

Dr. Alexandrea Ravenelle, author of Hustle and Gig: Struggling and Surviving in the Sharing Economy, joins the program to discuss the costs, benefits and social impact of freelance work and the gig economy. Discover the economic forces that have led to an increase in freelance work, and why some freelance workers do well in the gig economy while others struggle. Dr. Ravenelle also discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gig workers.

Scott Stump, the Assistance Secretary of Career, Technical and Adult Education at the U.S. Department of Education, joins the program to reveal the work that the DOE is doing to ensure that all students have the education and skills that they need to find meaningful employment. Discover the acceleration towards digital learning and the changing nature of delivering education to students. Scott also shares his thoughts about the need to move past a "one size fits all" approach to education and how workforce boards can be part of the solution.   

Musician and freelance worker Jastin Artis joins the program to discuss the challenges and opportunities of being a gig worker. Discover the skills needed to be successful in the gig economy, and lessons for workforce boards. To hear learn more about Jastin and hear his music, visit: https://www.justapuppet.com/

Nick Schultz, Pacific Gateway Executive Director, joins host Ron Painter, President & CEO of NAWB, as they discuss the efforts that have been made to strengthen the workforce system in Long Beach, CA. Discover the unique opportunities that The Port of Long Beach provides to the area, the impact that automation has had on employment, and the takeaways for workforce boards.

Keith Lawing, President and Chief Executive Officer at Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas, Inc. joins host Ron Painter, President and CEO of NAWB, to discuss how they are preparing their workforce to meet the needs of employers. Discover the importance of industry and educational partnerships, and the mindset shift that is needed for the workforce system to evolve.

Bob Lanter, Executive Director of the California Workforce Association, joins the program to discuss the Workforce Executive Boot Camp. Discover who the boot camp is for and what it entails. Bob also reveals the important partnership between workforce leaders and the education system and innovative ways to energize board members. to Learn more, visit https://forum.nawb.org/forum/bootcamp

Kimberly L Bodine, Executive Director for CareerSource Gulf Coast, joins the program to discuss the vital role that workforce boards play in preparing for and responding to disasters. She also discusses the upcoming event, Beacon of Resiliency: Setting the Standard for Workforce Development Boards’ Disaster Response, which will be held January 8-9, 2020 in Panama City Beach, FL. To learn more, visit https://members.nawb.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1303553

Sanaz Arjomand, Federal Policy Director at the National Young Farmer’s Coalition, joins the program to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing young farmers. She reveals the policy priorities for the Young Farmer’s Coalition and the various industries that are impacted by the agriculture industry.

Mark Plunkett, Senior Director of Business Development at CompTIA, joins the program to discuss the current state of careers in technology, the need for talent, and what employers are looking for. He also reveals what workforce boards need to think about when it comes to helping to attract individuals into tech careers, and how to make tech jobs accessible to all. If you’re interested in a discussion with Mark and the CompTIA Custom Training team, you can contact him at mplunkett@comptia.org.

This episode features an interview with Earl Anthony Wayne, An accomplished diplomat and executive, Ambassador Wayne has served in a wide variety of positions during his career, including as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Argentina, Deputy Ambassador in Afghanistan, Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe. In this episode, he discusses where the U.S. ranks when it comes to preparing for the workforce challenges of tomorrow, the skills that workers will need, and the need to understand the global supply chain. To learn more, visit https://www.wilsoncenter.org/collection/the-north-american-workforce-development-initiative

This episode features an interview with Earl Anthony Wayne, An accomplished diplomat and executive, Ambassador Wayne has served in a wide variety of positions during his career, including as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Argentina, Deputy Ambassador in Afghanistan, Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe. In this episode, he discusses the impact of trade agreements on the economy, the need for employers to provide training for workers, and the importance of cooperation between the United States, Mexico and Canada. Stay tuned for part 2 of NAWB President and CEO Ron Painter's interview with Ambassador Wayne!

Mary Alice McCarthy, Director of the Center on Education and Skills with the Education Policy program at New America, joins the program to discuss the current state of apprenticeships and work-based learning. Discover the work that New America is doing to advance youth apprenticeships on a national level. Mary Alice reveals why apprenticeships are increasing in popularity with parents and students, and the potential drawbacks of short-term credentialing programs.

Jamie Fall, Director of UpSkill America at the Aspen Institute, joins the program to discuss the importance of employers investing in their employees, and the benefits of those investments for both employees and employers. He reveals some of the workforce and economic trends that have motivated employers to take the lead when it comes to investing in their employees, as well as the increasing range of investments being made by employers.

Jay Lucas, CEO and Chairman of the Lucas Group, joins the program to discuss the Newport Sunshine Initiative and the work that is being done to build a stronger economic base and enhance opportunity in Newport, He also discusses some of the particular challenges and opportunities facing small towns in the U.S. and lessons learned from his experiences so far. To learn more, visit https://www.jaylucas.us/ and to get Jay's book, visit https://www.amazon.com/American-Sunshine-Rays-Hope-Opportunity-ebook/dp/B07BZYPKC7

Today's episode features an interview with the winners of the 2019 Laurie Moran Partnership Award. The award is given jointly to a workforce development board and chamber of commerce that have formed a significant partnership to advance the workforce and economic development of their local region. The Partnership Award is named in honor of Laurie Moran, who served on the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board from 2001 to 2016 and was President of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce from 2002 until her passing. She was a member of the Board of the National Association of Workforce Boards from 2004 to 2015, serving as chair from 2011 to 2013. The featured guests and winners are Ashley Cagle, Assistant Executive Director, Wake County Economic Development, Vice President, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Kimberly Wheeler, Director Business Engagement for the Capital Area Workforce Development. Discover how the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce/Wake County Economic Development Program

This episode features an interview with Robyn Safron, Senior Human Resources Manager of HydraForce. HydraForce was recognized by the National Association of Workforce Boards as the recipient of the 2019 W.O. Lawton Business Leadership Award. Robyn reveals how HydraForce partnered with their local workforce board to meet their immediate and long-term talent needs, and shares advice for other companies looking to do the same.

The West Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board was presented with the 2019 WIOA Trailblazer Award in a ceremony at the NAWB Forum in Washington D.C. The award, which is an initiative of the NAWB, recognizes innovation and leadership in developing and delivering workforce solutions in the community. In this episode, Jacob Maas, CEO of West Michigan Works! joins the program to discuss some of innovative practices happening in his region, the importance of developing partnerships, and shares advice and tips for success.

Steve Wooderson, CEO of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR), Rita Martin, Deputy Director of CSAVR, and Kathy West-Evans, Director of Business Relations for CSAVR, ,join the program to discuss the impact that technology has had on vocational rehabilitation, the changing demographics of who is served, as well as industry trends.

Tamar Jacoby, President of Opportunity America, and Anne Kim, Vice President of Domestic Policy at The Progressive Policy Institute, join the program to discuss the report Work, Skills, Community: Restoring Opportunity for the Working Class – a slate of bipartisan proposals to create jobs, train and retrain workers and revitalize blue-collar communities.