Scratchin' The Surface of Workforce Development

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As I clearly got excited about the topic mid stream, I decided to break the last conversation up into two. So, join me as I detail what I believe a true workforce development system accomplishes. Fun fact-it's more than moving money. 

Also, join me as I launch the Foundry Signals Newsletter on October 1, 2026. This will be super short and specifically designed to demystify policy, provide a short upskilling opportunity for workforce developers, and provide a recommendation on what I think you should read. This will be bi-monthly and I promise-short!

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This doesn't go where you think it's going to go. Long story short-do you have ideas? Do you think others take them from you? Good. Create more.

Also, join me as I launch the Foundry Signals Newsletter on October 1, 2026. This will be super short and specifically designed to demystify policy, provide a short upskilling opportunity for workforce developers, and provide a recommendation on what I think you should read. This will be bi-monthly and I promise-short!

  Sign up here

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Join me as I discuss what I see in the world related to how we abuse the phrase "data-based decisions". It'll be fun. 

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Join me as I walk through some ways I think we allow ourselves to manipulate and be manipulated in workforce. This is a long one! 

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Join me as I talk about what I think the difference is between an employee and a workforce developer; what it means to do workforce in 2026; and what I hope for you!

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In this episode I discuss realities of contract training in public workforce development from my perspective. 

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In this episode of 'Scratching the Surface of Workforce Development,' I addresses the importance of moving past 'false professionalism' to foster genuine communication. I delve into various myths and truths about workforce development, including misconceptions about the role of the federal government, the necessity of both technical and soft skills, and the cultural reliance on four-year degrees as the primary path to success. I emphasize the critical role of community development and local initiatives in workforce development, the importance of integrating soft skills into education, and the potential of apprenticeships when properly implemented. I also highlight the need for meaningful partnerships between employers and educators and the importance of continuous learning. We continue to advocate for a more honest discussion about the varied paths to success, particularly for women and minorities in the trades.

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Welcome to Season 3 of 'Scratching the Surface of Workforce Development.' Season 1 we learned how to do this, season 2 we survived life so it's definitely not my best work. But season 3? Season 3 is going to bring some real examples of things that are working.  Stay tuned. 

This episode reflects on personal and professional challenges as I discuss the ups and downs of my life over the past few months, including significant family events while the world continued to move. I continue to emphasize  resilience, honesty, and a relentless focus on making a difference in people's lives. I also spend some time highlighting the importance of collaboration between workforce development professionals, economic developers, and industry leaders.

I spend some time discussing the need to streamline systems, challenge bureaucratic inefficiencies, and ensure that training aligns with real job demands. The episode also touches on the 'American Talent Strategy' and its potential impact on workforce training and coordination between federal, state, and local entities.

Thanks for sticking with me! 

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In this episode I describe how I wish we treated data and requests as workforce developers. How I wish funders could be realistic and not encourage the habit. And, in general, some of my pollyanna views of where I wish my industry could go...

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Join me as I chat about all things current in workforce and the need to determine what needs to change. I discuss federal and state policy here and my viewpoints on where we are as a policy and a profession. Glad to be back after a long, unscheduled break!