Josh Wyner, V.P. of Aspen Institute’s College Education Excellence Program, joins the program to discuss the challenges and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic when it comes to training and education, and how colleges have pivoted to meet those challenges. Josh reveals details about the College Education Excellence Program and the need for college leaders to adopt a “3.0 Mindset.”

For over 30 years, Maher & Maher has been at the forefront of innovation and talent development. Now its capabilities are blending with the vast resources of the American Institutes for Research (AIR).  Beth Brinly and Irma Perez-Johnson, Vice Presidents in the Human Services Division, and Catherine Baker, Practice Director and Chief Learning Officer at Maher & Maher, join the program to discuss how the combined companies' capabilities can positively impact America’s talent development future.

IBM Learning Strategist Sonia Malik,returns to the program to discuss the work that IBM is doing to help prepare for the future of work. Sonia discusses the impact that the “Great Resignation” is having on her organization, and how IBM has been a pioneer in creating pathways to degrees using stackable micro-credentials, apprenticeships, and partnerships with providers. You’ll also discover how IBM’s efforts help not only their own organization, but also support the broader community. Sonia also shares her thoughts about the future of the employer/employee contract and how employers will need to adapt in the post-COVID world.  

John Helton, Executive Director of Atlanta CareerRise, joins the program to discuss the work that his organization is doing to get long-term unemployed individuals in the region re-engaged in the workforce. John reveals the efforts that CareerRise is making around equity and inclusion and discusses the importance of philanthropic sources of funding. You’ll also hear about an approach designed to engage and support the long-term unemployed by meeting their needs for more intensive counseling, case management and peer support.  

This episode features a panel of experts sharing their thoughts and insights on registered apprenticeships, in recognition of National Apprenticeship Week. Amy Firestone, V.P.; Apprenticeship Carolina, Katherine Keegan, Director, Office of the Future of Work, Colorado Dept. of Labor & Employment and William Higgins, State Apprenticeship Director, Arizona, discuss the importance of registered apprenticeships as one of the most dependable and proven methods of job training. Discover the power of partnership in successfully scaling registered apprenticeships, and how registered apprenticeships can be a powerful tool to help job seekers return to the labor force and help employers find the talent they need.  

Peter Callstrom, CEO (Chief Employment Officer) from the San Diego Workforce Partnership, joins the program to share his thoughts about the post-pandemic environment and the importance of securing 3rd party funds. Discover why the risk of failure for relying only on federal funds is too high and how income sharing agreements work. 

Brittany Lenertz, Talent Solutions Director for West Michigan Works! joins the program to discuss the results of a wide-ranging survey that her organization conducted with job seekers. Brittany reveals insights gleaned from the survey and provides her thoughts about why people are not flocking back to work, even with the end of their benefits. She also reveals changes in job seekers’ attitudes and the most significant barriers that are keeping people out of workforce. You’ll also hear about an innovative marketing campaign designed to bring people back into the labor market.   

Michele Martin, Director of Technical Assistance at the Heldrich Center, joins the program to discuss the mission of the Heldrich Center and its New Start Career Network. Discover some of the emotional challenges that the long-term unemployed face, and an innovative approach to provide the long-term unemployed the supports that they need to thrive. Michele also discusses how the Heldrich Center is supplementing the public workforce system using volunteers and peer-to-peer support. 

Lori Strauss, from AARP Foundation’s Workforce Programs Team and leader of the Back to Work 50+ Program, joins the podcast to explain the unique challenges that 50+  workers face and how the AARP Foundation is stepping up to help. Discover the background of the AARP Foundation and the role that ageism plays for the long-term unemployed in this demographic.  

  In this next episode in America’s Comeback from COVID Series, Dr. Nichole Torpey-Saboe, Director of Research and Insights for the Strada Education Network, joins the program to discuss youth – and the special challenges they face in reconnecting to education and getting back on track towards a career. Nichole shares insights from a research project that Strada conducted about how youth are feeling at this time. You'll also hear clips from young people about how the pandemic has impacted them on their educational and career journeys.