Talent Talks- With Rick Maher

In this first episode of "America's Comeback from COVID" series, Ofer Sharone, Professor of at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, joins the program to reveal the challenges facing the long-term unemployed and older workers in particular. Discover what lessons we should take away from the end of the Great Recession that will apply to today's long-term unemployed workers. Ofer also discusses the sociology of aspiration, and how it related to the long-term unemployed.

In this 43-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Scott Jensen, CEO and VP of External Affairs at RIPL (Research Improving People's Lives, as he shares his perspective on how to envision a better normal. Scott discusses the challenges of re-bounding from the COVID-19 pandemic and how the workforce development system can best prepare to meet future workforce challenges. You'll also hear about Skipper, a bot and virtual career coach that uses machine learning and AI to support customer service.

In this 30-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Kevin Stump, Director of Impact, Evaluation, and Thought Leadership at Education Design Labs (EDL) to discuss EDL's mission and what the higher education system needs to do to respond at this moment in history. Discover the importance of stackable, micro-credentials and sector-focused solutions. Kevin also reveals details about the Community College Growth Engine Fund, and why this new model better serves changing customer demographics.

In this 32-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Anne Velardi, the Apprenticeship Coordinator for Alaska Workforce Investment Board and Mari Selle, the Director of Workforce Development for the South Central Alaska Health Education Center of the Alaska Primary Care Association. Anne and Mari reveal the details about the Alaska Primary Care Association Apprenticeship Program and why the Workforce Investment Board decided to make registered apprenticeships a focus of workforce development efforts in Alaska. You'll hear about the types of jobs available and the innovation that is happening with online training.

In this 34-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Jane Oates, President of WorkingNation, to discuss the unemployment crisis that her organization foresaw even before the pandemic. Jane shares insights about current challenges as well as signs of progress and discusses some of the results of WorkingNation's American Worker Survey. Discover how WorkingNation intends to continue to support and advocate for reforms, and some of the most pressing public policy issues facing the new administration.

In this 32-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Julian Alssid, Chief Marketplace Engagement Officer at Social Tech. Julian reveals the details behind Unmudl, a "course to jobs" marketplace that allows every learner, employee, or business in all communities to walk-in or connect online with any community college in the nation at any time with just a couple of clicks or a quick trip. Discover how community colleges can join Unmudl and the benefits and the results to date.

In this 40-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Todd Thibodeaux, CompTIA's President and CEO, as they discuss how CompTIA is helping to prepare talent for the future of work. Todd discusses the confidence gap, and how CompTIA is partnering with various stakeholders to bring their solutions to scale. Todd also speaks about CompTIA's research division and how they forecast changes in IT, as well as future skill needs.

In this 24-minute podcast, Todd Cohen, Lockheed Martin's Senior Manager, Strategic Workforce Initiatives, joins the program to discuss the number of apprenticeship programs that Lockheed is running today, and the growth of apprenticeships at Lockheed Martin. Todd reveals the reasons behind the growing popularity of apprenticeship programs, and some of the key benefits that Lockheed Martin is deriving from its commitment to apprenticeships.

In this 35-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Ravi Kumar, President of Infosys, a global technology leader, as they discuss Infosys' Reskill & Re-start initiative, which includes a commitment to hiring 12,000 workers in the US over the next two years. Discover the type of candidates being targeted and the types of skills training being offered. Ravi also reveals why Infosys is looking to partner with states, as well as the public workforce and education systems.

In this 38 minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Dr. Holly Ann Custard, Strada's Deputy Director of Institute Partnerships and Outreach, to discuss Strada's work to help design an education and training system to prepare America's workers for the future. Discover Strada's new learning ecosystem, and the importance of customized approaches to learning.