Tune in as we explore SkillUp Ventura County, an innovative program offering residents free online skills training and certification opportunities. In this episode, Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, leads a discussion with key partners. Joining her are the team from Managed Career Solutions (MCS) and special guest Kerry Twomey from Metrix Learning. Discover how this two-year-old program has already helped nearly 1,800 residents complete over 13,000 courses, representing more than 4,000 hours of training. Learn about success stories of participants who've secured better employment opportunities, sometimes being hired on the spot thanks to their new skills. Whether you're looking to change careers, advance in your current field, or simply expand your skillset, this episode reveals how SkillUp Ventura County provides accessible, flexible, and completely free online training that aligns with local industry needs.

In this episode of "Workforce on the Mic," you'll discover powerful insights on youth mentorship from Dr. Scott Brewster, co-founder and Director of Partnerships at Hats & Ladders. Listen as he shares with host Alexis Franks how to effectively guide young people through career decisions. You'll learn practical strategies for active listening, building networks, and helping youth gain confidence in their career choices. Dr. Brewster reveals how his path from music teacher to workforce development leader shaped his approach to mentoring. You'll also discover the importance of early work experiences and free online learning resources that can transform how we prepare young people for success during their most formative years.

In this episode, Chicago’s Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood joins host and CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership George Wright to discuss Chicago's innovative approach to violence reduction and its intersection with workforce development. The deputy mayor outlines his office's strategy of empowering neighborhoods to participate in sharing their priorities and thoughts in developing local safety initiatives, working block by block to address unique local needs. The conversation explores the vital link between employment and safety, showcased by a recent hiring fair that drew over 900 residents and more than 1,200 registrants. Deputy Mayor Gatewood reveals how Chicago is moving beyond traditional policing to embrace a holistic approach, uniting government agencies, community organizations, and residents to create sustainable change in the city's most challenged areas.

 In this episode of the Will Works podcast, host speaks with Lauren Kmetz-Weisman, JJC manager of the Clean Jobs Initiative (CEJA). Lauren shares information about the state-funded program, which aims to develop Illinois' clean energy workforce through training and job placement. The discussion covers CEJA's focus on residential energy audits and electric vehicle technology, the program structure, eligibility requirements, student stipends, and support services. Lauren explains that participants can complete an 8-week bridge program followed by job-specific training, with opportunities for internships and pre-apprenticeships. The conversation includes details about CEJA's target to serve 160 students per year, with emphasis on residents from R3 areas and environmental justice communities. 

From KRA's the Hub: In this fifth episode of a special series, recorded live at the 2024 NAWDP Youth Symposium in Phoenix, Arizona, host Jonathan Overall sits down with Rick Record, an experienced workforce development consultant whose journey began as a youth program participant. Rick shares his remarkable career progression from working in retail management to overseeing statewide programs for California's Employment Development Department and Medicaid services. Drawing from his extensive background, Rick offers valuable insights into performance management, youth program development, and the importance of meeting young people where they are. He emphasizes the critical need to understand and address the dysfunctional environments many youth navigate while building positive reinforcement into program design. The conversation concludes with practical advice for workforce development professionals on creating successful youth programs that focus on individual strengths rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

In this episode, you'll discover why upskilling has become essential in today's rapidly changing workplace. Host Matt Myers shares insights from the World Economic Forum about how half of all employees will need significant reskilling in the coming years, and introduces you to several free training programs offered by the state of Ohio. You'll learn how these opportunities can help you stay competitive in our technology-driven world, whether you're a job seeker or employer, and understand that upskilling goes beyond technical skills to include crucial abilities like creativity, emotional intelligence, and leadership. By the end of the episode, you'll know how to access valuable resources through Ohio Means Jobs Lake County and be inspired to take the next step in your professional development.

From the Working Together Podcast: In this episode of Follow the Leader, we welcome special guest Dr. Cira Burke, Director of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program at the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services. Dr. Burke discusses her work helping families in need gain access to services, job training, education, and more to achieve self-sufficiency. She shares insights on poverty and related issues in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the importance of community partnerships, and her passion for her purpose-driven work. Dr. Burke also highlights her involvement with Parenting Inside Out, a program supporting incarcerated parents and their families. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about making a real difference in the community with the dedicated Dr. Cira Burke.

Tune in as NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little, is joined by David Polk, Director of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, and President of NASTAD (National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors), during National Apprenticeship Week 2024. Polk shares his unique perspective as a third-generation plumber who came full circle, from proudly graduating Wisconsin's apprenticeship program to now overseeing it. The conversation explores Wisconsin's innovative approaches to apprenticeship, including its nationally recognized youth apprenticeship program, expansion into new sectors like healthcare and education, and strategies to support small businesses and increase program completion rates. Discover how Wisconsin partners with workforce boards and technical colleges to create successful apprenticeship pathways, and gain insights into the future of work-based learning as a solution to America's growing skilled workforce shortage.

In this episode of North Coast Careers, host Matt Myers explores Cybersecurity Awareness Month with expert guest Bill Monreal, Founder and CEO of Monreal IT. The discussion covers critical cybersecurity threats facing individuals and organizations today, including phishing attacks and ransomware, along with practical solutions like multi-factor authentication and security awareness training. Bill shares insights from his two decades of experience in the field and discusses the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, noting a significant workforce shortage since COVID-19. The episode also delves into cybersecurity career opportunities, focusing on roles like Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts, and provides guidance for those interested in entering the field. 

This episode features a conversation with DeVone Holt, a prominent figure in workforce development and organizational culture. DeVone shares his unique career journey, detailing his path from journalism to various roles in public relations, economic development, and education. The discussion focuses on DeVone's experiences at Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, where he worked with hard-to-serve job seekers and his perspectives on workforce culture. He also introduces his concept of the "Trinity of workforce culture" and offers valuable advice for leaders on building positive workplace environments. The conversation concludes with DeVone's tips for emerging workforce leaders, emphasizing the importance of connecting with employees and understanding their motivations and challenges.