CWA Today

This episode explores the evolving role of workforce development boards in driving economic growth and community impact. Join hosts Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes as they discuss the "Real Role of Workforce Boards" training with special guests from Solano and Madera Counties. Discover how these boards are moving beyond WIOA limitations to address broader community needs, engage board members in strategic planning, and align initiatives with local economic challenges and opportunities. Learn about the importance of rebranding workforce development to focus on positive impact and success stories, and hear how the CWA's training is empowering boards to embrace their expanded role in shaping the future of their communities. 

Tune into another episode of CWA Today, as hosts Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes are joined by entrepreneur and AI expert Wesley Brach to discuss the exciting world of artificial intelligence and its impact on workforce development. Wesley shares his journey into AI and explains the buzz surrounding generative AI, which is creating new content and revolutionizing industries. The conversation delves into the potential fears and optimism surrounding AI's influence on jobs, as well as the ways in which AI can help job seekers and employers connect more efficiently. Wesley also discusses his work with local workforce boards, providing examples of AI applications that support case managers and job seekers. Finally, the hosts and guest invite listeners to CWA's upcoming three-part training series, "Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence," where attendees will gain practical insights and hands-on experience in leveraging AI for workforce development.

This episode of CWA Today podcast previews the upcoming 2024 CWA Youth Summit conference happening February 7-8th in Long Beach, California. Host Bob Lanter interviews CWA's Matt Hidalgo about the event's "Expanding Horizons" theme focusing on providing youth career counseling, life skills training, and leadership development. The episode highlights dynamic workshops, opportunities to engage with state political leaders, and details on registration.

In this episode, hosts Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes interview workforce development expert Larry Robbin about best practices for job interviews and the hidden agenda employers have when hiring. They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed hiring practices, making flexibility and profitability key employee traits. Larry explains common mistakes job seekers make with canned responses and insufficient research, and the power that bringing innovative ideas demonstrates to an employer when they are making hiring decisions. 

This special episode marks the refresh of CWA Today, and features CWA Executive Director Bob Lanter and Program Director Matthew Hayes discussing an overview of research they have conducted into the impactful work being done by the state's 45 local workforce development boards. Discover the positive impact of boards moving beyond just operating federal WIOA programs and focusing on addressing economic opportunities and socioeconomic challenges in their communities, and how this can lead to greater change and attracting more funding. Bob and Matthew also reveal plans to use these findings to showcase best practices and advocate for increased support so boards can create further community change.

Tune in as CWA's Matt Hidalgo and professional speaker, entrepreneur, and consultant Aaron Golub join the program to discuss WORKCON 2023, CWA's annual spring conference. Discover the meaning behind this year's theme, "Clarity through Action" and some of the organizations that are participating in this year's conference. Aaron shares how he became an expert on the topic of overcoming adversity and reveals his own story of becoming the first legally blind division one athlete to play in a game. To register for WORKCON, visit https://calworkforce.org/ 

Tressa Dorsey, TAD Grants President & Founder, joins the program for a 2-part conversation about a board development training, being offered in partnership with CWA, about creating collective community solutions. Tressa shares her thoughts about how boards can best position themselves to access federal dollars and create innovative solutions for their communities. She also shares the leadership practices and principles of highly effective workforce boards. To sign up for the training, visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/californiaworkforceassociation/822569

Tressa Dorsey, TAD Grants President & Founder, joins the program for a 2-part conversation about a board development training, being offered in partnership with CWA, about creating collective community solutions. Tressa shares her thoughts about how boards can best position themselves to access federal dollars and create innovative solutions for their communities. She also shares the leadership practices and principles of highly effective workforce boards. To sign up for the training, visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/californiaworkforceassociation/822569 

Training consultant K-Rahn Vallatine joins the program to discuss the work that he does with teachers, psychologists, and other youth service professionals to strengthen their insight and skillset in trauma informed youth engagement. He also discusses his "Live Above the Hype" life skills curriculum, which builds critical thinking skills, encourages reflection, and ultimately supports positive shifts in value systems. You'll hear details about the Live Above the Hype Success Academy and the partnership between K-Rahn and CWA. 

In this episode, you'll hear details about the CWA Youth Symposium 2023. The virtual symposium will bring together youth workforce service providers, youth job coaches, community-based organizations, educational entities, adult schools, youth workforce allies, and youth participants from across the State of California and the US to discuss, network, and ponder what it takes to remain relevant to participate and thrive in the workforce. To register for the event, visit: https://zcu.io/TctZ  

This episode features a conversation with author, speaker, and founder, Kris McGuigan as Kris discusses her personal and professional journey and how to overcome fear, take more risks and get results. Discover the importance of being clear about your values and the difference between being courageous in business and courageous in life. Kris also discusses her new book, The Requisite Courage: How to Make Brave Decisions in Business & Life. 

This episode features an interview with Larry Robbins, as Larry reveals details about a series of webinars that he will be presenting, about how to improve employment outcomes with the hard-to-employ. Larry discusses the importance of focusing on the hard-to-employ population and how to define "hard-to-employ." To learn more and to sign up for the training, visit https://calworkforce.org/cwa-resources/training/i-got-the-job/ 

Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, is joined by guests Jessica Janniere, a national adversity expert and founder of Look Up and Beyond Inc, and Jocelyn Ford, Senior Scientist Product Development and Innovation at COTY, as they have a conversation about their experiences participating in the Look Up and Beyond Leadership Experience, Move Your Mountains curriculum, and how important this work is not only to our professional growth but to our personal and spiritual growth as well. Also, how amazing it is to work with Jessica and the purpose behind the phenomenal work that she does!

This episode features a conversation with several workforce leaders to discuss how their workforce development boards are innovating and evolving to meet current and future workforce challenges. The guests featured in this episode are Heather Henry,  Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Solano County, Adam Peck, Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County, Gregg Irish, Executive Director of the City of Los Angeles Workforce Development Board, and Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County.         

This episode features an interview with Barrie Hathaway, CEO of JobTrain as he discusses the mission and vision of his organization and the importance of equity and job quality in the work that they do. Discover how to holistically serve individuals and help them overcome generational and systemic barriers. Barrie also shares insights about various considerations to take into account when defining quality jobs. 

Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA are joined by national adversity expert Jessica Janniere, as Jessica discusses how to overcome what's keeping you stuck in your life or career. Bob, Matthew and Jessica reveal their own "mountains" and discuss Jessica's upcoming training on this topic. For more information about the training, visit https://calworkforce.org/cwa-resources/training/move-your-mountains/ 

In this two-part episode, Randi Wolfe, Ph.D., Executive Director of Early Care & Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS), joins the program to discuss the need for quality early care and education, and the work that her organization is doing to advance the rigorous professional development and economic well-being of the Early Care and Education workforce so that all children can reap the full benefits of their early learning and care experiences. Discover how ECEPTS is using apprenticeships to address the needs of the early care and education workforce by integrating on-the-job training, coaching, no-cost college coursework, cohort learning, and increased compensation.

In this two-part episode, Randi Wolfe, Ph.D., Executive Director of Early Care & Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS), joins the program to discuss the need for quality early care and education, and the work that her organization is doing to advance the rigorous professional development and economic well-being of the Early Care and Education workforce so that all children can reap the full benefits of their early learning and care experiences. Discover how ECEPTS is using apprenticeships to address the needs of the early care and education workforce by integrating on-the-job training, coaching, no-cost college coursework, cohort learning, and increased compensation.

Tune in for a conversation between Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA as they discuss job quality and the definition of a quality job. Discover the variety of factors that go into assessing job quality and the role of workforce boards in connecting job seekers to quality jobs. 

Tune in to hear reflections from WORKCON 2021: An Equitable Recovery, which was held in May of 2021. Discover highlights from the event, and how to access the recordings if you weren't able to attend! 

Tune in for a conversation between Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA as they reflect on the many events that have already transpired in the first quarter of 2021. Discover what needs to happen in order to ensure that we have an equitable economic recovery, what boards can do to secure funding and the "three pandemics" that California has been faced with. You'll also hear about some exciting upcoming training opportunities! 

Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA, are joined by CWA Conference Coordinator, Matt Hidalgo, as they discuss the 2021 Youth Conference, Keynote Speakers, Youth Track, and the 2021 Presidential Inauguration.  

Chris Andresen, Vice President at Grayling, and Senior Vice President at Dutko Government Relations, returns to the program to share his perspective on the impact of the 2020 Presidential election on the workforce system and the economy. 

Matt Sigelman, CEO of Burning Glass, joins the program to discuss labor market trends during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether it is possible to find good jobs in a bad economy. Discover the various dimensions of what constitutes a “good” job and the sectors that have been growing even during the pandemic. Matt also reveals the forces that will shape the labor market and how to prepare workers for the jobs of tomorrow. 

Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA, are joined by a panel of workforce development professionals, as they discuss the current state of the workforce system in CA, as well as the various ways in which workforce development boards are uniquely positioned to serve their community during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires.  Episode Guests: Deborah Sanchez, Director- Santa Ana Workforce Development Board Blake Konczal, Executive Director, Fresno Workforce Development Board  Lazandra Dial, Interim Executive Director,  City of Oakland Workforce Development Board Heather Henry, President/Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Solano County 

This episode features a conversation between Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA, as they discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has effected the economy and the labor market. They also discuss the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd and what can be done to ensure greater equity in the workforce system. 

Jessica Janniere, advocate and author of Look Up and Beyond: Effective Strategies to Become Resilient, Overcome Adversity and Create a Powerful Future, joins the program to discuss how to overcome trauma and thrive. Jessica shares her personal story about how she came to the work that she does, shares tips for resilience, and discusses her partnership with CWA.        Jessica Janniere

CWA Executive Director Bob Lanter shares reflections and takeaways from The Youth@Work 2020 Conference. Discover some of the biggest challenges and opportunities that youth are facing, and the skills that are needed to find success in today's workplace. 

In this episode, you'll get an sneak preview of what you can expect at the Youth@Work Conference 2020. Discover some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing youth today, and how to help youth create viable economic futures and meaningful careers. 

In this episode, you'll learn about CWA's Executive Bootcamp and hear from previous Bootcamp participants about their experiences. Discover the history of CWA's Bootcamp, who can benefit, and how to register.       

This episode features an interview with Alia Kuraishi from the California Department of Rehabilitation, and Brandon Anderson, Operations Director at CWA, as they discuss the history behind National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or NDEAM. Discover the employment challenges and opportunities that exist for persons with disabilities and the resources that are available to help.   

Larry Robbin joins the program to discuss the employment challenges and opportunities for the reentry population, and also talks about his upcoming training: A Better Way To Reduce Recidivism Than Jobs! Help People in Reentry Start and Succeed in Career Pathways! Discover the importance of focusing on career pathways vs. jobs, and the need to take a holistic approach when it comes to working with this population. 

The Meeting of the Minds in Monterey conference is a yearly gathering of workforce thought leaders and decision makers from all around California and beyond. In this episode, Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA gives an overview of what participants can expect and why you should attend the conference. 

This episode features an interview with Tressa Dorsey, President of Tad Grants, as she dicusses the "Best Coast" Business Engagement Tour. Discover how TAD Grants & The California Workforce Association are partnering on a three city tour up and down California to facilitate a full day of training focused entirely on Business Engagement. Workforce and Economic Development Professionals will learn national best practices and strategies for engaging the business community.

Educational consultant and author K-Rahn Vallatine joins the program to discuss the work that he does with at-risk youth to help them make healthier life choices. He shares his own journey of what led him to this work, and the importance of having a trauma-informed perspective when it comes to working with this population. K-Rhan also has an upcoming Workforce Youth Engagement Training, to learn more, visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/californiaworkforceassociation/261278

The Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history to date. In this episode, you'll discover the role that workforce development boards play in community emergencies, and specifically how the local workforce board and their partners are helping those affected by Camp Fire. Your host Bob Lanter is joined by Michael Cross, Executive Director of The Northern Rural Training and Employment Consortium (NoRTEC), as well as Traci Holt, Executive Director of The Alliance for Workforce Development, and Kristine Farrell, Assistant Director of The Alliance for Workforce Development 

Recorded live at the NAWB Forum 2019, Bob Lanter catches up with  Chris Andresen, Vice President at Grayling, as they discuss current trends in workforce, tips for effective lobbying, the future of WIOA and more!   

Nick Schultz, Director of Pacific Gateway and Andrew Muñoz, Director of Staffing Services for Pacific Gateway, join the program to discuss the irregular workforce, how it is tied to the future of work, and how we can help individuals and businesses to navigate this marketplace. Discover the efforts that are underway to help elevate irregular employment and the impact that the rise of the gig economy has had on employees and the labor market. 

Stephen Baiter, Executive Director of the Oakland Workforce Development Board, joins the program to discuss the value proposition of workforce boards for regional economic development. In this part two of a two-part conversation, you'll discover the importance of regional and cross-regional strategies, and how the state can work with local communities to ensure success.  

Stephen Baiter, Executive Director of the Oakland Workforce Development Board, joins the program to discuss the value proposition of workforce boards for regional economic development. In this part one of a two-part conversation, you'll discover the challenges and opportunities that come from local and regional partnerships, and how to leverage relationships and resources. 

This episode features Eric Seleznow, Senior Advisor at Jobs for the Future, and Vinz Koller, Senior Strategist for Capacity Building at Social Policy Research Associates, as they discuss challenges and opportunities for youth apprenticeship in California and beyond. 

In this episode, you'll discover the efforts that are underway to help develop new leaders in the workforce development system. You'll learn about the California Workforce Association's Executive Bootcamp- what it entails, and how to get involved. 

There are many youth in California and across the U.S. who are struggling to join the workforce. Hear from Bob Lanter as he explains the theme of the 2019 Youth@Work Conference, and how the conference will address the formidable challenges facing youth. 

Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, discusses the work that is being done in Switzerland to develop their youth apprenticeship program and some of the lessons and best practices from that country. Discover the takeaways for California, and how to create a youth apprenticeship program that creates meaningful opportunites for young people. 

Tim Rainey, Executive Director of the California Workforce Development Board, joins the program to discuss current workforce initiatives in California. 

Walter Di Mantova from Powerminds Inc, and John Baker from Core Factors, join the program to discuss the application of systems design for workforce development. 

Donna Wyatt, Director of the Career and College Transitions at California State Department of Education, joins the program to discuss what career tech education is, how it is currently being delivered through the California education system, and some of the biggest misconceptions that parents and students often have about career tech education. Donna also provides examples of Career Tech Education programs and delivery systems. 

Joe Xavier, director at the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), returns to the program to discuss employment of youth with disabilities.  To learn more visit www.calworkforce.org 

Joe Xavier director at the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), joins the program to discuss National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the importance of inclusion in the workplace.  To learn more, visit www.calworkforce.org 

Bob Lanter, Executive Director of the California Workforce Association, discusses the benefits of apprenticeship programs in general, and more specifically about the Workforce Development Professional Apprenticeship Program in California.  Featured guests on this episode include: Babette Jimenez, Senior Program Manager and Developer, Sacramento State - College of Continuing Education Matt Hidalgo, Program Director | Journeyman Workforce Development Professional, CWA Brandon Anderson, Program Manager | Journeyman Workforce Development Professional, CWA Megan Bailey, Program Manager | Journeyman Workforce Development Professional, CWA For more information, visit www.calworkforce.org 

Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, shares his thoughts on the current state of the workforce system, and shares takeaways for workforce boards, workforce professionals and business owners.  To learn more, visit http://calworkforce.org/