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The official podcast of the California Workforce Association. CWA's mission is to enhance and inspire California’s local workforce development boards and their partners through strategic advocacy, partnership convening, and capacity building. Your host is Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA. To…

California Workforce Association


    • May 6, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 32m AVG DURATION
    • 59 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from CWA Today

    E59: Beyond WIOA: How Workforce Boards are Transforming Their Role

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 47:29


    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. 

    discover transforming solano cwa wioa matthew hayes workforce boards
    E58: Harnessing AI for Workforce Development: A Conversation with Wesley Brach

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 44:56


    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.

    E57: Life Skills and Leadership: 2024 CWA Youth Conference Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 29:21


    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.

    E56: Turning Interviews into Offers: Creative Job Interview Strategies

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2023 54:19


    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. 

    E55: Beyond Federal Funds: How Workforce Boards Diversify Resources and Maximize Impact

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2023 44:36


    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.

    E54: WORKCON 2023: Clarity through Action

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2023 40:02


    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/ 

    E53: Creating Collective Community Solutions- Part Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2023 27:30


    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

    E52: Creating Collective Community Solutions- Part One

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2023 34:06


    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 

    E51: Helping Youth Develop a Success Mindset

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2023 49:00


    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. 

    E50: CWA Youth Symposium 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2023 38:16


    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  

    E49: Making Brave Decisions in Business and Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2022 38:53


    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. 

    E48: Improving Employment Outcomes with the Hard-to-Employ

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2022 61:17


    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/ 

    E47: Look Up and Beyond - Move Your Mountains Retreat

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2022 42:53


    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!

    E46: Reimagining Workforce Development and the World of Work

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2022 52:54


    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.         

    E45: Transforming Lives by Supporting Equity and Job Quality

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2022 37:45


    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. 

    E44: Move Your Mountains: Overcoming Adversity in Your Profession and Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2022 33:43


    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/ 

    E43: Advancing the Early Care and Education Workforce- Part Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2021 26:59


    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.

    E42: Advancing the Early Care and Education Workforce- Part One

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2021 21:54


    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.

    E41: Advancing Job Quality

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2021 36:58


    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. 

    E40: Reflections From WORKCON 2021- An Equitable Recovery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 40:25


    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! 

    E39: Reflections on Q1 of 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2021 37:02


    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! 

    E38: Youth@Work 2021- Reflections on the Conference

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2021 40:38


    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.  

    E37: A Post-Election Analysis of Workforce and the Economy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2021 37:44


    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. 

    E36: Good Jobs in a Bad Economy: A Conversation with Matt Sigelman, CEO of Burning Glass Technologies

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2020 38:49


    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. 

    E35: A Statewide View of the California Workforce System

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2020 41:20


    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 

    E34: Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes on COVID-19 and Equity

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2020 41:00


    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. 

    E33: Strategies for Increasing Your Resilience

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2020 33:00


    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

    E32: Youth@Work 2020 Conference Recap

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2020 30:57


    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. 

    E31: Youth@Work Conference 2020 – Architects of the Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2019 32:11


    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. 

    E30: CWA Executive Bootcamp- Helping Workforce Leaders Thrive

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2019 30:13


    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.       

    E29: National Disability Employment Awareness Month- Honoring Work For All People

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2019 35:49


    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.   

    E28: Helping People in Reentry Start and Succeed in Career Pathways

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2019 36:36


    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. 

    E27: The Meeting of the Minds in Monterey 2019- Harnessing Our Collective Genius to Create Breakthroughs and Better Outcomes

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2019 22:11


    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. 

    E26: Business Engagement- Tips and Strategies for Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2019 42:24


    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.

    E25: Living Above The Hype- Encouraging At-Risk Youth To Make Healthy Life Decisions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2019 29:52


    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

    E24: The Camp Fire Response: The Role of Workforce Development Boards in Community Emergencies

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2019 37:21


    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 

    E23: National Workforce Update with Chris Andresen

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2019 28:37


    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!   

    E22: Elevating Irregular Employment

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2019 39:50


    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. 

    E21: Workforce Boards and Regional Economic Development- Part Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2019 28:18


    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.  

    E20: Workforce Boards and Regional Economic Development- Part One

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2019 34:26


    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. 

    E19: Youth Apprenticeships- Challenges and Opportunities

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2019 45:29


    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. 

    E18: Capacity Building In The Workforce Development System

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2018 23:49


    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. 

    E17: Youth@Work Conference 2019- Planet Shakers

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2018 17:08


    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. 

    E16: Youth Apprenticeships- Lessons From Switzerland

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2018 17:32


    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. 

    E15: Current Workforce Initiatives in California

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2018 23:11


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

    E14: Systems Design For Workforce

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2018 27:36


    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. 

    E13: Career Tech Education in California- Trends and Opportunities

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2018 23:55


    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. 

    E12: Disability Employment Awareness- Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2017 24:01


    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 

    E11: Disability Employment Awareness- Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2017 21:50


    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 

    E10: The Power of Apprenticeship Programs

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2017 34:51


    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 

    E09: Keys To WIOA Implementation

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2017 25:39


    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/ 

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