Ready for Work

How early should we begin career development in a child's life? It's earlier than you might think. Heidi shares how Strive-Together is helping communities nationwide align around seven key educational milestones—from kindergarten readiness to career entry. Discover how data becomes a flashlight, not a hammer, and why systems thinking, equity, and authentic collaboration are essential for sustainable change.Voices of Excellence and Resources for Episode 59:Heidi Black, Vice President of Training | LinkedInStriveTogether and the Training HubTranscript and Show Notes (PDF)Work Ready Communities at ACTACT Workforce Solutions

What does it take to transform education and workforce systems in a way that truly reflects local needs? In this episode, we explore the Talent Hub designation—a model-agnostic standard recognizing excellence in cross-sector partnerships at the local, regional, and state levels. Born from Lumina Foundation's work with 75 pioneering partnerships, Talent Hubs represent a new way of thinking about collaboration. National thought leader Dakota Pawlicki joins us to share lessons learned, practical strategies for scaling what works, and bold ideas for the future of talent development partnerships.Voices of Excellence in Episode 58:Dakota Pawlicki, Director of TalentHubs at CivicLab | LinkedInResources for Episode 58:TalentHubs from Civic LabsTranscript and Show Notes (PDF)Work Ready Communities from ACTWorkKeys Workforce SolutionsEpisode 4 on Strategic Doing with Ed MorrisonEpisode 10 overview on Work Ready Communities

The disconnect between skilled workers and employers is wider than ever, with access to affordable housing and childcare now among the top challenges preventing new commercial investment and job creation. Collaborative workforce ecosystems, like those in Work Ready Communities, are uniquely equipped to tackle these issues, according to Chad Chancellor of the Next Move Group. Chad examines two crucial elements to succeed in the post-pandemic reality of economic development - expanding the scope of workforce ecosystem collaboration and enhancing the role of work-based learning in skills-driven pathways. Chad Chancellor, Next Move Group Chad's Presentation Slides (PDF) Transcript (PDF) ACT Work Ready Communities ACT Workforce Solutions

Celebrated on the first Friday in October, Manufacturing Day is a national movement showcasing modern manufacturing careers. Throughout October, companies and educational institutions open their doors to students, parents, educators, and community leaders. Neil Reddy brought the celebration to the 2024 ACT Workforce Summit. From the stage in Atlanta, Neil shares inspiration for future generations to enter manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain automation along with tips for workforce partners to grow talent pipelines for these sectors. Neil Reddy, CEO Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Manufacturing Day Resources WorkKeys Skill Benchmarks for MSSC's CPT Credential WorkKeys Skill Benchmarks for MSSC's CLA and C PT Credentials

With the increasing demand for skills governing workplace behaviors, ACT's new WorkKeys Essential Skills assessment is designed to measure and develop these crucial competencies for the future. In episode 55, Dr. Alex Casillas delves into the vital importance of essential skills in both education and the workforce. Join us for a deeper exploration of how essential skills can boost job performance, satisfaction, and career advancement, and learn about the tools available to enhance these abilities. Dr. Alex Casillas, Principle Research Psychologist at ACT Show Notes and Transcript (PDF) WorkKeys Essential Skills from ACT Technical Manual on ACT WorkKeys Essential Skills WorkKeys Curriculum Essential Skills Coaching Tools ACT Work Ready Communities ACT Workforce Solutions

With a panel of Work Ready Community champions, episode 54 explores innovative strategies and real-world examples of how partnerships between industries, educational institutions, and government agencies are reshaping workforce development. Accelerating Talent Development via Cross Sector Collaboration features panelists from Nebraska, Ohio, and Mississippi in the August 2024 edition of WRC-Live! Discover how these collaborations are breaking down silos, fostering skill growth, and creating a more adaptable and resilient workforce. Lyndsie Gibbs, Metropolitan Community College of Omaha Alex Lovrien, Metropolitan Community College of Omaha⁠ Justin Burch, Delta Compass Mike Longo, Ohio Means Jobs of Lorain County Tina Gridiron, ACT Fred McConnel, ACT Work Ready Communities Show Notes and Transcript ACT Work Ready Communities ACT Workforce Solutions 2024 ACT Workforce Summit Agenda and Registration

Finding your Workforce – Latino Talent for a Global Economy highlights best practices to leverage the high labor force participation rate of Latinos, projected to be one in five workers by 2031. Deborah Santiago with Excelencia in Education discusses the importance of developing stackable credentials, providing transition services, and connecting Latino talent to employers. Get ready to uncover actionable insights, debunk common myths, and discover best practices to reduce skill shortages. Deborah A Santiago, CEO with Excelencia in Education Debora on LinkedIn Show Notes and Transcript for Episode 53 (PDF) ACT Work Ready Communities ACT Workforce Solutions

Richard Portelance from EdGate discusses the importance of data in career planning and the need for a lifelong learning repository to support modern with better integrations of profile details. Identifying the fractured nature of current career tools and the necessity for better visualization of career pathways, Richard highlights the role of educational standards and AI's potential with machine learning to map career pathways efficiently, empowering both learners and advisors. Richard Portelance, EdGate Richard on LinkedIn Show Notes and Resources (PDF) Show Notes and Resources (PDF)⁠ ⁠ACT Work Ready Communities⁠ ⁠ACT Workforce Solutions ⁠2024 ACT Workforce Summit ⁠Tear the Paper Ceiling Storytelling Campaign ⁠Inquire on WRC Storytelling and Poster Exhibition

Erin Olson, Senior Director of Strategic Research at Real Time Talent, discusses Minnesota's educational and workforce challenges. Despite high labor force participation, Minnesota faces significant racial disparities in education and a talent shortage. Olson highlights the misalignment between workforce needs and available skills, emphasizing the need for strategic partnerships and data-driven solutions. Real Time Talent collaborates with various stakeholders to address these issues, focusing on aligning educational programs with labor market demands and promoting equity. Olson underscores the importance of employer involvement in creating effective workforce solutions and the role of Real Time Talent in facilitating these efforts. Erin Olson, Senior Director of Strategic Research at Real Time Talent Erin Olson on LinkedIn Show Notes and Resources (PDF) ACT Work Ready Communities ACT Workforce Solutions 2024 ACT Workforce Summit Tear the Paper Ceiling Storytelling Campaign Inquire on WRC Storytelling and Poster Exhibition

Known for his innovative approach to education, Dr. Michael Torrence of Motlow State Community College in Tennessee is a champion of emerging technologies, workforce development, and community engagement. He's passionate about creating scalable opportunities for students, fostering relationships with industries, and preparing the next generation for the future. From transforming homeless students into successful professionals, to pioneering digital credentialing systems, Dr. Torrence shares his dynamic FRED Talk from the ACT Workforce Summit stage. Show Notes, Transcript, and Slides ACT Work Ready Communities ACT Workforce Solutions 2024 ACT Workforce Summit Tear the Paper Ceiling Campaign Inquire on WRC Storytelling and Poster Exhibition

In Episode 49 of Ready for Work, we continue our series of FRED Talks from the ACT Workforce Summit. Tracy Robinson from the University of Memphis shares her experience working with adult learners and the challenges they face in balancing education with other life responsibilities. The University of Memphis has made significant changes to accommodate adult learners, just in time for employer giant FedEx to seek the university's help. It's a successful model that the University replicated with the City of Memphis, a regional hospital chain, and Nike, among others. Tracy Robinson on LinkedIn Show Notes, Transcript, and Tracy's Summit Deck ACT Work Ready Communities ACT Workforce Solutions      2024 ACT Workforce Summit Tear the Paper Ceiling Campaign Inquire on WRC Storytelling and Poster Exhibition

Will Coppage is a creative community developer. From the main stage of the ACT Workforce Summit, Will helped us explore the concept of wonder in art and its power to draw us in repeatedly. Will shows us how this principle applies to community development, emphasizing the importance of fostering creativity, maintaining a positive community appearance, and promoting workforce skills. The episode concludes with exciting news of a storytelling event at the 2024 Workforce Summit in Atlanta. Will Coppage on LinkedIn Show Notes, Resources, and Transcript (PDF) ACT Work Ready Communities ACT Workforce Solutions Tear the Paper Ceiling Storytelling Campaign Inquire on WRC Storytelling and Poster Exhibition

Episode 47 features Tonia Saunders, who leads both workforce and economic development in Lucas County, Ohio. This Work Ready Community (WRC) integrated the two disciplines, emphasizing the role of collaboration with neighboring counties to enhance the region's competitiveness. Tonia shares insights on tackling workforce challenges, leveraging community partnerships and innovative strategies to serve the manufacturing and healthcare industries effectively. The episode highlights the success of Lucas County's WRC initiative, showcasing how it drives economic growth and improves employment opportunities through targeted employer engagement and comprehensive support services. This conversation underlines the importance of synergy between workforce and economic development in achieving regional prosperity. Voices of Excellence in Episode 47: Tonia Saunders, Director Work Ready Lucas County and Lucas County, Ohio Planning and Development LinkedIn Show Notes and Resources: WRC Profile of Lucas County, Ohio Workforce Summit Overview from ACT        ACT Work Ready Communities ACT Workforce Solutions Transcript of Episode 47

Braided funding and alignment of partnerships are key when creating sustainable systems and programs for your community.  Lyndsie Gibbs and Alex Lovrien from Metropolitan Community College in Omaha join us on Episode 46 of Ready for Work. The partnerships across this Work Ready Community grew a small, data-driven, proof of concept into a $10M venture that has eliminated financial barriers so individuals can access quality training, education, and gainful employment.  Listen in for best practices on braided funding, opportunities and obstacles, tips to get started, and lessons learned. Voices of Excellence in Episode 46: Lyndsie Gibbs, Director of Career Skills and Workforce Metropolitan Community College of Omaha LinkedIn Alex Lovrein, Director of Workforce Training Metropolitan Community College of Omaha LinkedIn Links and Resources: Transcript of Episode 46 Workforce Innovation Division at Metropolitan Community College Presentation Handout from Braided Funding Workshop at ACT Workforce Summit Workforce Summit Overview from ACT   ACT Work Ready Communities    ACT Workforce Solutions

Join us in Episode 45 to discover a groundbreaking partnership between ACT and Opportunity at Work. Georgia Gillette, VP of Strategic Alliances at Opportunity at Work, shares insights on STARs (Skilled Through Alternative Routes) and the Tear the Paper Ceiling campaign. Discover the challenges faced by STARs, the impact of hiring misperceptions, and the mission to bridge the gap between job opportunities and workforce skills. Explore the data-driven strategies, success stories, and a comprehensive playbook aimed at closing skill gaps with STARs. Guest: Georgia Gillette, VP of Strategic Alliances, Opportunity at Work Transcript of Episode 45 Tear the Paper Ceiling Campaign STARs Hiring Playbook STARs Tear the Paper Ceiling PSA Video STARs Success Story:  LaShana Lewis STARs Success Story:  IBM ACT Work Ready Communities ACT Workforce Solutions

In episode 44 of Ready for Work, LeeSa Page, a senior advisor with the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, discusses the importance of Manufacturing Day and Manufacturing Month in October. She highlights the role of manufacturing in the American economy and the need to inspire various groups to pursue careers in the industry. From the stage of the recent ACT Workforce Summit in Nashville, LeeSa emphasizes the need for partnerships and initiatives to tap into untapped talent pools for a diverse manufacturing workforce. The episode concludes by acknowledging successful programs that have positively impacted manufacturing employment. Show Notes, Resources, and Transcript for Episode 44 Video of LeeSa's Presentation from ACT Workforce Summit Manufacturing Day Webinar Series: Driving Economic Growth with CTE and Workforce Policy Innovation ACT Work Ready Communities ACT Workforce Solutions

Change management enables working learners to acquire skills and adopt behaviors that maximize workforce and learning outcomes. On episode 43 of Ready for Work, guest Robert Feeney shares his personal journey that led him to develop Ringorang. Driven by overcoming severe mental health challenges in his family, Robert emphasizes the importance of behavior change in education and career development. The solution deploys drip advertising techniques to enhance training outcomes, change management, and participant engagement. Schools and workforce stakeholders send out information and actions to participants and collect actionable data on their responses. The conversation introduces the Future Ready program and explores intersections of work-based learning with participant engagement technology as well.  Voices of Excellence in Episode 43 Robert Feeney, Chief Vision Officer Ringorang LinkedIn Links and Resources Transcript of Episode 43 Ringorang ACT Workforce Summit ACT Work Ready Communities ACT Workforce Solutions

Two incredible champions in the field of competency-based education and the skills-first movement: Julian Alssid and Kaitlin Lemoine, join the conversation on Episode 42 of Ready for Work.  Through their pioneering work at College for America, the duo emphasizes the importance of transparently naming and communicating skills to learners, bridging the gap between academic and workplace skills.  Learn more about the challenges posed by legacy systems and the importance of breaking down silos.  They also share insights from their new consultancy work, giving us a preview of What's Next for the Skills-First Movement. Julian Alssid, President J. Alssid Associates LinkedIn Kaitlin Lemoine, Partner J. Alssid Associates LinkedIn Links and Resources Episode 42 Transcript and Show Notes J Alssid Associates     ACT Work Ready Communities ACT Workforce Solutions

The current education system relies heavily on traditional degrees, limiting adult learners and disproportionately affecting people of color. Employers value 21st-century skills, but confusion persists due to the proliferation of diverse credentials. Guest Melissa Goldberg joins Episode 41 of Ready for Work to showcase Credentials As You Go.  This framework provides the redesign needed for economic realities, equity, and clarification, with implications for politics and workforce preparation.  Voices of Excellence on Episode 41 Melissa Goldberg, Director of Competencies and CredentialsCredentials As You GoCorporation for a Skilled WorkforceLinkedIn Links and Resources Episode 41 of Podcast Transcript (PDF) Credentials As You Go ACT Center for Equity in Learning and Overview Video Credentialing Research on ACT WorkKeys ACT Work Ready Communities ACT Workforce Solutions

Credential Engine is revolutionizing workforce career learning ecosystems by providing accessible data on credentials. Learn how equity plays a crucial role in reshaping pathways and empowering individuals. Here in Episode 40 of Ready for Work, Credential Engine CEO Scott Cheney helps us uncover the key information needed for informed decision-making and how it promotes fairness. Explore the transformative power of open data and modern tech in education and career guidance to enhance your region's career learning workforce ecosystem.Show Notes, Resources, and Transcript (PDF)Special Guest: Scott Cheney of Credential EngineCredential Engine Equity Advisory ReportJuly Webinar Registration Credential Engine Overview VideoACT Center for Equity in Learning and Overview VideoACT Workforce Summit Agenda and RegistrationACT Work Ready CommunitiesACT Workforce Solutions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover how WorkBay®, a technology firm founded by CEO Mary Hayes and COO Alice Hayes, is making a difference in career navigation both regionally and nationally. WorkBay integrates the skills-first approach of the workforce ecosystem and their innovations in this area are revolutionizing career exploration and navigation. During a recent Work Ready Communities Live event, Mary and Alice shared insights about the latest pilots with ACT® and how WorkBay is integrating WorkKeys benchmarks into user-friendly platforms in regions and targeted initiatives across the U.S. WorkBay successfully tackled the technological challenges of serving returning citizens with pre-release activities. By combining high-tech solutions with a personal touch, WorkBay provides career navigation that truly matters.Voices of Excellence on Episode 39Mary Hayes, CEO, WorkBayAlice Hayes, COO, WorkBayResourcesShow Notes, Resources, and Transcript for Episode 39WorkBayACT Workforce Summit Agenda and RegistrationACT Work Ready CommunitiesACT Workforce Solutions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As vice president of Longview Economic Development Corporation in Texas, Heather Malone shared her valuable insights on the workforce challenges that her community faces in a friendly and informative manner. One key point she highlighted was the importance of reliable transportation for workers to meet the demands of their employers. Additionally, she discussed the ongoing skills gap in the Longview region and the proactive measures being taken to support both the workforce and employers.Heather emphasized the current top workforce challenges and how employers are adapting their job descriptions to align with the specific skills required for open positions, rather than solely focusing on a bachelor's degree requirement. In the Longview region, employers are also exploring reentry programs that cater to their labor needs and finding innovative ways to provide employee support, such as offering childcare services, to help fill jobs and support their valuable workforce.Voices of ExcellenceHeather Malone, Vice PresidentLongview Economic Development CorporationLinkedInTwitterShow Notes and ResourcesTranscript and Show NotesVideo Interview with Heather Malone: Part One and Part TwoACT Workforce Summit Agenda and RegistrationRecap Video of 2022 ACT Workforce SummitACT Work Ready CommunitiesACT Workforce Solutions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Career Pathways are a special blend of training and job progression. When the training includes post-secondary learning, the WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate from ACT can translate to college credit that jumpstarts the learning journey. Awarding credit through Prior Learning Assessment, or PLA, for short, boosts confidence and increases the pace to program completion. Colleges increase enrollment while helping build the regional talent pipeline. The American Council of Education recently upgraded their recommendations on credit hours awarded for the NCRC. Join us on Episode 37 as we explore the benefits of PLA; make connections between WorkKeys levels and post-secondary performance; and examine how administrators and faculty can use WorkKeys Estimator to align their competencies to specific WorkKeys benchmarks.Voices of Excellence in Episode 37:Lynette Livingston, Executive DeanChippewa Valley Technical CollegeLinkedInTwitterDr. Cindy Hill, Principal Industrial-Organizational PsychologistACT WorkKeys Profiling and ResearchLinkedInJenna Cohen, Senior DirectorACT Workforce ProductLinkedInLinks and Resources:Transcript and Printable Show Notes for Episode 37WorkKeys for College Credit – ACT Workforce Summit PresentationThe PLA Boost Report from CAEL and WICHEACT WorkKeys EstimatorACT WorkKeys ProfilingACT Work Ready CommunitiesACT Workforce Solutions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022 marks the 8th annual National Apprenticeship Week and celebrations November 14th through the 20th to showcase the success and value of apprenticeship to rebuild the economy, advance equity, and support under-served communities. On Episode 36 of Ready for Work, we take you to the recent ACT Workforce Summit in New Orleans for a keynote presentation featuring the Woodworks program at Roy O'Martin, a forestry-products leader in Louisiana and Texas. HR pro and Work Ready Communities ambassador, Donna Bailey presented a luncheon keynote on the three components that made Woodworks a success and some of the voices of excellence along the way. Episode 36 concludes with a quick introduction to the Apprenticeship Ambassador initiative from the U.S. Department of Labor.Guest: Donna Bailey, Vice-President of Human Resources at Roy O'MartinCutting Turnover at a Wood Products Leader (Overview of Woodworks and WorkKeys)Video Clips from Donna's Presentation: Leaders, Teachers, StudentsWork-Ready-U from Central Louisiana Technical Community CollegeNational Apprenticeship Week 2022Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative (US Dept. of Labor)ACT's Apprenticeship Quality ToolkitACT WorkKeysACT Work Ready Communities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As workforce development typically focuses on skill and availability, other economic and community development practices can make or break those workforce efforts. Examples include housing, broadband internet, childcare, and today's focus in Episode 35, transportation. Abigail Seldin from the Seldon-Haring-Smith Foundation (SHSF) brings us insight on the importance of transit for community college students. We'll explore the impact of mapping efforts to boost transit options, the interface of public policy, and advice on how to connect these strategies to a Work Ready Community. Links and ResourcesGuest Abigail Seldin, CEO/Co-Founder, Seldon-Haring-Smith Foundation: LinkedIn TwitterPublic Transit Map from SHSFTranscript of Episode 35 (PDF)ACT Workforce SummitACT Work Ready CommunitiesACT Workforce Solutions Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

The release of episode 34 of Ready for Work marks a milestone at ACT® in the launch of Digital Badges for the WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate® (NCRC®). Guests include Pat Leonard, the VP for Business Development at Credly®, and Neil Reddy, CEO of the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC). Listen in for benefits to working learners, employers, and the full workforce ecosystem. Episode 34 gives a quick overview on the value of badging, best practices for integrating badges for educators and employers, and tips to maximize the online presence of employers and career seekers. Voices of Excellence on Episode 34Pat Leonard, Vice President of Business Development at Credly®, LinkedInNeil Reddy, CEO, Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, LinkedInLinks and ResourcesAnnouncements and Resources on WorkKeys® Digital BadgingACT WorkKeys NCRC® on Credly® MSSC on Credly®Credly Announcement of ACT PartnershipTranscript of Episode 34 (PDF)ACT Workforce SummitACT Work Ready CommunitiesACT Workforce Solutions See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Personal journeys through education and career pathways are often filled with challenges and obstacles, making progress difficult and compromise frequent. Chelsea Williams of Reimagine Talent Co helps us discover the role of occupational identify for career pathway success with tips for job counselors, educators, and employers alike. ResourcesChelsea Williams on LinkedInReimagine Talent Co.Employability Targets from National Association of Colleges and EmployersViable EduACT's Holistic FrameworkACT Workforce Summit See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Unprecedented skill shortages in labor markets across the U.S. often intersect with a desire for Justice System reform that provides pathways for Returning Citizens to thrive. When optimized in a regional workforce ecosystem, Returning Citizens are a high-performing group of working learners to boost a regional talent pipeline. Episode 32 is the second in our two part series on Preparing Workforce Ecosystems for Returning Citizen Success. We'll look at a five P's framework of partnerships, planning, preparation, pathways, and performance with tips to launch or optimize regional re-entry initiatives.Guest ContributorsDr. Roderick Nunn, Executive Vice President of Concordance Academy in St. LouisNeil Volz, Deputy Director of the Florida Rights Restoration CoalitionCurtis Campogni, Founder of Speak4MCMichael Williams, Education Consultant, North Carolina Department of Juvenile JusticeWill Coppage, Executive Director of the Washington County, Mississippi, Economic AlliancePresiding Judge Charles Elliot, Morgan County, AlabamaResourcesSign up for the ACT Workforce Toolkit on Preparing Workforce Ecosystems for Returning Citizen SuccessEpisode 31 on Life Changing Asset and Skills-Based Solutions in Alternative SentencingEpisode 19 on Missouri Making the Most of Second ChancesEpisode 7 on Empowered Re-EntryACT Workforce SolutionsACT Work Ready CommunitiesACT's Monthly Workforce Newsletter See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 31 of Ready for Work is the first of a two-part episode on Preparing Workforce Ecosystems for Returning Citizen Success. Charles Elliot is the Presiding Circuit Judge in Morgan County, Alabama. Partnerships with the community college and economic development leaders across their Work Ready Community help with the pillars of education and career. The drug court's alternative sentencing model thrives on integrating mental health with a record-breaking positive impact.Judge Charles Elliot of Morgan County, AlabamaEpisode 32: Preparing Workforce Ecosystems for Returning Citizen SuccessSign up for the ACT Workforce Toolkit on Preparing Workforce Ecosystems for Returning Citizen SuccessACT Workforce SolutionsACT Work Ready CommunitiesACT's Monthly Workforce Newsletter See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Federally funded Adult Basic Education (ABE) helps more than a million and half adults each year earn a high school equivalency, increase basic and employability skills, or improve their English language proficiency. The National Reporting Service governs the College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRSAE) inside Adult Ed. Through an accountability and performance system of Educational Functioning Levels and Measurable Skill Gains, these standards guide learning and assessment in Adult Ed.A group of nine subject matter experts in Adult Education formed a panel to align the CCRSAE to the benchmarks of WorkKeys. The panelists represent four states across the South, Midwest, and Northeast regions of the U.S. Results of the study help demonstrate a crosswalk with the Educational Functioning Levels to help ABE programs optimize performance as working learners meet both career and education goals. The report is available now. Enhancing the detail of the crosswalk are best practices from the Mississippi Community College Board, Hagerstown Community College in Maryland, and Metropolitan Community College of Omaha, Nebraska. Each guest contributes their perspectives on the importance of the alignment work and how it helps improve ABE programming. The panelists share what they gained in unique insights from the research that also helps demystify Strength of Link. Episode 30 concludes with tips to read and interpret the crosswalk along with a briefing on the new Move Ahead with Adult Ed campaign.Guest ContributorsTammy Green, Metropolitan Community College of OmahaBronwyn Robertson, Mississippi Community College BoardDawn Shoenenberger, Hagerstown (Maryland) Community CollegeResourcesWorkKeys Crosswalk Alignment with Adult Ed Standards (CCRSAE) TABE-WorkKeys Data Relationships in MississippiACT Work Ready CommunitiesACT WorkKeys Job Profiling and Research See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With increased investment in apprenticeship comes increased expectations. ACT joined forces with local apprenticeships successful in skills-based hiring and national thought leaders on what's needed to boost quality and completions in apprenticeship. Coming out of this collaboration is a new toolkit from ACT. We packed the toolkit with resources and scalable options of good, better, and best to provide apprenticeship coordinators flexibility in how to organize their efforts. The toolkit is organized into nine elements to boost quality and apprenticeship, across the domains of learning, working, and thriving. Download the Apprenticeship ToolkitContributorsChristy Cheek, Mountain Area (NC) Workforce BoardRalph Emerson, Cummins, Inc.Tammy Green, Metropolitan Community CollegeTrudy Haszlauer, NV EnergyDr. Cindy Hill, ACT and WorkKeys ProfilingMary LeFebvre, ACT State and Federal ProgramsTrey Michael, Career and Technical Education - North Carolina Department of Public InstructionNeil Reddy, Manufacturing Skill Standards CouncilChristi Smiley, Northern Regional Hospital (NC)Dr. Jeffrey Steedle, ACT ResearchMarty Walsh, U.S. Labor SecretaryJohn Wensveen, Broward Center for Innovation at Nova Southern University See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One part humor, one part inspiration! Episode 28 kicks off our third season of Ready for Work with a fun perspective on the role of humor in workforce development. Our guest is comedian Roy Wood Junior, a correspondent on Comedy Central's hit, The Daily Show, and host of Roy's Job Fair, a podcast that explores the human condition through the prism of employment. Roy's famed humor is matched by his true empathy and curiosity for people. Roy helps us share the very serious topic of unemployment with an injection of comedy so the workforce ecosystem can be as relatable as possible to working learners.Show Notes and ResourcesRoy's Job Fair PodcastACT Workforce SolutionsACT Work Ready CommunitiesACT Workforce Summit See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of the nation's deadliest tornados struck Joplin, Missouri ten years ago this week. On episode 27 of Ready for Work, we take a closer look at Joplin's recovery through the lens of the workforce ecosystem and the nation's first ACT-certified Work Ready Community.A recurring theme is the priceless value of partnership connectivity and innovation. The workforce ecosystem was fortunate to have integrated partnerships with education and economic development that helped respond directly to the needs and urgency required. Check out interviews with a few of those partners, such as Dave Rockers from Franklin Technology Center, Julie Gibson, a former state workforce development director, and Rob O'Brian, the developer at the helm of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce during the recovery effort. This edition showcases clips from participants and leaders in Joplin's Disaster Recovery Jobs Program. Guests and Featured ResourcesRob O'Brian, O'Brian and Associates, former President of the Joplin Area Chamber of CommerceDave Rockers, Director, Franklin Technology CenterJulie Gibson, GPS Impact, former director of Missouri Workforce DevelopmentCitizens Advisory Recovery TeamSouthwest Missouri Workforce BoardACT Press Release on Joplin Tornado 10th AnniversaryDisaster Recovery Jobs Program Statewide Video JournalDisaster Recovery and Resiliency Series – Ready for Work PodcastResiliency Toolkit and Disaster Recovery Resources from ACTACT Work Ready Communities See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The region's workforce ecosystem is only as strong as its leadership. Joining us on episode 25 of Ready for Work, author and consultant Dr. Anthony Edwards helps guide us from new book, Building a Winning Workforce: A Playbook for Employers, Government Entities; Colleges & Schools; Workforce Development Agencies, Economic Development Organizations ... & Chambers of Commerce; & Nonprofits. Later in the podcast, we'll listen to this leadership in action as Missouri's governor celebrates job creation and growth in Certified Work Ready Communities. Guests and Featured ResourcesDr. Anthony Edwards, author of Building a Winning WorkforceGeneral Manager at ETX Innovation CenterLinkedInTwitterRay McCarty, Associated Industries of MissouriMardy Leathers, Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce DevelopmentMissouri Governor Mike ParsonWork Ready Communities at ACT See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Keeping the future in mind is a necessary function for persisting through disaster recovery. As regions continue to overcome the pandemic, there is a balance in preparing for future opportunities and obstacles at the same time. Episode 25 features Chad Chancellor, Co-Founder and CEO of the Next Move Group.Listeners can gain insight on the ever-changing skills marketplace in economic development and how that translates to expectations for workforce development and career education leaders. Chad explains how smaller markets and rural areas could see increased viability.Prospects and investors appreciate a simple, user-friendly approach with the buckets of recruit, screen, and train. Chad helps listeners find the right balance in wage competitiveness as well.Rounding out episode 25 are recaps from Mark Arend of Site Selection magazine as new rankings are out for 2021. Preble County, Ohio’s economic development chief, Brenda Latanza, shares her experience in the site selection process as a Work Ready Community.Guests and ContributorsChad Chancellor, Next Move GroupMark Arend, Site Selection MagazineBrenda Latanza, Preble County (OH) Development PartnershipResourcesNext Move Group2021 State of the States and Regional Workforce Rankings from Site Selection MagazineEpisode 18 with Mark Arend of Site Selection MagazineEpisode 10 Work Ready Communities OverviewEpisode 1 Using Work Ready Communities for Economic DevelopmentACT Workforce NewsletterACT Workforce SolutionsACT Work Ready Communities See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In our third of three episodes dedicated to Skills-Based Recovery and Resiliency, episode 24 brings us to the Deploy and Analyze phases in the five-part ALEDA framework. Sean McCoy from Public Consulting Group shares some factors worth considering in the deployment of recovery services remotely. We’ll check out some best practice examples in remote work-based learning with Kelly Dyer in Missouri, and remote instruction with Brownwyn Robertson in Mississippi. Mike Longo and Mary LeFebvre are back with us to share tips and perspectives in analyzing recovery and resiliency efforts. Episode 22 covers the Adapt phase while 23 explores the Lead and Engage phases. Guests and ContributorsSean McCoy, Public Consulting GroupKelly Dyer, Missouri InternConnect and ApprenticeConnectMike Longo, Lorain County Workforce Agency and OhioMeansJobs CenterBrownwyn Robertson, Mississippi Adult Education Smart StartMary LeFebvre, ACT Governmental Affairs ResourcesSign up for the ACT Toolkits on Skills-Based Hiring for Recovery and ResiliencyPublic Consulting Group and VERA SolutionMissouri InternConnect and ApprenticeConnectEpisode 11: Next-Level Apprenticeship and Work-Based LearningACT Case Study on Ohio Re-Employment Success in Lorain County/Northern OhioACT Case Study on Ohio Statewide Re-Employment SuccessEpisode 20: Adult Education Success in Mississippi with WorkKeys CurriculumMississippi Adult Education Smart StartWorkKeys CurriculumEpisode 22: Adapt Phase of ALEDA Framework (Part 1 of 3)Episode 23: Lead and Engage Phases of ALEDA Framework (Part 2 of 3)ACT Workforce NewsletterACT Workforce SolutionsACT Work Ready Communities See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Workforce ecosystem leaders encounter plenty of challenging layers to disaster recovery and economic resiliency. ACT curated a five-part toolkit with a framework we call ALEDA. We covered the Adapt phase in Episode 22. In this installment, we explore the Lead and Engage phases. We have an interview with Lisa Rice, a former Workforce Director turned leadership consultant. Lisa offers perspectives on three qualities of a leader in disaster recovery, and advice for those new to skills-based recovery systems. Mike Longo, a workforce director in the certified Work Ready Community of Lorain County, Ohio. Through the OhioMeansJobs centers, Mike’s team deployed the Make Your Lay Off Pay Off initiative. Mike shares lessons learned from the last economic downturn, and how they reformed training and quality standards in their deployment. Guests and ContributorsLisa Rice, Every Strength CountsMike Longo, Lorain County Workforce Agency and OhioMeansJobs CenterEd Morrison, Agile Strategy Lab and co-author of Strategic DoingResourcesSign up for the ACT Toolkits on Skills-Based Hiring for Recovery and ResiliencyEvery Strength Counts Leadership Development, Consulting, Peer EngagementLorain County OhioMeansJobsACT Case Study on Ohio Re-Employment Success in Lorain County/Northern OhioACT Case Study on Ohio Statewide Re-Employment SuccessEpisode 22: Adapt Phase of ALEDA Framework (Part 1 of 3)Episode 24: Deploy and Analyze Phases of ALEDA Framework (Part 3 of 3)Episode 4: Getting Strategic About Doing Agile Strategy Lab ACT Workforce NewsletterACT Workforce SolutionsACT Work Ready Communities See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ready for Work episode 22 is the first of three on the ALEDA Framework using Skills-Based Hiring for Disaster Recovery and Economic Resiliency. The five-part framework is Adapt, Lead, Engage, Deploy, and Analyze. We focus this episode on the Adapt phase in Data, Skills, and Systems.The Adapt phase helps us re-position traditional disaster recovery models to meet the needs of your local economy. We must adapt our local data to be current and actionable in order to address each issue organically. Skills for the jobs that remain or return often change dramatically based on the pivots employers make to adapt to their new market realities. Disaster recovery often requires unbundling of your current services to create the flexibility needed to convert options for remote access and other safety protocols. Guests and ContributorsMary LeFebvre, ACT Governmental Affairs Eric Canada, Blane-Canada Ltd.Chris Manheim, Manheim Solutions and Certified WorkKeys ProfilerVirginia Hamiliton, WorkforceGPSSean McCoy, Public Consulting GroupResourcesSign up for ACT Toolkits on Skills-Based Hiring for Recovery and ResiliencyBRE Covid Response Network from Blane Canada LtdACT WorkKeys JobPro Database (for probing skill levels by job title)Customer-Centered Design Community of Practice from WorkforceGPSWorkforceGPS Pathway to Recovery ResourcesContact Risk Database for Return to Work PlanningEpisode 23: Lead and Engage Phases of ALEDA Framework (Part 2 of 3)Episode 24: Deploy and Analyze Phases of ALEDA Framework (Part 3 of 3)ACT Workforce NewsletterACT Workforce SolutionsACT Work Ready Communities See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As a pandemic impacts communities everywhere, regional workforce ecosystems must implement reemployment strategies to become more adaptable. Hear stories of resilience happening real-time.

Bronwyn Robertson shares how Mississippi Community College Board’s Smart Start adult education equips adult learners with workforce credentials (including the WorkKeys NCRC) and ultimately them for success.

The Missouri Department of Corrections’ reentry program is equipping returning citizens with career credentials, barrier removal supports, and the WorkKeys NCRC. Reentry Coordinator Shelly Jacobs joins us to share the impact on their workforce.

Work Ready Communities (WRC) from ACT is a framework for community-based workforce development to drive economic growth. Regions improve their workforce and compete on quality for location consultants, investors, and other decision-makers using data powered by the WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate. Episode 18 of the Ready for Work podcast showcased Site Selection Magazine’s annual State of the States reports and the Regional Workforce Development Climate rankings. The WRC website has a helpful article on economic development as well.

Career readiness is a hot topic these days. An updated report from ACT has a wealth of data on the subject that you won’t find anywhere else.   For career navigation, or for counselors, students, or folks looking for a job change, The Condition of Career Pathway Readiness in the United States 2019 report—and this podcast—will provide some great insight.  You can take a look at the report here.   The updated report looks at the progress of the ACT®-tested 2019 U.S. high school graduating class relative to college and career readiness. Specifically, the report includes data tables broken out for all 16 Career Technical Education Career Clusters. More than numbers and figures, the report offers some method behind the madness of trying to figure out what different types of career readiness could mean for different individuals and use cases.  

USDA’s Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity identified five indicators needed to achieve prosperity in rural America: e‐Connectivity, Quality of Life, Rural Workforce, Technological Innovation, and Economic Development. To achieve the outcomes detailed in the report the Southwest Tennessee Rural Workforce Readiness Collaborative is building a comprehensive regional interagency approach to help bridge the skills gap and connect Rural Workforce Development, Education with Economic Development. The group created innovative learning networks that leverage technology and build on Work Ready Communities. The collaborative received a first-of-its-kind grant from USDA that is likely to serve as a national model for similar programs across the nation seeking to build on the success of Work Ready Communities and generate investment in the talent pipeline.

Josh Davies, CEO of the Center for Work Ethic Development is passionate about helping others make a difference in their lives, jobs, and community. We were fortunate to have Josh deliver one of the FRED Talks as well as a breakout session at the recent ACT Workforce Summit. By using employer-based research, defining the seven behaviors of work ethic, and innovative teaching, participants discover how to make lasting behavior change. On episode 15 of Ready for Work, we feature Josh’s FRED Talk with trends in social-emotional learning and some insights on millennials and generational decline that may surprise you.

The National Center for College and Career Transitions, or NC3T, has a twofold mission: Every Learner with a Dream and a Plan, and Every Community with a Capable, Ready Workforce.” NC3T works to connect schools, postsecondary institutions, and employers in order to introduce students to the array of options available to them and to help them prepare for the types of opportunities for which they are best suited. Every region needs more skilled, motivated workers, the building blocks of businesses. Career Connected Learning is a powerful framework to get there. Partnerships can come together to promote a Career Connected Learning approach that touches all students, and ultimately benefits the larger community. In Episode 14 of Ready for Work, discover the action steps for getting this work started and the process for bringing key partners working together.

Northeast Tennessee is one of the hot spots in terms of prescription drug abuse, NAS births, and overdose deaths. The region also suffers from an unhealthy workforce, in large part due to addiction. Hear how the First Tennessee Development District took the lead role in bringing partners together to create solutions to deal with this epidemic. Learn how Northeast Tennessee builds a system a support from NAS babies to senior adults. Lottie Ryans and Mark Stephens from the First Tennessee Development District share practical ways to educate, boost awareness, and build solutions the entire community can embrace.

On Episode 12 of Ready for Work, we seek to debunk some common myths of Skills-Based Hiring with a Top Ten List of Workforce Mythblasters. We’ll cover some common misconceptions that employers, educators, and communities might have about skills-based hiring. We’ll also hear from leading employers on how they use ACT Workforce Solutions and the WorkKeys system to help overcome these challenges. You’ll hear several different examples of employer success stories, and we provide a link to each featured resource.

This bonus episode of Ready for Work includes information on the 2019 ACT Workforce Summit in Charlotte, NC, October 28-30. We chat with some of the presenters to give a sneak peek at the conference content. This episode wraps up with feedback from attendees of last year's summit. Visit act.org/workforcesummit for agenda and event info.

Work-based or “on-the-job” learning through apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs benefits learners from all education and socioeconomic levels and put them on a fast track to high-wage, nationally portable careers. In this episode of “Ready for Work," we talk to leaders in post-secondary education and business about the use of work-based learning programs at the community level and the personal and economic results that can be gained from creating such programs. Among the topics: How work-based learning and apprenticeship enhance other training methods How apprenticeships help learners who have not previously been successful in traditional education The effectiveness and return on investment for apprenticeship programs How these initiatives are typically funded What it takes to launch a successful initiative How apprenticeship programs can leverage national certifications to improve outcomes The future of apprenticeship models and what it will take to support them Why industry partner engagement is crucial to initiative success And more!

Work Ready Communities from ACT helps local areas align their resources and leadership for a competitive workforce that meets employer needs and generates regional prosperity. Today on Ready for Work, we’re covering the journey to become a Work Ready Community.