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

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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 pathways 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)⁠
• ⁠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