Janet Salm from Strada Institute for the Future of Work will present findings from “The New Geography of Skills” and share a framework for taking an ecosystem approach to connecting adults with the learning they need for the jobs they want. Many of the key tenets of the framework for adults apply just as well to recent high school and college graduates as they navigate pathways to a meaningful career.
Deeply entrenched inequities in education and career training have left too many adults without a path toward meaningful work. The economic fallout from COVID-19 has laid bare the consequences of these inequities. Already, data indicate that, as in past economic crises, workers without a formal postsecondary degree will be slowest to regain employment. If we are to achieve a more equitable economic recovery, we must create more opportunities for skills-based training and hiring. A New Learning Ecosystem, with skills at the center, will open more inclusive pathways to career advancement for the most vulnerable adults. This session will explore the role of skills-based training and hiring within workforce development, discuss the essential components of a New Learning Ecosystem, and provide insights into the data and innovations that can empower more adults to find and keep good jobs.