Opportunity@Work

We're delighted to announce that Opportunity@Work has received a grant of $20 million from Yield Giving, the groundbreaking philanthropy founded by MacKenzie Scott. This investment will accelerate our efforts to drive?$20 billion?in wage gains for workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs). #HireSTARs #TearThePaperCeiling #Grant #workforcedevelopment Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eN9brmaR

As we take a moment this season to reflect on what we’re thankful for, we’re excited to share our United in Tearing the Paper Ceiling video, highlighting the powerful impact of the #TearthePaperCeiling campaign and how employers can join us and play a pivotal role in the skills-first hiring movement. A special thank you to Patti Constantakis, Director of Corporate Philanthropy at Walmart.org, Fred Goff, CEO of Jobcase, Inc., Elisabeth Voigt, Senior Manager of Social Impact at Indeed and Amy Volz, Head of Workforce Innovation at Trane Technologies, for sharing their reflections on the value of the Coalition and how the collective efforts of our partners are working to drive meaningful progress and change for STARs. We also want to extend our gratitude to the 75+ Tear the Paper Ceiling Coalition partners who have signed on to advance skills-first hiring. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue the momentum and welcome more organizations to join us in breaking down barriers and opening up opportunities and pathways for STARs!

It’s time to create a labor market where workers of all backgrounds can shine. During National Native American Heritage Month, let's recognize the contributions of Native American workers to the nation's workforce. 61% of Native Americans are STARs- workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes. Native American STARs possess valuable skills, and it's time to #TearThePaperCeiling by eliminating needless degree barriers so they can thrive. https://lnkd.in/dHyTqkhH #NativeAmerican #Indigenous #HireSTARs

Are apprenticeships the next "unlock" in the world of talent management? Over half a million workers in the US are acquiring skills through apprenticeships right now. Apprenticeships can help companies fill roles with precise skills AND offer new opportunities to previously overlooked workers! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eWQ4AJUK #Apprenticeship #HireSTARs #NAW2024 #DecadeOfNAW #ApprenticeshipUSA #TearThePaperCeiling

At Trane, we are committed to the growth and success of our HVAC technicians. The Technician Apprenticeship Program equips technicians like Dakota with the tools and expertise needed to rise to any building challenge. Watch to learn more from Opportunity@Work: https://lnkd.in/eqVgksBZ

We believe success is built on skills, dedication and the courage to seek out new possibilities. That's why we're committed to recognizing talent for what it is—not the degrees behind it. Learn more about our partnership with Opportunity@Work and how we'll #TearThePaperCeiling in the comments.

At Trane Technologies, building a sustainable future isn’t just about innovative climate control solutions—our commitment to economic mobility and opportunity for all is just as fundamental as our focus on sustainability. Trane Technologies' apprenticeship program is a four-year program that allows apprentices to earn a full-time wage. See how we're hiring STARs (workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes) and tearing the paper ceiling below. #NAW2024 #TearThePaperCeiling

Today, Trane Technologies is taking over Opportunity@Work's social media to celebrate National Apprentice Appreciation Week! By creating pathways to meaningful careers, we're not only empowering individuals to develop valuable skills but also driving progress and creating a more inclusive workforce. Stay tuned for more from our team on how we're investing in talent and tearing down the paper ceiling. #ChallengePossible #TearThePaperCeiling

Hello! We’re IBM taking over Opportunity@Work’s Linkedin today in celebration of #NAW2024 to talk about some of the most important factors in a successful apprenticeship program. For nearly a decade, IBM has developed our organization’s talent model to put skills first. We emphasize skills-first hiring, which means we prioritize the right mix of in-demand skills over specific degrees when looking for talent to work in technology's fastest-growing areas, like AI. This policy and other programs, such as Apprenticeship, provide an entry point into IBM for people with relevant skills, but without advanced degrees. This opens new pathways for people to enter the workforce and helps make the tech industry more inclusive. IBM’s Apprenticeship Program is competency-based and enables apprentices to be paid while they learn skills for various strategic roles. Launched in 2017, our program began with software engineering and has expanded to 35 job roles, including data science, cybersecurity, and design. The program includes mentorship, on-the-job training and a learning curriculum focused on technical and professional development, where apprentices are able to earn digital credentials. Establishing a new program can seem complex, but from our experience there are three key factors in a successful apprenticeship program. First, it is important to have leadership buy-in and identify champions who will support the fledgling program. Second, it’s key to choose the right roles for apprenticeship. We look for roles that are evergreen and aligned to strategic career tracks in IBM. And third, apprentices need strong mentors who can serve as both a culture coach (especially in the beginning) and as technical coaches as they start to apply skills on the job. You can learn more about the IBM Apprenticeship Program and see apprenticeship job opportunities?here: https://lnkd.in/emjRhvhX #TearThePaperCeiling

Rural STARs are untapped potential ready to spark growth and innovation in their communities—despite economic challenges and demographic shifts. By harnessing their unique strengths and challenges head-on, we can create an inclusive and resilient labor market that benefits rural workers and the broader economy. Our latest research from ACT and Opportunity@Work explores the challenges and opportunities facing rural STARs, while also highlighting the potential of leveraging data-driven tools and STAR-centered workforce initiatives to better support a vital yet often overlooked segment of the U.S. workforce. View the report here: https://lnkd.in/eGikDz7j #HireSTARs #Rural #Career #Training #NowHiring