Modernizing Workforce Development Programs

The pandemic dramatically changed the labor market, with ramifications such as widespread unemployment and job displacement, as well as a shift in the skills landscape with a greater demand for digital skills. This has resulted in a mismatch between the talent available and the skills employers are seeking. It is important for the workforce system to modernize workforce development programs and meet the needs of the future workplace.

Here are some actionable steps to help move this forward:

Align programs with the modern workforce’s needs and anticipate future demand

Transformation is accelerating quickly making skill demand even more difficult to predict. Workforce development agencies and employers must work together to ensure that training initiatives are producing high-demand skills and provide direct pathways to job placements.?

A regional partnership led by the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) resulted in an updated 2022 Workforce Blueprint which identifies the top in-demand jobs in Southern Nevada. Among the top in-demand jobs are software developers, engineers, managers, and nurse practitioners. View the full list here.

The Nevada Career Explorer is a great resource for preparing individuals to navigate careers in these high-demand industries and locate training programs that lead to those careers.

Focus on entry-level digital jobs

Many low-wage workers will have the opportunity to transition into higher-wage roles through skill development, particularly within the digital space. While employers creatively adjust their hiring pipelines, they will also rely on support to provide upskilling for employees.

Tech giants such as Google offer a plethora of online certificate programs where employees can learn digital skills without additional schooling or previous experience with technology. Presenting such programs and helping employees achieve these certificates can help provide flexible and affordable pathways for greater job opportunities. For example, these programs can help prepare individuals for careers in the top in-demand jobs such as tech support or digital marketing.

Address the resource gap

Throughout the pandemic, broadband connectivity has been revealed as a cornerstone to business resiliency, education opportunities, and access to employment opportunities. Earlier this year the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) tested broadband statewide to pinpoint areas that need improvement. The WNDD encouraged community participation to analyze connectivity and identify best strategies and funding solutions to improve regional broadband infrastructure. Ongoing initiatives such as this one will be vital for equitable participation to the digital workforce.

Regular evaluation of efforts

Continuous evaluation is essential. No matter how well-intentioned, it’s important to review frequently whether employment outcomes are being met. This may require improved monitoring and evaluation practices to be implemented by workforce development partners. Measuring for objectives and key results can help drive efforts and help identify new areas of opportunity to meet changing needs.

While Nevadan workforce development partners have made major strides in modernizing their programs, there is still a lot that can be done to continue to meet the needs of current and future workforce demands.

If you are interested in news and resources regarding workforce development initiatives in Nevada, follow GOWINN today on our social media profiles or sign up to receive our monthly newsletter.