The U.S. labor market is facing significant challenges, with 1.7 million fewer workers since February 2020. A combination of early retirements, an aging population, and insufficient recruitment efforts has led to a workforce shortage, especially among individuals 55 and older. Their participation has dropped from 48.1% in 2019 to 50.3% in 2021, signaling a pressing need for systemic changes. Compounding the issue, migration to the U.S. has decreased by 76% since 2016, and 27% of unemployed workers cite lack of access to child and elder care as barriers to re-entering the workforce. Despite these obstacles, entrepreneurship is on the rise, with 5.5 million new businesses started in 2023.At the CAEL Conference in October 2024, we will tackle these critical issues head-on. Drawing inspiration from Seth Godin’s concepts of “possibility” and “enrollment,” we will explore how both educators and would-be workers can foster a mindset of possibility—where work leads to economic mobility—and enrollment, ensuring that individuals feel included and can envision themselves in new roles. These ideas are pivotal in reshaping the future of our workforce and sparking necessary changes.
Practical Exercises
As part of this session, participants will engage in a role-playing exercise that explores these concepts. Attendees will pair up as “would-be workers” and “would-be educators” to dive into Godin’s theories of possibility and enrollment. This exercise is designed to generate real-world insights and strategies that participants can bring back to their own ecosystems. The debrief will facilitate discussions on practical applications and explore how to foster a sense of belonging and opportunity in the workforce.
Case Study: Ohio’s Semiconductor Success Story
A prime example of systemic workforce innovation can be seen in Ohio’s response to Intel’s $20 billion investment to build two semiconductor factories. The state’s current production of engineering technicians sits at around 3,000, but Intel anticipates needing 12,000 new technicians to support the expansion. Ohio’s approach to solving this workforce gap included collaborating with funding experts, state community colleges, and creating a “network of networks” to mobilize resources and foster partnerships.
The result was the Ohio Semiconductor Collaborative Network, recognized by the Biden Administration, and a key factor in Columbus’s designation as a Workforce Hub. By updating community college curricula to align with industry needs, adopting innovative student support methods, and fostering industry partnerships, Ohio has strategically positioned itself to meet Intel’s workforce demands and drive growth in the semiconductor industry.
Why Attend CAEL Conference 2024?
Join us at the CAEL Conference this October to gain insights into strategies that will shape the future of America’s workforce. From fostering possibility and enrollment in workers, to learning from Ohio’s success in addressing a major workforce challenge, this session offers actionable ideas for educators, employers, and workforce developers. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more inclusive labor force that meets the needs of today’s evolving industries.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to drive change and make an impact on the future of work.