Future-Proofing the Workforce: Five Actionable Insights
As the workforce has seen a series of big changes in recent years – the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demographic shifts and declines in our working-age population, and the rapid evolution of AI and technology – there’s an emerging focus on building a workforce that is ready to navigate what’s ahead.
There’s a role for everyone in the workforce of the future. Yet too often, our workforce development programs leave out key segments of the labor force. This is especially true for adult English learners, who now represent 1 in 10 working-age adults in the U.S. Most career training and upskilling programs are conducted only in English, essentially boxing out this fast-growing, high-potential talent pool.
The workforce development leaders can play a central role in filling the gap. EnGen teamed up with our friend at the National Council for Workforce Education (NCWE) to convene practitioners and administrators in solutions-focused discussion on “future-proofing” workforce education for adult English learners, part of NCWE’s 2024 Annual Conference.
Check out five actionable insights from our discussion:
1/ Reframe multilingualism. Multilingualism is a superpower. Yet our workforce system often views “limited” English proficiency as a deficit to be overcome, rather than an opportunity to embrace multilingualism, a skill linked to creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and global communication. Savvy workforce leaders are now offering training in the preferred language of the multilingual learners. Promising models include this Illinois-based Entrepreneurship Academy and this Colorado-based Early Childhood Education program, both offered in Spanish.
2/ Start with employers. Successful workforce development programs begin with the end in mind: employers. They also understand that training and development are not employers’ main focus. To fill the gap, workforce leaders are creating training programs that more fully include newcomers and respond to employers’ needs. There are many models that are ripe for replication, including Tyson Foods’ Upward Academy or regional programs like Rustic Road Farm in Illinois. In both cases, employers work closely with CTE programs to provide workforce-aligned English instruction. And employers also offer apprenticeships, educational benefits, and other work-based learning opportunities. Workforce partners can create English programs that connect the multilingual workforce to these earn-and-learn opportunities.
3/Think regionally. Healthy workforces aren’t built in vacuums; neither are strong workforce development programs. Workforce leaders are well-positioned to serve as regional hubs for workforce development, connecting multi sector partners in building an ecosystem approach to inclusive workforce development. Take inspiration from this Manufacturing Alliance, which connects Illinois-based C-suite leaders and adult educators in building talent pipelines that include workers from diverse backgrounds, including newcomers.
4/ Support ITPs. Internationally Trained Professionals (ITPs) hold valuable credentials and skills. Yet their experience is not fully recognized by the U.S. workforce system. Here too, workforce leaders are creating innovative programs that better connect this talent with employers by offering support with international credential evaluation, professional licensing, mentorship and coaching. Successful healthcare models – like the Welcome Back Initiative, International Medical Graduates Program and BACH program – offer promising blueprints that can be adapted to serve ITPs in other sectors. States like Michigan and Colorado are building multi-pronged approaches to supporting this talent pool.
5/Build bridges, not barriers. English skills are workforce skills. Yet too often, English proficiency is considered a prerequisite to career training, rather than a skill that can be developed as part of workforce development programs. Workforce leaders must commit to building more streamlined pathways from English as a Second Language (ESL) to Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Integrated Education and Training (IET) to the workforce. Platforms like EnGen offer personalized instruction, competency-based models, and career-aligned English instruction that ensure that learners don’t get “stuck” along the way.
There’s a role for everyone - employers, adult educators, and workforce partners alike – to play in building a future-ready workforce that works for everyone. EnGen can help. Request a demo to learn how our workforce-aligned English upskilling platform can work at your organization. https://getengen.com/contact-us