Dive Brief:
- A new report by the NewDEAL Forum, The Future of Work: Policy Proposals for the Modern Economy, outlines recommendations for business growth, employee advancement, workforce readiness and skills in the face of the gig economy and changing business environment. The report focuses on the importance of collaboration between employers, educators and the government.
- Recommendations for skill development and training include developing apprenticeship programming; promoting employer-led training; creating college and career pathways; improving access to higher education; and instituting measures for retraining and lifelong learning. The report cites a Kentucky initiative — Code Louisville — that created 12-week tracks for job seekers to learn about software development. More than 100 companies have hired Code Louisville graduates.
- The group recommends states revisit and potentially overhaul their licensing and certification requirements to provide more access for job seekers to enter previously difficult-to-access career paths. It also suggests governments remove barriers that are not essential for public safety that may encourage more workers to become business owners.
Dive Insight:
The NewDEAL Forum's suggestions do not stray far from what institutions have implemented in response to the skills gap and record-low unemployment.
Apprenticeships have been on the rise in the U.S. following the Trump administration's proposals to increase the number and scope of programming offered in the country. The administration set a goal of adding 5 million new programs, and the U.S. Department of Labor has continued to push the model by implementing initiatives across industries, even in food service. One college collaborated with leaders in the insurance industry to create a nationally registered training program for industry professionals.
Recent data has found the more training employees get, the more they want, supporting the push for lifelong learning. Top businesses combine employer-led training with self-directed learning so employees can access knowledge and upskilling formally and at their own pace.
One study revealed that almost half of employees can't identify their own career path, which suggests that the NewDEAL Forum's recommendation to carve out clear employee pathways falls within recent trends. By helping create a pathway to success, businesses can fulfill their own needs as they future-proof employees for the jobs of tomorrow.
