Talent Development at the Speed of Business

Evolving employer and employee expectations, demographic and population shifts, technological advancements and other factors drive the need for rapid talent development, including adaptive training and industry-aligned skills. Changing business needs and workforce expectations necessitate adaptive workforce training, including ensuring that educational institutions at all levels are cultivating a prepared workforce. Relevant training should be made readily available to upskill and reskill talent where needed to align skills development with industry needs.

Smart employers are changing the way they hire, upskill and promote talent to focus more on skills and demonstrated abilities rather than traditional markers of success. Employees can adapt and thrive in new roles by gaining the right skills to enhance job security, foster career growth and bridge the skills gap that often hinders economic progress. Ultimately, a workforce that evolves with business needs drives individual success and strengthens the region’s financial foundation.

  • How are chambers addressing the changing employee landscape and taking action to enhance workforce readiness and ensure a resilient and capable labor force in a dynamic job market?
  • How can chambers help create new solutions to meet business demands?

By the Numbers

ACCE Insights

Chamber Examples

  • An initiative of the Fargo Moorehead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, IgniteFMWF is designed to address the region’s workforce shortage. In collaboration with education, public sector, private sector, non-profit and other organizations, IgniteFMWF connects businesses with future employees, provides training to upskill the workforce and offers career exploration resources.
  • The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia has partnered with ApprenticeshipPHL to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline. Through the partnership, employers gain access to a diverse talent pool while participants get experience and credentials.
  • Massachusetts awarded more than $170,000 to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce to expand its commercial driver’s license training programs, addressing a regional shortage of truck drivers.

Smaller Chamber Examples

  • The West Monroe Chamber launched a six-month youth mentoring program designed to connect students with professionals and industry leaders to provide career exploration and personal development opportunities.
  • The Athens Area Chamber was awarded nearly $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to launch Athens Achieves, a program to provide a reliable pipeline of skilled workers to current and future businesses in the county.
  • The Santa Maria Valley Chamber and the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board launched a new program to help address local workforce development challenges. The “Build Your Workforce” program aims to connect businesses with funding resources for hiring, upskilling and providing work experience for employees.

  

 

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