All articles tagged with #workforce development
Walmart is actively addressing the US skilled trades labor shortage by revamping its training programs to develop maintenance technicians, aiming to fill critical roles in its distribution centers and stores, amidst a broader industry challenge of declining skilled workers and increasing operational costs.
The article discusses the emerging movement to reduce the emphasis on bachelor's degrees in the U.S., driven by concerns over rising costs, questionable ROI, and changing labor market needs, while highlighting the lack of broad, effective alternatives and the risks associated with shifting away from traditional higher education pathways.
Ford CEO Jim Farley emphasizes the importance of investing in blue-collar industries like construction, maintenance, and skilled trades to support AI-driven economic growth, highlighting workforce shortages and calling for policy reforms and societal shifts to address these foundational sectors.
As the midterms approach, Democrats are developing a messaging strategy focused on addressing how AI could widen economic divides and impact workers, emphasizing workforce retraining and equitable benefits, while Republicans advocate for less regulation and more testing space for AI development.
The US Departments of Labor, Commerce, and Education released a comprehensive workforce development strategy aimed at preparing Americans for a new economic era, emphasizing skills training, AI readiness, and streamlined programs to boost employment and maintain global economic leadership.
The U.S. Departments of Education and Labor have announced a partnership to create an integrated federal education and workforce system, with DOL taking a greater role in managing certain programs to streamline services, reduce bureaucracy, and better serve students and workers.
Walmart is enhancing its commitment to employees by launching new initiatives, including an Associate to Technician pipeline program, doubling skills certificates in Live Better U, introducing a new bonus for hourly store associates, and adding a Total Pay and Benefits feature in the Me@Walmart app. These efforts aim to improve compensation, career development, and overall well-being for Walmart associates.
Walmart is launching new training programs and certifications to fill high-demand roles such as HVAC technicians, opticians, and software engineers, while also offering bonuses up to $1,000 per year to retain hourly workers. The retailer aims to maintain its market leadership amid competition from Amazon and high inflation, with initiatives including higher wages, stock grants, and store upgrades. Despite these efforts, Walmart faces criticism for its wages, with median employee compensation falling below the poverty line for a family of four.
Governor Ned Lamont is proposing the elimination of license application fees for certain jobs in education, childcare, and healthcare fields in an effort to encourage workers to fill available openings and save them about $3.5 million annually. The plan, to be included in the budget proposal presented to lawmakers in February, targets fees for educator certificates, home childcare licenses, and various nurse licenses. The proposal has garnered support from Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly, who sees it as a step towards creating more opportunities and better-paying jobs in Connecticut.
The Biden administration's first CHIPS Act grant of $35 million to BAE Systems' semiconductor plant in Nashua, New Hampshire, is expected to quadruple the city's chipmaking output for defense technologies, including those used in F-35 fighter jets. The funding will also jump-start workforce upskilling, providing training for higher-paying jobs. While chipmaking is highly automated and doesn't require vast workforces, the grant will lead to incremental job growth. The modernization of BAE's microelectronics center will enhance the nation's ability to provide situational awareness and survivability for defense technologies. The grant is part of the government's efforts to tighten domestic control of supply chains for sensitive tools.
Gen Z is expressing a desire for more hard skills training in the workplace, rather than focusing solely on soft skills development. A survey by Adobe found that 48% of Gen Zers want more training in technical abilities, compared to 33% who prioritize soft skills training. The pandemic has impacted social skills for all, but managers are particularly concerned about Gen Z's lack of soft skills due to remote learning. However, Gen Z feels that their education system has failed to equip them with the necessary digital skills for the workforce. With employers increasingly valuing skills-based hiring, there is a need for more comprehensive skills training to bridge the gap between what employers expect and what Gen Z has been prepared for.
One year after the CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law, the Biden-Harris Administration highlights significant progress in bringing semiconductor supply chains back to the United States, supporting innovation, and protecting national security. Companies have announced over $166 billion in investments in semiconductors and electronics, and at least 50 community colleges in 19 states have expanded programs to train American workers for jobs in the semiconductor industry. The Department of Commerce has launched funding opportunities, the Department of State is implementing the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund, and the Department of Defense is collaborating with the Department of Commerce to ensure the manufacturing of semiconductors essential to national security. Additionally, the administration is investing in workforce pipelines, establishing the National Semiconductor Technology Center, and supporting regional economic development and innovation.
The United States is facing a significant labor shortage across various industries, including healthcare, education, and construction. To address this issue, on-the-job training programs, such as apprenticeships, are being increasingly recognized as a solution. These programs allow individuals to gain practical skills and enter the workforce without traditional requirements like college degrees. The establishment of apprenticeship intermediaries and funding from the government are being advocated to support the expansion of these training programs. As the U.S. economy grapples with skill shortages, on-the-job training programs could play a crucial role in filling the gap and developing a more highly skilled workforce.
The Ohio State University is taking proactive steps to address the shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry by preparing students to fill the gap. With the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, which has poured nearly $280 billion into U.S. semiconductor projects, thousands of new jobs are expected in the field of semiconductor manufacturing. However, experts have expressed concerns about the availability of a qualified workforce to fill jobs within the industry. To address these challenges, Ohio State is spearheading efforts to establish partnerships between research universities, community colleges, and grade schools to create pathways for students to join the semiconductor workforce.
The Republican-controlled budget committee has approved a plan to cut the University of Wisconsin System's budget by $32 million to force the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and programming. The plan would require the UW System to eliminate 188.8 positions related to those offices and programs. The move heightens the political battle between Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and legislative Republicans, who have repeatedly stated their intent to cut those programs. Republicans' plan proposes to redirect the $32 million in DEI money toward UW System initiatives to develop the state's workforce.