WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CHEMISTRY There’s no magic pixie dust to generate a successful workforce development program, but there are traits that signify the potential for a favorable outcome: • Employers who sustain high engagement in their program(s) • One-on-one mentorship and job shadowing • Setting clear expectations • Partnerships with local organizations who provide job placement training and access to individuals reentering the workforce • Key performance indicators that measure program effectiveness and keep the program agile • The maintenance of active connections within local communities The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), signed into law in 2014, is one resource companies can leverage when building a development program. This act made it mandatory for programs funded by the federal government, in each state, to compose a 4-year plan outlining their workforce development strategies. Pennsylvania, for example, chose to focus on five key points to develop and build the foundation of their plan: alignment, innovation, employer engagement, accountability, and effective use of data. Through these key points, Pennsylvania has focused on enhancing their workforce by providing more opportunities through education/training. WIOA requires that job-seeker and employer placement programs work in tandem to improve services. The WIOA investment will help each state supply a high-quality workforce which will build local economies for years to come. FUTURE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Due to evolving technology, the way people learn and absorb information is constantly changing. Online learning platforms are being incorporated into training systems, due to easy accessibility and low costs. New technologies allow online learning to be more than just clicking through a slide show. Virtual reality training simulations and other automations create realistic and interactive practice. Artificial intelligence (AI) currently has a seat at the job table and everyone —employers and employees alike—should be preparing for the increased presence of AI by considering applications in workforce development. Change is unavoidable as new generations enter the workforce and the previous leave. Companies need to adapt to new learning and development modifications in order to keep retention rates high and attract new employees. New generations entering the workforce are looking to develop their skills within a company, not just perform the same job for the rest of their life. To keep up with this demand, companies need to understand that people desire to develop. Innovative and creative approaches to workforce development will help when solving the workforce shortage challenge. WORKFORCE AT A GLANCE THREE JOB OPENINGS IN 2018 AMERICA MILLION 6.7 $ $3,300 TO REPLACE ONE $10/HOUR EMPLOYEE OVER 17,000 ENERGY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS REPORT A 62% TALENT SHORTAGE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WORKER SHORTAGES IN THE 89% AVERAGE MONEY SPENT ON TRAINING PER EMPLOYEE $1,252