Intersect With Earl June 2023

by Earl Buford on Jun 22, 2023

An inclusive infrastructure workforce isn't optional: As we learn every time there's a supply chain disruption, it doesn't matter if customers are eager to spend if there's nothing to buy. In the case of infrastructure spending, the best-laid plans could also be thwarted by shortages - of workers. Despite offering a 30% pay premium to inexperienced and lower-income workers, the infrastructure workforce is facing an exodus of employees - which further highlights the need to welcome untapped talent. More pathways for traditionally underrepresented workers are necessary to sustain the diverse recruiting pipeline infrastructure programs require for success.

A talent-focused task force: Sourcing workers is a top challenge all over the country. In Long Island, a workforce development task force is exemplifying the kind of proactive collaboration it takes to stay out in front of this issue. The task force is focused on forging education-employment partnerships around recruiting and developing the skilled workers who are behind the Long Island Innovation Park and its $13 billion annual economic impact. The task force is co-chaired by Dr. Edward Bonahue, president of Suffolk County Community College, a CAEL member.

CAEL member mention: Lorain County Community College is in the 'major leagues' when it comes to offering programs aligned to labor market needs, according to a survey of business and community college leadership. The college seamlessly blends credit- and non-credit courses, including 65 certificate programs, which can be finished in 16 weeks. Students who complete the certificate programs can progress to a one-year Earn and Learn credit program and opt to continue to a degree program.

Innovations in adult learning accessibility: In a piece for Insider Higher Ed, Rachel Hirsch, CAEL's vice president of state strategies and policy relations, reviews some policy experiments around the country that could spark new ideas for making education more affordable for adult learners.

Grant opportunity: The National Institute of Standards and Technology is accepting applications to create regional alliances and multistakeholder partnerships that support cybersecurity education and workforce development. Proposed partnerships must include at least 'one institution of higher education or nonprofit training organization, and one local employer or owner or operator of critical infrastructure or identify any such existing partnership' Read more at grants.gov (closes Aug. 7).

Interested in learning more about CAEL memberships? Please visit us, and always feel free to contact us with questions or comments on any topic at cael@cael.org.