The Evolving Workforce and the Need for Skills Training
The world is changing rapidly, and the workforce is no exception. Workers must acquire new skills to stay relevant and avoid being left behind. Inclusive, high-quality skills training is essential to ensure that individuals can access better opportunities and local businesses can grow sustainably. Over half of the jobs in the U.S. require skills training beyond a high school diploma but not a four-year degree. However, only 43% of workers have access to the necessary training, creating barriers for individuals and hindering business expansion.
The Role of the National Skills Coalition
The National Skills Coalition (NSC) plays a crucial role in addressing this issue. Led by CEO Robert Espinoza, the NSC advocates for policies that equip workers with the skills, career pathways, and supportive services needed to thrive in the economy. For nearly 25 years, the NSC has brought together diverse stakeholders, including business leaders, workers, and policymakers, to push for bipartisan policies at both state and federal levels. Their work is grounded in racial equity, recognizing the systemic barriers faced by workers and business owners of color. Espinoza’s background in advocating for home health care workers underscores the NSC’s commitment to ensuring that all workers, including older workers and those in high-need fields, have access to quality training and opportunities.
The Shift to Skills-Based Hiring
Skills-based hiring is gaining traction as a solution to the workforce challenges. This approach prioritizes a candidate’s skills, competencies, and experience over traditional degree requirements. Robert Espinoza highlights that degree requirements often exclude capable workers, particularly those who can access short-term training and education programs. For instance, the enactment of federal laws focused on clean energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure is projected to generate millions of jobs, many of which require specific skills that can be developed through shorter-term or on-the-job training. This underscores the urgent need for inclusive education and training programs that support a diverse workforce and strengthen job standards and protections.
Supporting Older Workers in the Workforce
The aging workforce presents both challenges and opportunities. Workers aged 55 and older are projected to make up 24% of the labor force by 2032, up from 14% in 2002. Many older workers are forced to continue working due to economic challenges and face age discrimination as early as 40. The NSC is pushing for policies that ensure workers have access to skills, career pathways, and supportive services throughout their lives. By addressing the unique needs of both older and younger workers, the NSC aims to help workers achieve financial security and address labor shortages across the economy.
Creating Equitable Skills Training and Career Pathways
Historic inequality has left persistent racial disparities in education, employment, and other areas. The NSC recognizes that Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other workers of color have faced systemic barriers for generations. Espinoza shares the story of his grandfather, a Latino steelworker, to illustrate the long history of discrimination and unequal opportunities faced by people of color. The NSC is committed to creating equitable skills training and career pathways that address these disparities and promote racial equity. This includes advocating for policies that provide access to high-quality training, supportive services, and good jobs, particularly for underserved communities.
Supporting Small Businesses and Their Employees
Small businesses employ half of the U.S. workforce, yet they often struggle to meet talent demands due to underfunded training systems and challenges in offering benefits like childcare and transportation. The NSC champions policies that support small and medium-sized businesses, such as pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, and sector partnerships. These strategies aim to address both businesses’ workforce needs and workers’ skills development. By supporting training programs and advocating for equitable solutions, the NSC helps small businesses thrive while ensuring workers have the skills and support they need to succeed.
The Reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is up for reauthorization, and the NSC is advocating for key provisions to reflect the changing labor market and address structural racism. Espinoza emphasizes the need for significantly more funding to prioritize equitable, high-quality skills training and pathways to quality jobs. The NSC is pushing for new Skills Training Grants, a 21st Century Sector Partnerships Grant Program, and the expansion of programs like Digital Skills at Work grants and Integrated Education and Training. Strengthening WIOA’s career services, outcome measures, and evaluation systems will ensure that programs advance racial equity and job quality.
The Importance of Private Sector Collaboration
The private sector plays a crucial role in shaping workforce development policies. The NSC’s Business Leaders United network brings together employers nationwide to advocate for policies that benefit both businesses and workers. By collaborating with state coalition partners, the NSC is pushing for policies that address the needs of both businesses and workers. The private sector’s involvement is key to building consensus and driving meaningful change in the workforce development ecosystem.
A Call to Action: Investing in Workers for a Better Future
Robert Espinoza concludes by emphasizing that we are at a pivotal moment for both workers and the economy. The choice is clear: invest in workers, and we all succeed. By envisioning a new reality where all workers have access to skills training, successful careers, and supportive services, we can ensure that workers and businesses thrive. The NSC is committed to fighting for this vision, and the time to act is now.
