1. The Next Generation of Workforce Development Policy: Connecting Workforce and Economic Development Martin Simon Director, Workforce and Economic Development Programs NGA Center for Best Practices Ph: 202-624-5345 E-mail: msimon@nga.org msimon@nga.org

2. “Governors recognize that states’ long-term economic success in the 21 st Century depends on their ability to create, attract and retain an educated and skilled workforce…” __________________________ ____ Governor’s Guide to Creating a 21 st Century Workforce

3. Workforce Policy Academy Context for the Academy Context for the Academy Challenges Addressed Challenges Addressed Goals for the Academy Goals for the Academy The Academy Model The Academy Model Lessons Learned Lessons Learned

4. A Dynamic Economy and Changing Workforce Churning economy – every year a third of all jobs are in flux Churning economy – every year a third of all jobs are in flux Skill shortages – during the economic downturn skill shortages continued in many industries and still do today Skill shortages – during the economic downturn skill shortages continued in many industries and still do today Diverse workforce – new challenges and opportunities Diverse workforce – new challenges and opportunities High productivity – slow job growth High productivity – slow job growth Outsourcing of jobs – puts a premium on innovation and skills Outsourcing of jobs – puts a premium on innovation and skills

5. Challenges in Building a Skilled Workforce Many state workforce systems do not reflect market needs Many state workforce systems do not reflect market needs Public education is not adequately preparing individuals for the new economy Public education is not adequately preparing individuals for the new economy Workers must navigate a more uncertain career path Workers must navigate a more uncertain career path Many low-income workers need work supports to advance Many low-income workers need work supports to advance Effective governance and accountability is lacking Effective governance and accountability is lacking

6. Goals for the Workforce Academy Connect workforce development to state economic needs Connect workforce development to state economic needs Build a stronger education pipeline to produce skilled workers Build a stronger education pipeline to produce skilled workers Expand opportunities for continuous learning Expand opportunities for continuous learning Enhance workers ability to manage their careers Enhance workers ability to manage their careers Strengthen work supports to promote employment retention and career advancement Strengthen work supports to promote employment retention and career advancement Strengthen governance and accountability in the workforce system Strengthen governance and accountability in the workforce system

7. The Academy Model Competitive application process Competitive application process Academy meetings Academy meetings Expert faculty Expert faculty Cross-state learning networks Cross-state learning networks Site visits Site visits Implementation plan Implementation plan Evaluating results Evaluating results

8. Six Academy States Idaho Idaho Missouri Missouri Montana Montana New Jersey New Jersey Ohio Ohio Virginia Virginia

9. Lessons Related to Project Goals Lesson 1: Aligning workforce and education with economic development goals requires a clear understanding of the industries in the state and a common understanding of the knowledge and skills required to compete successfully Aligning workforce and education with economic development goals requires a clear understanding of the industries in the state and a common understanding of the knowledge and skills required to compete successfully

10. Lessons Related to Project Goals Lesson 2: Building a stronger education pipeline of skilled workers requires seamless connections between the components of the system and with the skill demands of the workplace Building a stronger education pipeline of skilled workers requires seamless connections between the components of the system and with the skill demands of the workplace

11. Lessons Related to Project Goals Lesson 3: Expanding opportunities for continuous learning requires building partnerships with business and education and ensuring that individuals have the literacy skills necessary to advance

12. Lessons Related to Project Goals Lesson 4: Building career pathways requires good information, ongoing assessment and certification of skills, and access to learning opportunities

13. Lessons Related to Project Goals Lesson 5: Strengthening the governance of workforce programs requires meaningful outcome measures that are system-wide and tied to the economic goals of the state and communities

14. Lessons Related to Reauthorization of Federal Workforce Legislation Reform all related workforce and education programs in tandem Reform all related workforce and education programs in tandem New information systems are needed by policymakers, employers and individuals New information systems are needed by policymakers, employers and individuals Redefine the role of the private sector Redefine the role of the private sector Encourage greater access to training and skill certification Encourage greater access to training and skill certification Allow for flexible service delivery structures not one-size fits all Allow for flexible service delivery structures not one-size fits all Promote cross-system measures and integrated performance information systems Promote cross-system measures and integrated performance information systems