On April 3rd, NationSwell hosted a virtual leader roundtable in collaboration with the International Youth Foundation (IYF) on Impact x Talent: Updating Talent Development Systems for the Workforce of the Future.
Focused on existing social impact programs that bridge the skills gap by leveraging the scale of traditional talent development systems, the conversation revealed a host of insights into how we can work together to address workforce challenges. Some of those insights appear below:
Insights:
Future skills are being shaped by emerging megatrends
Economic megatrends like artificial intelligence, nearshoring, and energy transition are reshaping workforce needs across geographies and industries. Employers and workforce development partners must address the growing importance of blending technical skills with higher-order thinking and human capabilities, such as adaptability, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Adapting skills-based training to regional demands is critical to program sustainability Industry gaps and requirements vary based on location. Cross-sector partnerships—between funders, employers, and workforce developers—are often most effective when they co-design place-based solutions that respond to local labor market needs. A flexible, iterative approach rooted in deep listening and local stakeholder engagement is critical to long-term impact.
Employers and workforce development partners can help education systems increase speed and adaptability
Traditional education systems often can’t keep pace with the speed of industry change. Creating “room to maneuver” within public systems, like supporting the development of new curricula, can accelerate the integration of in-demand skills and shorten the time from design to deployment.
On-the-job training is valuable but is difficult to scale; simulation-based learning can help
While hands-on experience is essential for many roles, challenges in matching students with high-quality, relevant placements persist. In response, some workforce development partners are bringing real-world case studies into the classroom to simulate work-based learning in more scalable ways. Group practice, internships, and mentorships can give students the chance to learn through experience in real-world scenarios.
As AI skill demand increases, workforce development initiatives must create equitable pathways for all learners to meet that demand
As demand for artificial intelligence skills and capabilities continues to grow, so too do critical questions around how to ensure all learners, particularly those from under-resourced communities, can access the skills and opportunities needed to thrive. As the pace of change accelerates, there’s a shared imperative to design inclusive pathways that help all talent succeed, not just those with the opportunity to attend elite educational institutions.
Community colleges are essential partners for responsive, regional workforce development
Unlike traditional four-year institutions, community colleges are often better equipped to quickly adapt curriculum in response to changing employer demands. Their regional focus, flexibility, and emphasis on practical skill development make them valuable partners in co-creating training programs that align with local industry needs.