News

The Batavian published a column this week from Chris Suozzi of the Genesee County EDC with strong emphasis on opportunities for employers in their rapidly-growing Work Ready Communities initiative.

The Workforce Investment Board of Southwest Missouri in Joplin will receive $1.2 million dollars from the Youth Build Program. The grant is designed to prepare young people from 16 to 24 for in-demand careers, with a special focus on construction apprenticeship.

The Republic-Monitor newspaper in the Work Ready Community of Perry County, Missouri recently showcased how the variety of choices to 11th grade students all work together for success.

Chris Souzzi with the Genesee County Economic Development Corporation, also known as Coach SwazZ in this Facebook reel, shares motivations for earning the NCRC.

Of the 13 locations receiving economic development infrastructure grants, 11 are in participating Work Ready Communities. The news team of Southwest Arkansas Today shared the list along with remarks from state officials.

The disconnect between skilled workers and employers is wider than ever, with access to affordable housing and childcare now among the top challenges preventing new commercial investment and job creation. Collaborative workforce ecosystems, like those in Work Ready Communities, are uniquely equipped to tackle these issues, according to Chad Chancellor of the Next Move Group. Chad examines two crucial elements to succeed in the post-pandemic reality of economic development - expanding the scope of workforce ecosystem collaboration and enhancing the role of work-based learning in skills-driven pathways.

For the fifth consecutive year, Hawkins County has been recognized as an ACT Work Ready Community, a designation that shows potential new employers the county can provide a workforce if they locate here. According to NETWORKS Director of Economic Development Michael Parker the ACT Work Ready designation is an invaluable tool in industrial recruitment to Hawkins County.

Upskill America is conducting a survey to understand how employers of all types (and especially small and mid-sized employers) might value verified credentials and validated skills. Share your thoughts here about where in your talent management approach these innovations might help you, and about what specific data you're looking for in these emerging records.

Despite the economic challenges and demographic shifts facing rural communities, rural STARs have the potential to drive growth and innovation in their communities. By focusing on the unique strengths and challenges of rural STARs, we can build a more inclusive and resilient labor market that benefits both rural workers and the broader economy.

The following report from ACT and Opportunity@Work explores the challenges and opportunities facing rural STARs, while also highlighting the potential of leveraging data-driven tools and STAR-centered workforce initiatives to better support a vital yet often overlooked segment of the U.S. workforce.