Work-based Learning as a Lever for Economic and Workforce Development
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The document discusses the demographic transition in Illinois, highlighting the decline in youth and working-age populations, while the senior population is projected to grow significantly. It outlines the challenges of maintaining economic growth amidst labor shortages and the impacts of automation on the workforce. Proposed solutions include enhancing work-based learning, encouraging employer involvement, and improving coordination among various agencies to better support workforce development initiatives.
Work-based Learning as a Lever for Economic and Workforce Development
- 1. Work-based Learning as a Lever for Economic and Workforce Development Diana Robinson, Director Brian Harger, Research Associate Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University Governor’s Summit on Workforce Development East Peoria, Illinois October 1, 2018
- 2. A Demographic Transition is Taking Place Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, 2014. Under 20 Years Age Groups 20 to 64 Years 65 Years & Older 3% -94,204 53% 853,153 Change20252010 27% 3,489,224 26% 3,395,020 60% 7,737,825 56% 7,400,557 13% 1,614,931 19% 2,468,084 State of Illinois 4% -337,268
- 3. A Demographic Transition is Taking Place The impacts of this transition will be felt statewide, but will not be the same in all areas. • Chicago metro area - smallest percentage loss of youth and working-age groups; senior population to increase over 60%. • Downstate metros - lose a greater share of youth than the Chicago metro area; senior population to grow by 44%. • Rural counties - the greatest impacts: youth and seniors will be roughly equal to the working age population in many areas.
- 4. Potential Impacts… • Unemployment rates will continue to fall, mostly because there are fewer working-age people. • Many workers are staying in the workforce after 65, but may be insufficient to make up for fewer young workers. • Slower economic growth with fewer people working while many business face chronic labor shortages. • Automation and new technologies will create higher- skilled and better paying jobs, but also risk leaving many workers unemployable without retraining.
- 5. Challenges Going Forward Maintaining economic growth in an era of limited resources • Continued decline of youth and working-aged population. • Growing dependent population groups with increasing demands for public services. • Reduced tax revenues and increasing share of the burden falling on fewer taxpayers. • Automation will have a significant impact on the workforce and economy.
- 6. What Can be Done? What are we doing differently that will produce a better workforce result? • Reconnecting the pieces of a fragmented public sector workforce system. • Focusing on retaining the existing talent pool. • Making it easier to access the education and training needed to qualify for good jobs and satisfying careers.
- 7. What is being Done? A Unified Vision • Key state plans aligned on workforce… • WIOA unified state plan. • IWIB’s strategic plan. • ICCB’s workforce education strategic plan. • ISBE’s Every Student Succeeds Act plan. • Emphasizes employer involvement in building a 21st Century workforce. • Moving from a fragmented and uncoordinated service delivery to multi-agency collaboration.
- 8. What is Being Done? State Level Collaboration • Illinois Workforce Innovation Board • Oversees 16 state agencies involved in meeting Illinois’ workforce needs. • Governor’s Cabinet on Children and Youth • Championed the creation of Illinois’ innovative Apprenticeship Plus initiative. • Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act • Requires that K-12 school districts, postsecondary education, employers, other partners coordinate their workforce efforts. • Creates endorsements for high school diplomas … and more.
- 9. What is Being Done? Supportive Federal Legislation • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act • Largest source of federal funds for workforce development • Opens door for sector partnerships and career pathway models • Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act • Aligns with WIOA. • Better matching of performance indicators. • Increased emphasis on business and industry. • Helps connect education and workforce development.
- 10. What is Being Done? Keeping Talent in Illinois • College affordability. • New and expanded sources of financial assistance. • Incentives for Illinois students to stay in Illinois. • MAP grants, credit transfer, dual credit. • Connecting talent with employers through work-based learning. • When a student or worker goes to a workplace or works with an employer. • Meaningful job tasks that develop skills, knowledge, and readiness to enter or advance in the workforce.
- 11. What is Being Done? Work-based learning is a game-changer… • Helps make classroom learning relevant. • Conveys employer expectations. • Informs career choices. … But employers must be involved!
- 12. What is Being Done? Employers Can Invest in a Range of Work-Based Learning Opportunities Source: Illinois State Career Pathways Dictionary.
- 13. Contact Diana L. Robinson Director Center for Governmental Studies Northern Illinois University 148 North Third Street DeKalb, Illinois 60115 drobinsin@niu.edu 815.753.0955 https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-robinson/ Further Information https://www.cgs.niu.edu Contact Brian L. Harger Research Associate Center for Governmental Studies Northern Illinois University 148 North Third Street DeKalb, Illinois 60115 bharger@niu.edu 815.753.0934 https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianharger/ https://www.slideshare.net/BrianHarger/ https://www.cgs.niu.edu