Course Materials Matter in Workforce Development

Strong businesses depend on strong skills. Literacy, math, digital fluency, and communication help workers succeed and businesses grow. But what does it take for employers to invest in these foundational skills effectively? Chelsea Miller, Associate Director of UpSkill America, an initiative of the The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program, explores what employers are learning about building foundational skills, and what makes those investments work. Drawing on a conversation with UpSkill America and Lumina Foundation, she highlights approaches employers are using to create opportunities for learning, advancement, and shared success. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eU9F4n8p

For the week that is in it, a timely reminder of the many pathways available for those considering the next step in their work + life by Aisling Murray Fleming This article is particularly helpful to anyone exploring their options this week. Yes the CAO is one route, not the only route, and not the route for everyone. Explore - Reflect - Discover Read Aisling's full piece on RTÉ Brainstorm https://lnkd.in/eMU6xeZz

I’m pleased to share that I recently attended the “Why Benefits Cliffs Matter and How to Talk About Them” training session with WPTI (Workforce Professionals Training Institute), facilitated by Christian Lynn-Logue and Yanni Deconescu. The session provided valuable insight into how benefits cliffs can affect individuals pursuing employment, higher wages, and greater economic stability. It also highlighted the importance of understanding how public benefits interact with career advancement and financial mobility. As someone interested in program administration, workforce development, and economic mobility, I found the discussion particularly valuable. Understanding these challenges can help professionals better support individuals as they navigate career opportunities while minimizing unintended barriers to upward mobility. Thank you to the facilitators for an informative and meaningful session! #ProfessionalDevelopment #EconomicMobility #WorkforceDevelopment #BenefitsCliffs #CareerDevelopment #PublicBenefits #ProgramAdministration

✨ Client Spotlight: Educ8 Training ✨ How do you double your workforce, complete four strategic acquisitions and navigate the shift to hybrid working, all while maintaining the highest possible standard of employee engagement for 11 consecutive years? For South Wales-based Educ8 Training Group, the answer is using their people-first values as a true "North Star". Since first surveying with Best Companies in 2014, the apprenticeship and training provider has expanded from a small team into a multi-million-pound group of 275 staff across Wales and England, all while retaining its 3-Star accreditation every single year. 📊 The impact: 👉 First surveyed & achieved 3-Star accreditation in 2014 (retained for 11 consecutive years) 👉 625% increase in revenue alongside headcount growth 👉 11% increase in employee retention between 2019 and 2026 👉 47% decrease in employee turnover 👉 +9% higher scores for both Leadership and Wellbeing compared to the sector average 👉 +8% higher score for My Team compared to the sector average Through its non-negotiable culture fit during hiring, dedicated wellbeing "coffee catch-ups", bi-annual "Gr8 Days" and employee voice group "Collabor8", Educ8 proves that rapid growth and geographical spread don't have to dilute your core identity. As Group CEO Grant Santos explains: “The survey is a barometer of how staff are feeling... It gives us warts-and-all feedback, which is important because if we don't know, we can't make decisions and make changes. It keeps me and our leadership team grounded”. Discover how Educ8 Training Group uses engagement data as its guiding light to scale sustainably without losing the human touch. 👉 Read the full spotlight here: https://lnkd.in/efNsiH7p Aspire 2Be Haddon Training Ltd #BestCompanies #ClientSpotlight #Educ8Training #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #PeopleFirst #HybridWorking #WellbeingAtWork #BestCompaniesToWorkFor

What does a good industry-education partnership actually look like? The Illinois Manufacturers' Association and EdSystems surveyed roughly 30 employer partners this spring to find out what helps and what gets in the way. Two findings stood out. On challenges, employers identified student readiness (including punctuality and communication) and workplace behavior as a bigger concern than budget or equipment. And when asked what they need most, a dedicated school liaison rose to the top: someone who handles scheduling and paperwork so the partnership doesn't die in logistics. Their conclusion was that the field is past the awareness stage and into the infrastructure stage. Employers want to participate. The question is whether the systems around them make it possible. The findings are linked below. What separates partnerships that last from ones that fade after a year? https://lnkd.in/ejEenZhj #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerPathways #Manufacturing #TradeAssociations

Most employees want more guidance on their benefits—how are you helping meet that need? A thoughtful education strategy can help reduce confusion, improve engagement, and drive participation. Explore how our multi-channel approach has elevated the benefits education experience: 👉https://lnkd.in/ebyXRsBf #BenefitsEducation #VoluntaryBenefits #FinancialProfessional

Most employees want more guidance on their benefits—how are you helping meet that need? A thoughtful education strategy can help reduce confusion, improve engagement, and drive participation. Explore how our multi-channel approach has elevated the benefits education experience: 👉https://lnkd.in/ecDgTRNU #BenefitsEducation #VoluntaryBenefits #FinancialProfessional

Most employees want more guidance on their benefits—how are you helping meet that need? A thoughtful education strategy can help reduce confusion, improve engagement, and drive participation. Explore how our multi-channel approach has elevated the benefits education experience: 👉https://lnkd.in/eKmdCWQT #BenefitsEducation #VoluntaryBenefits #FinancialProfessional

💼 Our NEW Kirklees College Adult Course Guide for Employers is here! Looking to develop your workforce, upskill your team or support your employees to progress? Our new Adult Course Guide for Employers brings together opportunities to help businesses invest in their people and build the skills they need for the future. 📚 Explore the courses available and find out how we can support your organisation. 👉 Download the guide: https://bit.ly/46kxsJ0 📩 Or contact our Business Development Team: employers@kirkleescollege.ac.uk #KCCommunity #AdultLearning #YourNextChapter