Building a Strong Future Workforce with High School Students
Workforce development is becoming more critical in building a skilled, adaptable, and resilient labor force. One of the most promising spaces to initiate change is within high schools, where students are eager to acquire the skills necessary for success. This blog is for you if you are looking for new ways to address workforce development and help fix the skill gaps. You'll also see why high schools are an ideal starting point for these initiatives and how empowering youth can drive future economic growth and innovation.
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To learn how this program is impacting high school students, click here.
What is Workforce Development
Workforce development refers to a wide range of activities, policies, and programs designed to create, sustain, and retain a viable workforce that can meet the current and future needs of employers and the economy. It encompasses education, training, and support services that help individuals learn the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to secure and advance in careers with family-sustaining wages. At its core, workforce development is about creating opportunities for people to improve their lives while simultaneously meeting the needs of businesses and industries. It's a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including:
1. Educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities)
2. Government agencies
3. Employers and industry associations
4. Economic development agencies
These entities work together to identify skill gaps, develop training programs, and create pathways for individuals to enter and progress in their chosen careers. Effective workforce development strategies are dynamic and responsive to changing economic conditions, technological advancements, and shifting industry requirements.
Implementing effective workforce development programs in high schools requires a multifaceted approach, and AEM Movement as an employer is joining forces with high schools, the utility industry and government agencies to offer these services with the support of Career and technical education (CTE):
1. Career exploration: Exposing students to various career options through guest speakers, field trips, and career fairs.
Students are learning about energy conservation and how AEM Movement works with other businesses to offer energy saving while decreasing CO2 emissions.
2. Skills-based learning: Incorporating technical and soft skills development into the curriculum.
Project management
Leadership skills
Project and product delivery using data analytics and client engagement
Presentation Strategy and Delivery using PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Snag-It, etc.
3. Work-based learning: Providing opportunities for internships, job shadowing, and cooperative education programs.
Students are part of a paid internship program that teaches how to use their learned skills in a real-world setting.
By implementing these strategies, high schools can play a crucial role in developing a skilled and adaptable workforce for the future.
Addressing Skill Gaps and Labor Market Demands
One of the most important goals of labor development is to match the needs of employers with the skills of job applicants. Every business is looking for skilled labor despite high unemployment in some places.
By:
Identifying high-demand skills and knowledge streams.
Developing industry-specific training programs.
Developing lifelong learning and talent.
Arranging apprenticeships and internships for real-life work and exposure.
Working in these areas, workforce development programs will build a more adaptable workforce capable of evolving with economic circumstances and technology.
Benefits of Workforce Development
There are benefits that come from good workforce development beyond individual labour market candidates. Let's see what benefits can be derived for different stakeholders:
For Individuals:
1. Greater employability: Learn to be the skill of the hour and increase the chances of getting a job.
2. Income Potential: Professional workers are able to pay more and therefore have better finances.
3. Satisfaction at work: When your skills are matched with job needs, you will generally feel more engaged and happy at work.
4. Career stability: Diverse skill sets make people better at coping with the economy and are less susceptible to unemployment.
5. Self-development: Learning and development lead to self-confidence.
For Employers:
1. Energized workforce: If you want employees that do more than "just their job," give them training to boost productivity and business performance. They will start bring fresh ideas to the table.
2. Innovative problem-solving: By staying up-to-date with new skills, your team can take on challenges creatively and drive innovation.
3. Reduced turnover: Employers want committed staff. Every time someone quits, it costs you more than just finding a replacement. You lose institutional knowledge, momentum, team chemistry. But when people see you're actually invested in their future, they commit.
4. Competitive advantage: Access to a skilled talent pool allows businesses to stay competitive in rapidly evolving markets.
5. Improved succession planning: Developing internal talent ensures a pipeline of qualified candidates for leadership positions.
For Communities and the Economy:
1. Economic growth: A skilled workforce attracts investment and supports business expansion, driving economic growth.
2. Reduced unemployment: Aligning skilled workers with job market needs will help reduce unemployment.
3. Increased tax base: Higher-earning workers contribute more to the local tax base, supporting public services.
4. Social mobility: Workforce development programs can help break cycles of poverty by providing pathways to better-paying careers.
5. Community resilience: Diverse skill sets within a community make it more adaptable to economic shocks and industry changes.
High Schools: A Prime Space for Workforce Development
While workforce development is a lifelong process, high schools present a unique opportunity to lay a strong foundation for future success. There are several reasons why focusing on workforce development at the high school level is particularly effective:
1. Early intervention: Introducing career exploration and skills development early allows students to learn more about what they like and want to do.
2. Relevant curriculum: Including high school curricula that focus on ensuring in specific fields ensures that students graduate with immediate valuable skills in the job market.
3. Partnerships with local businesses: High school students need more real-world experiences. Employers are looking for workers who have some experience.
4. Cost-effective: Not every student needs costly post-secondary education or training for some career paths. Teaching them early saves everyone time and money.
5. Motivation and engagement: When a student is learning about future career prospects in school, this can increase their motivation and reduce dropout rates.
6. Smooth transitions: Good programs can create easy pathways from high school to further education or directly into the workforce.
Empowering Youth to Drive the Future
When we invest in workforce development at the high school level, we're not just preparing students for jobs; we're empowering them to become the driving force behind future economic growth and innovation. Here's how:
1. Entrepreneurial mindset: When students are exposed to different industries and skill sets, they develop an entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging them to identify opportunities and create their own businesses.
2. Innovation capacity: Students with relevant skills and knowledge are ready to contribute to technological advancements and industry innovations.
3. Community investment: Youth who see clear pathways to community success are likelier to stay and contribute to local economic development.
4. Adaptability: Early exposure to lifelong learning prepares students to adapt to future changes in the job market.
5. Leadership development: Workforce development programs often incorporate leadership skills, preparing students to take on future roles as industry and community leaders.
6. Global competitiveness: A skilled youth workforce enhances the overall competitiveness of a region or country in the global economy.
AEM Energy Champions in Wenatchee presenting our energy-saving initiatives.
How is AEM Movement Leading the Charge
Through the AEM Internship program, high school students, known as Energy Champions, are contributing to workforce development in several ways:
· Skill Identification: AEM Movement pinpoints desirable skills in the energy management sector, giving students the responsibility and opportunity to develop expertise in these areas.
· Targeted Training: The AEM Shutdown with ENERGY STAR solution is helping to prepare students for their future careers by giving them hands-on experience and training.
· Lifelong Learning: By allowing students to experience real-world projects, AEM Movement creates a lifelong learning and professional development culture.
· Apprenticeships and Internships: AEM Movement's internship program connects students, Energy Champions, with businesses and organizations, offering valuable networking opportunities and practical experience in the industry.
Through these efforts, the AEM Movement is helping bridge the skill gap in the energy management sector and empowering the next generation of environmental leaders to drive sustainable change in their communities by helping local businesses towards decarbonization.
Younger generations are becoming very interested in environmental issues and are more likely to advocate for sustainable practices, inspiring older generations to take action. They bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. Their concern about their futures drives them to seek solutions that benefit the environment in the long run, encouraging older generations to consider intergenerational equity, rethink traditional approaches, and adopt new solutions.
Investing in workforce development is an investment in our collective future. It's about creating opportunities, fostering innovation, and building a more equitable and prosperous society. By empowering our youth with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, we're not just preparing them for jobs—we're preparing them to shape the world of tomorrow.
To learn how this program is impacting high school students, click here.