This episode explores the evolving role of workforce development boards in driving economic growth and community impact. Join hosts Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes as they discuss the "Real Role of Workforce Boards" training with special guests from Solano and Madera Counties. Discover how these boards are moving beyond WIOA limitations to address broader community needs, engage board members in strategic planning, and align initiatives with local economic challenges and opportunities. Learn about the importance of rebranding workforce development to focus on positive impact and success stories, and hear how the CWA's training is empowering boards to embrace their expanded role in shaping the future of their communities.
Tune into another episode of CWA Today, as hosts Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes are joined by entrepreneur and AI expert Wesley Brach to discuss the exciting world of artificial intelligence and its impact on workforce development. Wesley shares his journey into AI and explains the buzz surrounding generative AI, which is creating new content and revolutionizing industries. The conversation delves into the potential fears and optimism surrounding AI's influence on jobs, as well as the ways in which AI can help job seekers and employers connect more efficiently. Wesley also discusses his work with local workforce boards, providing examples of AI applications that support case managers and job seekers. Finally, the hosts and guest invite listeners to CWA's upcoming three-part training series, "Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence," where attendees will gain practical insights and hands-on experience in leveraging AI for workforce development.
This episode of CWA Today podcast previews the upcoming 2024 CWA Youth Summit conference happening February 7-8th in Long Beach, California. Host Bob Lanter interviews CWA's Matt Hidalgo about the event's "Expanding Horizons" theme focusing on providing youth career counseling, life skills training, and leadership development. The episode highlights dynamic workshops, opportunities to engage with state political leaders, and details on registration.
In this episode, hosts Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes interview workforce development expert Larry Robbin about best practices for job interviews and the hidden agenda employers have when hiring. They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed hiring practices, making flexibility and profitability key employee traits. Larry explains common mistakes job seekers make with canned responses and insufficient research, and the power that bringing innovative ideas demonstrates to an employer when they are making hiring decisions.
This special episode marks the refresh of CWA Today, and features CWA Executive Director Bob Lanter and Program Director Matthew Hayes discussing an overview of research they have conducted into the impactful work being done by the state’s 45 local workforce development boards. Discover the positive impact of boards moving beyond just operating federal WIOA programs and focusing on addressing economic opportunities and socioeconomic challenges in their communities, and how this can lead to greater change and attracting more funding. Bob and Matthew also reveal plans to use these findings to showcase best practices and advocate for increased support so boards can create further community change.
Tune in as CWA's Matt Hidalgo and professional speaker, entrepreneur, and consultant Aaron Golub join the program to discuss WORKCON 2023, CWA's annual spring conference. Discover the meaning behind this year's theme, "Clarity through Action" and some of the organizations that are participating in this year's conference. Aaron shares how he became an expert on the topic of overcoming adversity and reveals his own story of becoming the first legally blind division one athlete to play in a game. To register for WORKCON, visit https://calworkforce.org/
Tressa Dorsey, TAD Grants President & Founder, joins the program for a 2-part conversation about a board development training, being offered in partnership with CWA, about creating collective community solutions. Tressa shares her thoughts about how boards can best position themselves to access federal dollars and create innovative solutions for their communities. She also shares the leadership practices and principles of highly effective workforce boards. To sign up for the training, visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/californiaworkforceassociation/822569
Tressa Dorsey, TAD Grants President & Founder, joins the program for a 2-part conversation about a board development training, being offered in partnership with CWA, about creating collective community solutions. Tressa shares her thoughts about how boards can best position themselves to access federal dollars and create innovative solutions for their communities. She also shares the leadership practices and principles of highly effective workforce boards. To sign up for the training, visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/californiaworkforceassociation/822569
Training consultant K-Rahn Vallatine joins the program to discuss the work that he does with teachers, psychologists, and other youth service professionals to strengthen their insight and skillset in trauma informed youth engagement. He also discusses his "Live Above the Hype" life skills curriculum, which builds critical thinking skills, encourages reflection, and ultimately supports positive shifts in value systems. You'll hear details about the Live Above the Hype Success Academy and the partnership between K-Rahn and CWA.
In this episode, you'll hear details about the CWA Youth Symposium 2023. The virtual symposium will bring together youth workforce service providers, youth job coaches, community-based organizations, educational entities, adult schools, youth workforce allies, and youth participants from across the State of California and the US to discuss, network, and ponder what it takes to remain relevant to participate and thrive in the workforce. To register for the event, visit: zcu.io/TctZ
This episode features a conversation with author, speaker, and founder, Kris McGuigan as Kris discusses her personal and professional journey and how to overcome fear, take more risks and get results. Discover the importance of being clear about your values and the difference between being courageous in business and courageous in life. Kris also discusses her new book, The Requisite Courage: How to Make Brave Decisions in Business & Life.
This episode features an interview with Larry Robbins, as Larry reveals details about a series of webinars that he will be presenting, about how to improve employment outcomes with the hard-to-employ. Larry discusses the importance of focusing on the hard-to-employ population and how to define "hard-to-employ." To learn more and to sign up for the training, visit https://calworkforce.org/cwa-resources/training/i-got-the-job/
Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, is joined by guests Jessica Janniere, a national adversity expert and founder of Look Up and Beyond Inc, and Jocelyn Ford, Senior Scientist Product Development and Innovation at COTY, as they have a conversation about their experiences participating in the Look Up and Beyond Leadership Experience, Move Your Mountains curriculum, and how important this work is not only to our professional growth but to our personal and spiritual growth as well. Also, how amazing it is to work with Jessica and the purpose behind the phenomenal work that she does!
This episode features a conversation with several workforce leaders to discuss how their workforce development boards are innovating and evolving to meet current and future workforce challenges.
The guests featured in this episode are Heather Henry, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Solano County, Adam Peck, Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County, Gregg Irish, Executive Director of the City of Los Angeles Workforce Development Board, and Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County.
This episode features an interview with Barrie Hathaway, CEO of JobTrain as he discusses the mission and vision of his organization and the importance of equity and job quality in the work that they do. Discover how to holistically serve individuals and help them overcome generational and systemic barriers. Barrie also shares insights about various considerations to take into account when defining quality jobs.
Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA are joined by national adversity expert Jessica Janniere, as Jessica discusses how to overcome what's keeping you stuck in your life or career. Bob, Matthew and Jessica reveal their own "mountains" and discuss Jessica's upcoming training on this topic.
For more information about the training, visit https://calworkforce.org/cwa-resources/training/move-your-mountains/
In this two-part episode, Randi Wolfe, Ph.D., Executive Director of Early Care & Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS), joins the program to discuss the need for quality early care and education, and the work that her organization is doing to advance the rigorous professional development and economic well-being of the Early Care and Education workforce so that all children can reap the full benefits of their early learning and care experiences. Discover how ECEPTS is using apprenticeships to address the needs of the early care and education workforce by integrating on-the-job training, coaching, no-cost college coursework, cohort learning, and increased compensation.
In this two-part episode, Randi Wolfe, Ph.D., Executive Director of Early Care & Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS), joins the program to discuss the need for quality early care and education, and the work that her organization is doing to advance the rigorous professional development and economic well-being of the Early Care and Education workforce so that all children can reap the full benefits of their early learning and care experiences. Discover how ECEPTS is using apprenticeships to address the needs of the early care and education workforce by integrating on-the-job training, coaching, no-cost college coursework, cohort learning, and increased compensation.
Tune in for a conversation between Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA as they discuss job quality and the definition of a quality job. Discover the variety of factors that go into assessing job quality and the role of workforce boards in connecting job seekers to quality jobs.
Tune in to hear reflections from WORKCON 2021: An Equitable Recovery, which was held in May of 2021. Discover highlights from the event, and how to access the recordings if you weren't able to attend!
Tune in for a conversation between Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA as they reflect on the many events that have already transpired in the first quarter of 2021. Discover what needs to happen in order to ensure that we have an equitable economic recovery, what boards can do to secure funding and the "three pandemics" that California has been faced with. You'll also hear about some exciting upcoming training opportunities!
Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA, are joined by CWA Conference Coordinator, Matt Hidalgo, as they discuss the 2021 Youth Conference, Keynote Speakers, Youth Track, and the 2021 Presidential Inauguration.
Chris Andresen, Vice President at Grayling, and Senior Vice President at Dutko Government Relations, returns to the program to share his perspective on the impact of the 2020 Presidential election on the workforce system and the economy.
Matt Sigelman, CEO of Burning Glass, joins the program to discuss labor market trends during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether it is possible to find good jobs in a bad economy. Discover the various dimensions of what constitutes a “good” job and the sectors that have been growing even during the pandemic. Matt also reveals the forces that will shape the labor market and how to prepare workers for the jobs of tomorrow.
Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA, are joined by a panel of workforce development professionals, as they discuss the current state of the workforce system in CA, as well as the various ways in which workforce development boards are uniquely positioned to serve their community during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires.
Episode Guests:
Deborah Sanchez, Director- Santa Ana Workforce Development Board
Blake Konczal, Executive Director, Fresno Workforce Development Board
Lazandra Dial, Interim Executive Director, City of Oakland Workforce Development Board
Heather Henry, President/Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Solano County