May 24, 2018
The man often recognized as the “Father of Head Start,” Dr.
Blog
May 22, 2018
Learning and development (L&D) leaders need to shift how they’ve traditionally approached their jobs—from being the gatekeepers of knowledge to being facilitators of learning. It’s time to put employees in the driver’s seat with self-service learning resources that satisfy both immediate hard-skill needs as well as the soft skills they’ll use and refine over the course of their entire careers. Though no one has a crystal ball to tell you exactly where to focus, here are some core principles to follow as you set up a learning culture where employees are free to learn and upskill on their own terms.
May 15, 2018
Vocational learning has evolved over the years. In the past, it referred to individuals learning particular skills in fields such as welding, plumbing and automotive services. Today’s vocational training looks vastly different. Students are acquiring skills in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics, computer-integrated machining, and other highly technical fields of study. Classrooms have been replaced with employers’ manufacturing headquarters, and students are finding employment before they even graduate college.
May 10, 2018
In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, we want to shine a light on VITs (Very Important Teachers) that use digital education as a catalyst for innovation in education. Today we highlight Walda Walker, V.I.T. at Karns Middle School in Knoxville, TN.
May 3, 2018
A survey done by the Associated General Contractors of America concluded that approximately 62 percent of firms are unable to fill skilled trade positions. The good news is that employers are not sitting on the sidelines. We know that America needs new pathways to opportunity, and employers feel the need to play a bigger role in workforce education. This year it is a goal of the Chamber Foundation to share some of the models we have come across that work, can be repeated, and produce results.
May 1, 2018
Innovative partnerships, where businesses can work with and leverage the assets of governments, NGOs, and civil society, can help develop creative, sustainable, and scalable solutions that can create significant impact.
April 24, 2018
At the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, we believe strongly in investing in education as a way to help support the region’s continued prosperity and engaging community leaders. To encourage young people to think more proactively about their prospective job opportunities– and help area employers better understand and connect with future workers – the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce partners with Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) to host an annual “My Future, My Way” career fair that brings the district’s 7,000 9th grade students together with more than 300 business leaders.
April 19, 2018
Last week, the results of the 2017 administration of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as our “Nation’s Report Card,” were released. Not only do these numbers forecast a lack of proficient workers for future businesses, but they also show how we are failing to provide a valuable education and opportunities for the students who need it the most.
April 17, 2018
Forward-thinking companies are adapting the way they operate to remain competitive in a fast-moving, tech-driven modern business environment. It follows that the smartest ones are also rethinking how they prioritize learning and development in this age of continuous reskilling. Far from being a “nice to have” perk, giving employees learning opportunities is a key differentiator that attracts high-value talent and enables their best work, which is something every company executive can get behind.
April 10, 2018
During our discussion about careers at the March 27 event at Hayes Middle School in West Virginia, many students indicated a desire to be a doctor or a veterinarian - careers traditionally popular among middle school-aged students. Loftis’ class, however, knows what it takes to get to these popular career choices. After participating in the STEM Scholars program, students demonstrate a better grasp of the STEM skills required to pursue these careers.