Strengthening Career Pathways: What We Learned at the 2025 TPM NLN Summit

At a time when employers, educators, and policymakers face ongoing challenges in aligning skills with economic opportunity, the Foundation's priority initiatives—including Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) and Talent Finance—are delivering actionable solutions that create meaningful, measurable impact. 

This year, our TPM network convened in Washington, D.C., for the annual National Learning Network (NLN) Summit, bringing together more than 150 leaders and practitioners from across the country. 

Since its launch in 2014, TPM has grown into an award-winning model embraced by more than 1,500 practitioners across 44 states and four countries. Using a data-driven approach modeled on supply chain principles, TPM equips business, workforce, economic development, and education leaders to collaborate in creating career pathways that respond directly to real-time labor market demand. 

Here are some of the most important themes that emerged from the 2025 TPM Summit: 

Strengthening career pathways through high-quality work-based learning

A recurring theme at this year's summit was the power of paid internships, apprenticeships, and career and technical education programs to launch careers and transform lives. Through the TPM framework, employers are creating earn-and-learn pathways that are aligned with their talent needs and rooted in community collaboration. 

Speakers like LaRico Andres, an electrical and computer engineering doctoral candidate, shared how a paid apprenticeship through Focus: HOPE and the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) opened doors to a career in engineering. 

Laura Love shared that giving learners paid, credit-bearing work experiences helps them build real world skills that employers need. She discussed ways to create career pathways led by employers and guided by data. 

Using data and technology to identify and close workforce talent gaps

To anticipate and meet future workforce needs, employers are leveraging technology and data. TPM practitioners showcased how tools like human resources analytics platforms and talent relationship management systems help businesses identify skills gaps, design targeted training, and improve hiring outcomes. 

Taylor Dunne from the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation noted how digital transformation is reshaping the workforce, making it critical for employers to integrate demand planning into standard business functions. Demand planning forecasts the types of jobs and skills a company will need in the future so they can align hiring and training efforts ahead of time.  

Building inclusive workforce solutions through cross-sector collaboration

Workforce development cannot happen in silos. From middle schools to boardrooms, building inclusive talent pipelines requires cross-sector collaboration. LaKisha Miller of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation highlighted how employer academies and advisory councils can engage overlooked talent pools and embed equity into workforce strategies. 

Advancing economic mobility by innovating how we finance the future of work

Upskilling and reskilling workers is essential to economic mobility, but traditional funding models often fall short. Leaders from Western Governors University, The Forward Fund, and the U.S. Chamber Foundation discussed how zero-interest loans, income-share agreements, and tax-leveraged savings accounts can remove financial barriers and unlock opportunity at scale. 

The summit specifically highlighted research from the Foundation's Talent Finance initiative, redefining how individuals and organizations invest in workforce development. 

Honoring workforce leaders who are shaping stronger talent pipelines

Each year, our team recognizes trailblazers in the TPM movement through the TPM Hall of Fame. In 2025, we honored three exemplary partners: 

• Focus: HOPE: Rooted in a mission of justice, equity, and inclusion, Focus: HOPE takes an intergenerational and holistic approach to workforce development. Through education, training, and access to meaningful careers, the organization empowers communities and expands economic mobility. 

• John Phillips: As the president and CEO of AE Electrical Solutions, Phillips has helped bridge the gap between classrooms and careers in the construction industry. 

• Kim Kuchenbrod: Since joining the pilot TPM program in 2015, Kuchenbrod has unified Illinois’ workforce ecosystem through paid apprenticeship initiatives and strategic employer collaboratives in healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and education. 

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Tiffany Graydon, director of workforce development and education, and Kevin Green, apprenticeship manager, accepted the TPM Hall of Fame award on behalf of Focus: HOPE. Presented by Deb Lyzenga of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and Adino May of Great Lakes Water Authority.

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Dorian Moe of the Kentucky Chamber Foundation (left) presents a TPM Hall of Fame award to John Phillips (right).

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Kim Kuchenbrod (center), work-based learning and talent management administrator for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, is presented a TPM Hall of Fame Award by her daughter Katie George (left) and husband, Jerry (right).

The 2025 TPM NLN Summit offered a clear window into the future of workforce development. Across industries and regions, TPM practitioners are demonstrating what is possible when employers lead with data, collaborate intentionally, and invest in the systems that help workers build meaningful careers.

As U.S. Chamber Foundation President Mike Carney shared, “Talent isn’t found—it’s built.” And TPM practitioners are leading the way. 

Thank you to the 2025 TPM NLN Summit sponsors:

The Talent Pipeline Management framework helps employers lead in shaping talent pipelines, using practical strategies and tools to connect learners and workers with jobs and career advancement opportunities.  

For more information: 

Contact the TPM team to learn more and partner at TPMSupport@uschamber.org