2011 Center for Energy Workforce Development Summit November 7-9, 2011 Westin Alexandria • Alexandria, VA

2011 Center for Energy Workforce Development SummitNovember 7-9, 2011

Westin Alexandria • Alexandria, VA

Skills for America’s FutureAccomplishing More Together

Karen ElzeyNovember 9, 2011

Background• President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board Education and Training

Subcommittee

• Convened a series of meetings with leaders from private sector, labor, philanthropy, and the Administration:

• Created Skills for America’s Future

• Skills for America’s Future is a policy program of the Aspen Institute, housed within the Institute’s Economic Opportunities Program

Skills GapEmployment ParadoxUnemployment is 9% (not including the underemployed and discouraged), but many employers report unfilled openings due to a shortage of skilled workers Skills Need A better trained workforce is a prerequisite for a competitive 21st century American economy

Information & Use of Resources

Training MisalignmentThough community colleges determine training, their curricula are often not based on what jobs are available and what skills are needed in the local labor market

Access to, and Quality of, InformationStudents are often not adequately informed about available careers, the type of training needed to secure a specific job, or which programs at colleges are successful at placing students in jobs

Valuable ResourcesAmerica’s community colleges have the capacity to supply students with economically relevant skills—if they have help

VisionAmerica’s 21st century competitiveness depends on a workforce that can contribute up-to-date skills to grow our economy. Providing Americans with the opportunities to develop these skills will benefit each individual in his or her pursuit of a fulfilling life and help make America’s businesses more productive, innovative and competitive. To help achieve this vision, Skills for America’s Future will take on two key roles:1. As a catalyst for change

2. As a thought-leader and constructive partner

How Will We Accomplish Our Objectives?

Models of Success

Quality Control

Policy ChangeCommunications

Web Tool

How Can We Work Together?• Bring national attention to the skill needs in the energy sector

• Share promising practices

• Profile your partnerships and amplify successes

• Get community colleges to adopt the competency model developed by CEWD and its member companies

• Increase media attention

Next Steps• Make a commitment for the joint SAF/CEWD event

• Become part of the SAF network

• Share your models of success with us

• Develop a dossier to promote your work

Contact UsKaren Elzey

Director Skills for America’s Future

The Aspen [email protected]

Ph: (202) 736-1079

René Bryce-LaporteProgram Manager

Skills for America’s FutureThe Aspen Institute

[email protected]: (202) 736-2538