EMSI CONFERENCE PRESENTATION BY KAREN ELZEY September 11, 2012.

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EMSI CONFERENCE PRESENTATION BY KAREN ELZEY September 11, 2012 Slide 2 2 Slide 3 3 Slide 4 What is Skills for Americas Future? Skills for Americas Future (SAF) is a non-partisan, employer-led initiative of the Aspen Institute. It is a national network of partnerships among employers, community colleges, industry associations and other stakeholders. These partnerships are designed to ensure that American workers receive the necessary training to meet the skill needs of employers, giving them the opportunity to obtain and keep good jobs. 4 Slide 5 Vision 5 Americas 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 Americas businesses more productive, innovative, and competitive. To help achieve this vision, Skills for Americas Future will take on two key roles: 1.As a catalyst for change 2.As a thought-leader and constructive partner Slide 6 Unique Features SAF can capitalize on opportunities because of two features: 6 Business As Full Partner Credible Broker and Unique Convener Slide 7 Goals 7 Increase the Number of Employer- Community College Partnerships Grow a National Network Develop Peer Learning Opportunities Raise National Profile and Elevate Skills Issue Inform Policy Change Slide 8 Partnership Types 8 Training a New Worker Pipeline Expanding Current Employee Skills and Knowledge Providing an Overall Community Benefit Slide 9 Achievements 9 1. Identified, brokered or expanded partnerships 2. Shared models of success 3. Raised awareness of skills gap and solutions 4. Created a coalition of business leaders to support workforce development policies Slide 10 PG&E PowerPathway Program 10 Utility worker hopefuls climb to new heights. Slide 11 DiscoverYourSkills.com 11 Slide 12 Grainger Tools for Tomorrow Scholarship Program Two Mississippi Gulf Community College students awarded scholarships Opportunities in the skilled trades Students receive a Westward Toolkit upon graduation 12 Images Sources: Mississippi Gulf Community College; Grainger Slide 13 13 Thank You Karen Elzey Director, Skills for Americas Future The Aspen Institute 1 Dupont Circle, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036 [email protected]