With automation and globalization altering the landscape of jobs and workforce needs, an equitable approach to workforce development should be prioritized by economic developers. As technological capacity grows and industrial standards change in response, well-paying alternatives for traditional low-skilled and unskilled work need to be introduced. People of color (POC) are currently overrepresented in highly automatable low-paying jobs and projected to become a larger part of the overall US workforce through 2024, particularly in non-professional sectors. Accounting for this growth of Black and LatinX workers in the workforce, economic developers and workforce development professionals should build strong workforce pathways and implement strategies to empower POC and set them up for success.

Our speakers will discuss successful examples of recruitment and training strategies that bolster sustainable, inclusive workforces for communities and businesses.

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