Last week, business leaders and their partners from across the country gathered in Washington, DC, for a fly-in advocacy event hosted by National Skills Coalition and Business Leaders United. The event brought together a diverse group of employers, workforce boards, community colleges, and training providers to advocate for robust investments in skills training and sector partnerships - essential components of workforce development policy.
Over two days, participants engaged in critical discussions with Congressional leaders and staff from key committees, including the House Education and Workforce Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Their goal was clear: to ensure that federal workforce policies prioritize and fund financial aid for short-term skills training and sector partnerships that align training programs with industry needs.
Sector partnerships are vital because they bring together businesses, educational institutions, and workforce agencies to design and implement training programs that meet the specific needs of local industries. These partnerships not only help businesses find skilled workers but also provide workers with the training needed to secure stable, good jobs with competitive wages.
Financial aid for short term training programs is also critical because most jobs don’t require four-year degrees. Instead, employers are looking for wrkers with skills and credentials that can be achieved through high-quality, shorter-term training programs.
Why Federal Investment in Sector Partnerships and Short-termTrainingis Crucial
During the fly-in, the participantsdiscussed their experiences of trying to fill good, openjobs and upskillworkers for new jobs. One employer mentioned how they have had at least one welding position open over the last 11 years. With adequate resources, they could do more, helping both the company and the community. They advocated for specific policy priorities that would strengthen sector partnerships, including increased funding for workforce programs and the expansion of Pell Grants to include short-term, industry-recognized training programs.
The business leaders and their partners shared compelling stories about the impact of sector partnerships on their industries.
“Partnerships with public sector agencies, like workforce boards, local workforce development offices, and our local community colleges, are critical to our business. They ensure training programs are tailored to our needs so we can build a strong workforce for today and in the future,” said Sara Blair, Human Resources Manager at Country Maid, Inc. – a food and beverage manufacturer located in West Bend, Iowa. “When we collaborate with these partners, we’re not just filling jobs and retaining our team members —we’re building a talent pipeline that will sustain our company, our community, and northwest Iowa for years to come.”
Another participant, Michael Frame, Executive Vice President of MACNY, the Manufacturers Association of Central New York emphasized the importance of continued investment in these partnerships, saying,“Investing in sector partnerships is investing in the future of our workforce. These partnerships allow us to scale successful programs and ensure that workers have the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. The need for talent will multiply exponentially with the reshoring of American manufacturing. Without continued Congressional investment, these programs will not be able to meet the needs of both employers and workers.”
Looking Ahead
As the discussions in Congress progress, and lawmakers debate federal funding for workforce policies and programs, the voices, experiences, and insights of these business leaders and their partners will play a crucial role in shaping the future of workforce policy. Their message is clear: robust investment in sector partnerships and financial aid for short term training are essential for driving economic growth and ensuring that workers and businesses have access to the skills they need to compete.
NSC and BLU will continue to advocate for policies that support sector partnerships, continued investment in these critical programs, and for the businesses and workers that rely on them.