The California Workforce Association (CWA) recently hosted the annual Meeting of the Minds conference in Monterey. The conference brought together leaders from local non-profits, government, educational institutions and community based organizations involved in training, education, economic development, welfare, and employment. The keynote speakers were outstanding and topics leadership at the state and local levels; priorities for the Employment Training Administration and Department of Labor; how to establish world class ambition; how to lead in times of change. Below are excerpts from keynote speakers:
- Warren Wright from Gallup Consulting provided insight on what the world is feeling and thinking, and how listening to the global voice can guide world leaders on economic policy, security, health, environment, education and many other factors.
- Jane Oates, Assistant Secretary of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, spoke about her priorities for the Employment Training Administration, and how they reflect Secretary Solis’ priorities for the Department of Labor. Jane discussed her work with other federal agencies and ways in which her leadership will influence the Workforce Investment Act, states and local WIBs.
- Mike Campbell from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills shared the UK’s agenda for up-skilling their economy. His thoughtful analysis included what they have done to establish world class “ambition,” the value of a skilled workforce, where the current UK and the U.S. economy stands globally in this regard and where the U.S. is likely to be in the year 2020.
- Dan Mulhern, First Gentleman of Michigan, spoke about the current leadership crisis, the kind of leadership challenges we are facing, the value of “ordinary” leadership, and how to lead in times of incessant change.
An industry panel discussion: “Training for What?” presented potential opportunities as the economy recovers. Panelists shared the current reality for their industries/regions, provided insights into how WIB’s and colleges can connect and understand the dynamics of selected industries and employers; how to time training programs to coincide with emerging demand, as well as how to design training programs for jobs that exist during this economic slowdown.
Presentations available at www.calworkforce.org
. . . written by CA Workforce Association
