What Illinois needs to learn to train its future workforce
A summary of the Illinois Future of Work’s fourth task force meeting
Written by Hannah Gregor, University of Chicago
The future of work will require a workforce dedicated to life-long learning, that can adapt to emerging technologies and industry needs. Along with workers’ pursuit of education, employers and policymakers must evaluate their own responsibilities in supporting workforce development and education. This meeting featured several speakers and organizations who are advancing and expanding lifelong learning opportunities among youth and adults so they can, in turn, strengthen the workforce and economy.
On December 20th, 2021, the Illinois Future of Work Task Force met for the fourth time over WebEx to discuss the challenges in education and skill training. The task force, created by Governor Pritzker and led by Senator Ram Villivalam, Senator Donald DeWitte, and Leader Marcus Evans, is exploring ways to make the state’s workforce more inclusive and resilient. The task force’s charge is broad: to consider and produce a set of evidence-based policy recommendations that help the state create equitable, long-term economic growth; and to ensure all Illinoisans share in that success.
Two of the meeting speakers, Matt Muench, Chief Impact Officer for P33 Chicago, and Jon Furr, Founder and Executive Director of Education Systems Center, spoke about the importance of adequately supporting K-12 education systems and the need to update educational tools so they address inequities in primary education. Muench shared research from P33 that showed technology firms are hungry for new talent, but the current Illinois workforce is not equipped to meet those needs. He suggested creating technology requirements for graduation, such as basic computer software skills to increase the talent pipeline. Also, he argued schools should increase project-based learning to help prepare students for the workforce. Furr seconded these appeals and shared about Illinois’ switch to competency-based learning to better equip students with the skills they need for their careers. Both Muench and Furr emphasized that the current education system is leaving students of color behind in preparation for technology-based skills and post-secondary education which must be addressed.
Jon Furr discussed technology’s impact on post-secondary education and introduced the task force to the notion of the “Big Blur,” the aspirational idea of blending lines between high school, college, and career pathways. Students, he argued, need more flexibility as they leave their primary education to learn the necessary skills for a long lasting career. Sarah Hartwick of the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association agreed that the education system should broaden career learning outside of traditional avenues. They both identified City Colleges of Chicago as a leader in the field of flexible education opportunities with its College and Career Pathway Endorsement Framework, Future Ready initiative. The program allows students to better transfer their education in high school to university and career fields. The current path of high school-to-college-to-career is not working for many students, but with more adaptability educational systems can offer students more opportunities to gain skills for future careers.
With rapid emerging technology, workers will need to have life-long learning to keep up. Illinois will need leaders across the state to support workers, whether to stay in a job or move to a new career. Adult learners often have different needs than young adults, such as caregiving or financial responsibilities. One speaker, Bronagh Friel with Grow with Google, spoke to the task force about the new Google certificate program for technological skills (UX Design, IT Support, etc). The program is an example of how companies can fill the need for low-barrier access to skill development. Illinois policymakers and businesses will need to continue creating creative solutions that enable workers’ life education opportunities to meet the new needs of the workforce.
Each speaker agreed that education and workforce systems need support from businesses to bring sustainable success. Companies must work more closely with educational and workforce development systems to better align training with the talent pipeline needed in their respective fields. Further, companies need to reevaluate their recruitment and skill requirements that may be limiting their prospects for talented workers. The traditional higher-education path leaves out many highly qualified workers, especially workers of color. Creating new avenues for skill attainment (apprenticeships, Boot Camps, WIOA ITAs) both broaden the talent pool for companies and help address the racial equity gap.
Deputy Governor Andy Manar rounded out the meeting. He addressed the task force about the many promising initiatives that Illinois has regarding education and workforce development, including The Governor’s Commission on Workforce Equity & Access, which is working to improve the state WIOA program centering user experience. He also stressed the importance of workforce education, citing his own experience working with small towns who were devastated by the loss of a factory or industry. Striking a note of optimism, he added that Illinois has an opportunity to support workers who have been displaced by developing and enacting innovative policies and programs. He closed by urging the task force to look for solutions that center Illinois’s physical position in the nation as the logistics and supply chain needs of the country change.
A skilled and adaptable workforce will require collaboration between employees, employers, communities, and government agencies. Illinois is already leading with many innovative workforce development programs across the state that the task force can look to for solutions and support. Beyond supporting existing programs, the task force was encouraged to look for policy solutions that create accessible life-long learning opportunities.
ABOUT THE TASK FORCE
The Illinois Future of Work Task Force was created by the Illinois Future of Work Act (Public Act 102–407) to be proactive and plan for the future of work while simultaneously addressing the state of work today. It consists of members that represent business, labor, education, and the environment, as well as members of the General Assembly and leadership from state executive agencies. The task force is co-chaired by Senator Villivalam, Senator DeWitte, and Leader Evans. Economic Security for Illinois supports the logistics and management of the task force in partnership with Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The University of Chicago’s Inclusive Economy Lab, University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, and Metropolitan Planning Council as academic partners supporting the task force in the production of the final report and monthly meetings.
