On Friday, October 29th, Louise Anderson, Director of Research, with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and IEDC’s Economic Development Research Partners (EDRP) program joined MAX to discuss the future of work and inclusion in the face of increasing automation and digitalization, workforce trends that were well underway before the pandemic. She shared key takeaways from the EDRP’s research into how the pandemic was affecting our workforce, such as:
- Pandemic accelerated trends already underway: automation of routine work and digital transformation.
- Black and Latinx workers are uniquely vulnerable: structural racism and occupational segregation have led to their overrepresentation in low-wage work at highest risk for automation
- Higher-paying jobs will require higher levels of digital, communication, and critical thinking skills
Anderson also reviewed case studies of best practices in Sacramento, Dallas, Minneapolis-St. Paul, San Antonio, and Prince George County (Maryland). These case studies pointed to four main guideposts as follows:
- Seek opportunities to address the needs of workers of color
- Prioritize regional demand with an eye on the future
- Foster greater engagement between education and training providers and businesses
- Promote to regional businesses the value in investing in a diverse workforce
Special thanks to MAX board member Rob LeBeau, Manager, Workforce Solutions Group, Atlanta Regional Commission, and Director of the Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board for hosting and to MAX board member Daniela Perry, Vice President of the Georgia Chamber for moderating.
Click here for a copy of the presentation.
ABOUT MAX MINUTES
Launched in 2014, the mission of MAX is to advance economic competitiveness in the Atlanta region by strengthening connections, collaborations, and practices among workforce developers and organizations engaged in workforce development.
Through our webinar series, MAX Minutes, MAX seeks to bring timely insights to providers, intermediaries, and other partners in workforce. MAX Minutes features talks by key experts in the Atlanta region and beyond on important workforce matters.