The Answer to the Widening Skills Gap is an Apprenticeship Program with Nicholas Wyman

Skills can be learned, but who a person is, is what determines a successful hire. This all comes down to core value alignment with the organization. 

Shared values create a much tighter bond and a more engaged team member. 

The correct answer is rarely hiring for skills. So consider alternative hiring initiatives like an apprenticeship program designed to purely foster career growth. 

Our guest today: Nicholas Wyman, President of IWSI America  

Nicholas is an international expert, particularly zero-ing in on CTE education, apprenticeship and training models in the US, UK, Germany, Switzerland and Australia.  Wyman writes opinion pieces for Forbes, Quartz and Fortune, appearances on National Public Radio, he has notched top education writer on LinkedIn.

Today we discuss:

Why an apprenticeship program might be the key to unprecedented company growth
6 step process to build a program at your company

Challenge today?

Can't find people with the skills they need
Employers need to do more to train people
Design an apprenticeship program or internship model needs to be turned upside down
Misconception that because a lot of 
Young people who have not been able to get a start
Displaced people who need a fresh start

Why is this important to the company?

Skills gap has gotten wider
Economic uncertainty
Global economic changes
Impact of new govt coming in
We will not be returning to normal
Need to really look at your talent strategy

Rick’s Nuggets

Apprenticeships for those in career transition- modern elders

How do we build an apprenticeship program into your company?

Six Step Plan: 

1 - Identify the apprenticeable occupations

2 - Form a team to run the program

Internal team- leadership support
Identify coaches / mentors

3 - External partners

Deliver Training has to be structured
Training provider
State funding assistance 

4 - Define training goals & Wage schedules

5 - Marketing & Recruitment of the program 

Brand it & give identity

6 - Develop an ongoing evaluation process

Rick’s Nuggets

Develop everything around your true corporate values
Interview process that uncovers evidence to support the hire

Key Takeaways:

Broadening your view on who you might employ - broader than diversity, disability - more women (women and youth disproportionately impacted by Covid)
Get people engaged- lost generation of young people
Take a long range view to skills development
Rock solid, top down support- can not be just another training initiative

Guest Links:

LinkedIn: Nicholas Wyman

Website: IWSI America

Twitter: @nicholas_wyman

 

This show is proudly sponsored by Criteria Corp