Talent Source

Region 1 Proposition: 

There are a finite number of "talent pools" to draw from to address the labor force shortage in our region, notwithstanding increased birth rates or automation. In order to effect change and implement solutions, strategies and tactics will be identified as falling under one of the above sources, and appropriate engaged to support relevant strategies.

We know from data and experience that we are experiencing a labor shortage and, if we do nothing, a crisis is on our horizon.

While there are many public and private entities working on this issue separately, regional planning provides us the opportunity to bring public and private partners together to unify the system.

Our action plan focuses on maximizing our resources and centralizing our intelligence to better meet needs of both employers and career seekers in our region. The ultimate goal of our collective effort is to lift up the prosperity of both our local communities and our region.

Local impact. Coordinated system.

Talent SOURCE

Students

List Item Image

Goal: Develop and retain youth in our local area to meet future labor needs.

Key Action Steps

Identifying resources and best practices for developing and retaining youth in our area, include:

  • Help students identify best career match and corresponding local opportunities
  • Educate parents regarding local opportunities/industries
  • Ensure career pathway education leading to local opportunities
  • Target industries with high demand, high wage occupations

Primary Employer Partners

  • Career advisors/counselors at local high schools                                    
  • Rural Career Counselors and Advisors
  • Colleges and Universities                                                                              
  • Adult Basic Education
  • Industry Associations                                                                                    
  • Chambers of Commerce

 

Older Workers

List Item Image

Goal: Retain and Value mature workers in our local area.

Key Action Steps

Identifying resources and best practices for retaining and valuing mature workers in our area, include:

  • Delayed retirements
  • Eliminate ageism
  • Succession Planning
  • Flexible scheduling, reduced hours/job sharing
  • Continued training
  • Offer leadership roles
  • Lateral moves; cross-training
  • Downsizing career options

Primary Employer Partners

  • Partnership for Workforce Solutions - capture and replicate best practices

Untapped Workforce

List Item Image

Goal: recruit, train and provide supports for under-employed and under-represented workers.

Key Action Steps

Identifying resources and best practices for developing and retaining youth in our area, include:

  • ​recruit and provide supports to populations not currently in the workforce
  • Ensuring that hiring practices are inclusive for:
    • Individuals of color, Native Americans, and New Americans
    • Individuals with barriers including physical and mental disabilities, addiction, former offenders
    • Individuals with barriers to employment including housing, child care, transportation
    • Veterans
  • Ensuring welcoming workplaces/welcoming communities

Primary Employer Partners

  • Workforce System
  • CBOs
  • D&I
  • County Assistance
  • Tribal Organizations 

Residents

List Item Image

Goal: Attract and retain new residents to the region.

Key Action Steps

Identifying resources and best practices for attracting and retaining new residents to the region include:

  • Collaborative marketing campaigns and employer engagement
  • Welcoming Communities/welcoming workplaces
  • Improving housing availability
  • Identifying and connecting opportunities for trailing spouses and families

Primary Employer Partners

  • Regional Development Commissions
  • Initiative Foundations
  • Local Economic Development Organizations
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • Tourism
  • Community Based Organizations
  • Diversity and Inclusion initiatives

Caregivers

List Item Image

Goal: Supporting parents and other caregivers to remain in the workforce.

Key Action Steps

Identifying resources and best practices for supporting parents and other caregivers to remain in the workforce in our area, include:

  • Increase Childcare openings
  • Expand elder care options
  • Offer childcare and elder care benefit option for employees
  • Explore flexible scheduling, reduced hours and job share options
  • Support community coalitions

Primary Employer Partners

  • Community Based Organizations
  • Initiative Foundations
  • Regional and Local Economic Development Organizations

Efficiency

List Item Image

Goal: Improve workplace programs to increase employee efficiency.

Key Action Steps

Identifying resources and best practices for increasing the efficiency in the workplace include:

  • Hire the right people at the right cost the first time
  • Identify desired career pathways
  • Begin retention efforts day 1
  • Create positive workplace culture
  • Develop skills of every employee
  • Conduct "stay" interviews

Primary Employer Partners

  • Partnership for Workforce Solutions - capture and replicate best practices
  • Customized Training Providers
  • Workforce System and Partners
  • Industry Associations