In this Retail America: Pathways to Opportunity podcast bundle, experts from various fields including retail, workforce development, technology and adult education celebrate and discuss exciting new programs, research and innovations that connect with a growing audience of individuals and professionals interested in diving deeper into today’s hot topics in these fields. Specifically, these location-based episodes highlight:
- How employers are overcoming low numbers of job applicants
- Providing wrap around services that overcome employment barriers
- General insights into the Des Moines, Phoenix and South Bend retail sectors
- Upskilling incumbent retail workers
- Economic impact and power of sector partnerships with retailers
- Community engagement models that informed design and early implementation in selected cities
LISTEN
Episode 2: How can Employers Overcome Low Unemployment?
Pat Steele, Project Director at Central Iowa Works, shares insights into how employers are overcoming low numbers of job applicants and providing wrap around services that overcome employment barriers as well as general insights into the Des Moines retail sector.
EPISODE 7: BUILDING A RETAIL ECOSYSTEM
Holly Kurtz, Director of the Retail Sector Initiative at the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA), shares insights about the retail sector in Arizona and explores topics related to upward mobility, best practices for training frontline workers, employer engagement and future retail trends.
EPISODE 8: CONNECTING ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS READY TO ENTER THE WORKFORCE
Lex Dennis, Director of Lifelong Learning at the Drucker Institute and Fred Teague, consultant for the High Potential Employee/Preferred Employer Program within the Lifelong Learning Initiative in South Bend, Indiana share insights about community engagement models, hallmarks and theories of change for the Lifelong Learning Initiative as well as ways the Drucker Institute and key community partners are connecting organizations and individuals ready to enter the South Bend workforce.