The hottest Workforce Development Substack posts right now

There's a big shortage of skilled workers in the U.S., especially in vital industries like construction and manufacturing. Many companies are struggling to fill jobs and this could hurt the economy if not addressed.
Apprenticeships are making a comeback as they provide a good path for young people to learn trades and earn money while gaining experience. This old-school method of training is seen as an effective solution to the current labor crisis.
There are many reasons why apprenticeships are more appealing now, including high demand for skilled workers and rising costs of college. More and more people are realizing that trades can offer good careers without the burden of student debt.

Efforts are being made to introduce more children into the U.S. workforce, despite the historical progress made in abolishing oppressive child labor laws.
Documenting child labor required cunning and bravery from advocates like Lewis Hine, whose photography helped reveal the harsh realities of child labor and sparked change.
Recent legislative efforts in states like Iowa to loosen restrictions on child labor are concerning, as they could endanger the well-being and education of young workers.

Student success efforts in college campuses are crucial, especially with concerns about completion rates and student retention.
Engaging learners post-pandemic involves innovation in high school education, such as dual enrollment and integrating internships.
Institutions need to focus on providing tangible value to students, addressing cost structures, and prioritizing student success in a changing higher education landscape.

Junior developers are essential for long-term growth in teams, even if their immediate need seems reduced by advanced tools like LLMs. They help scale projects and ensure future success.
There is a lack of qualified junior candidates entering the industry because many students are not coding enough due to reliance on LLMs. This could lead to a skills gap in the job market.
Hiring practices may change, focusing more on credentials from prestigious schools or potential from promising candidates. Companies might also rely more on mid-level recruits, affecting overall team growth and culture.

A degree focused on Contact Centre Administration could cover topics such as IP networking, VoIP, AI applications, compliance, training, and queue behavior.
Contact centres have unique challenges like high turnover and tailored training needs, making a strong case for a formal degree program.
Many individuals in contact centre management learn on-the-job, highlighting a gap in formal education opportunities in this field.

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AI is changing how companies hire developers. Now, businesses want engineers who can work with AI tools, not just write code from scratch.
Sellers need to shift from selling programming hours to offering AI-driven solutions that improve efficiency and business results.
Pre-sales and customer success are evolving with AI. Companies should use interactive demos powered by AI to better engage with buyers.