In a previous post, we explored the reasons behind the declining trust in workforce development. (If you haven’t read it yet, we recommend checking it out before continuing.)
Now, let’s look at actionable steps workforce leaders can take to overcome these challenges and deliver meaningful results for the communities we serve.
How Do We Move Forward?
- Fostering Cross-Sector Partnerships
Governments, funders, employers, and educators each bring unique resources and insights that can create a stronger, more cohesive workforce system. By collaborating across sectors, we can address the systemic challenges that hinder progress.
- Governments have the power to address systemic barriers through policy reforms and effective program design.
- Funders provide financial backing and expertise to tackle issues at the systemic level.
- Employers drive workforce demand and have firsthand knowledge of the skills needed in the marketplace.
- Educators shape future talent by aligning education and training with industry needs.
True collaboration helps us see the full picture. For example, offering targeted educational opportunities can increase wages, draw more economic investment, and reduce incarceration rates—showing how interconnected these solutions can be when we work together.
- Simplifying Our Systems
Over time, workforce development programs have grown overly complicated, with layers of rules meant to prevent misuse. However, these rules often make the system harder to navigate for job seekers, employers, and educators. Instead of continuously adding new initiatives, we must focus on simplifying and streamlining.
- Before launching new programs, can we refine and improve existing ones?
- Is it possible to scale successful programs to benefit a wider range of regions?
- Can we align current efforts with community needs rather than duplicating them?
Simplification helps eliminate confusion, making it easier for employers and job seekers to find the resources they need.
- Rebuilding Trust
Rebuilding trust requires more than just launching new initiatives—it demands tangible results. Job seekers, employers, and educators are often weary of “yet another program” that doesn’t deliver. Trust will only be regained when communities see real, meaningful outcomes.
- Before starting a new initiative, take the time to listen. What challenges are employers, educators, and job seekers facing? How can your investment truly address those gaps?
- Philanthropic funders have a unique opportunity to support innovative ideas that complement existing initiatives, rather than introducing new solutions that haven’t been proven on the ground.
- Focus on what’s working. Scaling successful programs or enhancing proven solutions is more effective than continually introducing untested ideas.
Conclusion
Restoring trust in workforce development will take time and concerted effort. By breaking down silos, simplifying systems, and—most importantly—listening to those we serve, we can begin to rebuild trust and deliver the outcomes that communities, employers, and job seekers desperately need.
Are you ready to take action? Reach out today to start building a more trusted workforce system.
Meet the Author
Emily Fabiano is the founder of Workmorphis, a cross-sector workforce consultancy helping organizations build a more resilient workforce to thrive in a changing economy. Fabiano has deep experience in workforce transformation at the government level, working at the cross section of workforce strategy, economic development, and public policy. With a keen understanding of the unique challenges facing today’s and tomorrow’s workforce and the ability to communicate across sectors, Fabiano brings a new level of understanding and collaboration required to connect industry and education and prepare people for jobs. She is also the past director of strategy and operations at the Ohio Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation.
