UpSkill America is an employer-led movement to expand opportunity for America’s workers and allow our economy and communities to thrive. As part of our mission to advance the upskilling movement, we are pleased to share the following news from one of our partners.
This week, over 2,000 learning professionals gathered at Learning 2015 in Orlando to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Elliott Masie’s annual conference focused on workplace learning. Learning 2015 provided a platform to explore upskilling and investments in frontline workers across a range of industries. Aspen’s UpSkill America hosted a breakfast for interested companies and UpSkill America!—launched by the Administration and supported by partners including Jobs for the Future—drew hundreds of attendees as part of a key luncheon event. Participants were invited to join the movement by implementing strategies ranging from apprenticeship to scheduling and tuition assistance.
Kevin Oakes, CEO of 14cp, highlighted research that shows that high-performance companies invest in upskilling to improve employee engagement and advance and reduce attrition and absenteeism—and workers are taking advantage of the opportunity to advance. Jon Kaplan from Discover discussed the integral role upskilling plays in the company’s culture and success. And Brian Poland from Walmart talked about how the company is using upskilling as part of a larger strategy to develop and support its workforce.
Kimo Kippen, Chief Learning Officer of Hilton Worldwide, where 75% of managers start on the front line, spoke to the responsibility of companies to provide opportunities for all employees to advance. Hilton’s recent commitment to help all team members earn a GED, coupled with Walmart and McDonald’s provision of the Online Career High School, are motivating other companies to help workers get high school diplomas and work-based certificates and move forward.
This piece was excerpted from “Together in Learning: Voices from the Industry and Workforce Learning” by Jobs for the Future. Click here to read more.
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