SECTOR STRATEGIES

Best practi

ce in

Workforce

Development

Ohio Economic Development Association3-8-13

SECTOR STRATEGIES CHARACTERISTICS

There is variability among sector strategies across geographies and industries, but typically they:1. Target a specific industry2. Offer a strategic partner with deep knowledge of the targeted

industry and the surrounding landscape—‘workforce intermediary’3. Link:

Employers/Employer Organizations Economic Development Public Workforce System Community-Based Nonprofits Education and Training Institutions

4. Provide interventions designed to meet business needs 5. Promote systemic change

SECTOR STRATEGIESWHY?

By focusing on multiple employers with similar needs within an industry, workforce and economic development systems can: 1. Develop better understanding of an industry’s need

Shared skills shortages, labor projections2. Share training costs and leverage multiple resources towards a

common goal WIA, Pell, tuition reimbursement, tax credits

3. Build upon regional assets and competitive advantages4. Adapt quickly to changing needs of the industry5. Draw upon one labor pool to deliver outcomes for both

individuals and employers6. Support career pathways for long-term solutions

SELECTING A SECTOR

Labor Market Information Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) Ohio Labor Market Information (www.ohiolmi.gov)

Employment and Wages by Industry, Current Employment Statistics Query

Real time LMI Ohio Means Jobs (www.ohiomeansjobs.com) Burning Glass (www.burning-glass.com)

SELECTING A SECTOR

Caution!

All statistical information must be vetted with employers. Occupational Vacancies Wage Information Industry Growth Skilled Labor Supply Available Training Existing Initiatives

And even then—you must be prepared for something to change.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Flexibility You should be willing to make mid-course corrections, do things

that have never been done before, and stop what’s not working.

Information Sharing You should build a safe place where potentially competing

employers information feel comfortable sharing sometimes sensitive information (wages, hiring needs).

Intermediary You should consider selecting a knowledgeable convener to

implement the initiative—industry association, community based organization, educational institution.

Employers Opportunity to shape training needs Addresses worker recruitment/retention issues Share knowledge across industry Increase the pool of skilled labor Increase efficiency and their bottom line

Economic Development Creates new opportunities to attract and retain industry Better meets needs of current sectors

WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE SECTORS/ED

Workforce Development Relationships with multiple employers within an industry Clear direction for relevant training programs Access to industry information that leads to career pathways Career advancement options for workers

Higher Education Career-relevant curricula development Expanded program options for students.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR OTHER PARTNERS

OHIO SECTOR PROGRAMS

Marine Mechanics Program—WSOS Community Action Marine mechanics Wood, Seneca, Ottawa, and Sandusky CountiesPartnership for a Competitive Workforce—United Way of Greater Cincinnati Healthcare, manufacturing, and construction Greater Cincinnati AreaLogistics ART-Columbus State Community College Logistics Central OhioWorkAdvance-Towards Employment Healthcare and manufacturing Northeast Ohio

Questions?Rebecca Kusner

Director, WorkAdvanceTowards Employment

www.waneo.org rkusner@towardsemployment.org

216-297-4425