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Forbes
20-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
A Student's Guide To Postsecondary Education And Career Planning
For middle- and high-school students, life after high school may seem like a distant dream. But for many, graduation comes far too quickly and without a plan for the future. To enable students and recent high school graduates to plan an education-to-career pathway tailored to their interests, strengths, circumstances, and life goals, American Student Assistance (ASA) and Jobs for the Future (JFF) have created a Pathfinder Guide and Checklist. The guide and postsecondary training program checklist include questions, topics for consideration, and tips to help students navigate their career journey. It helps students: What are career interests? They can be specific jobs, like a nursing assistant, or broader industries, like health care. Many teens may still be exploring their career interests, and that's okay. They can start narrowing down their options by considering what classes, extracurricular activities, and hobbies they enjoy; volunteer, work, or community service experiences that give them a sense of accomplishment; and advice from their teachers, counselors, family members, or neighbors. Using free online tools like ASA's Futurescape and EvolveMe, students can then see which careers align with their likes, strengths, and goals, gain access to real-world experiences like virtual internships, and connect with career mentors. Note, some students may have multiple career interests that they want to explore further while others may feel drawn to one in particular. Either situation is fine at this stage in the process. Almost all careers today require additional education or training after high school. For each career interest, students should identify at least one postsecondary training program aligned to it. For example, if a young person is interested in becoming a nursing assistant, they will need to identify and enroll in a state-approved training program and pass an examination. To find this information, students can talk to trusted adults like guidance counselors, network to find professionals who work in their area of interest or do online research using free tools such as My Next Move or Career Village. To evaluate the pros and cons of each training program, this four-step checklist includes a useful rubric. After listing one or more postsecondary training programs aligned with each identified career interest (Step 1), students are asked to respond to a series of prompts about each training program (Step 2), covering areas including but not limited to entrance requirements, structure and logistics, cost, time to hire, and success indicators. Step 3 of the checklist then delves into career readiness/placement, prompting students to reflect on whether their career interest will help society, be something they enjoy doing, allow them to earn a living wage, provide them with employment stability, and give them opportunities for advancement. To answer these questions students may need to supplement their online research with informational interviews with professionals already working in these roles. Once students complete Steps 1-3, they should have the information they need to evaluate each postsecondary training program. Step 4 guides them through this process with reflection questions including how well the program meets the needs of leading employers in the student's area of interest and their placement track record, aligns with student requirements (costs involved, time to completion, scheduling flexibility, etc.), and prepares them for a career that is a good fit for the student's personality and goals. After this analysis, a student may find a specific training program is not a good fit. If that happens, there is no need to be concerned. It is just part of the process and gives students the opportunity to find better pathways that will get them closer to their ideal career. Graduation should be an exciting time for teens, a celebration of their past accomplishments as they look forward to the next chapter in their lives. Yet it can bring stress and anxiety to those who don't have a plan for the future. The Pathfinder Guide and Checklist can help young people explore their career interests and postsecondary training program options, so they can develop a plan for life after high school which puts them on a path towards a fulfilling, enjoyable, and successful career.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Employers don't understand workers' generative AI training needs, report says
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. A limited understanding of employees' generative AI training needs may prevent companies from creating 'robust training plans' to properly upskill their workforces, according to an Amazon Web Services report released May 6. IT decision makers who were surveyed also said they lacked knowledge of how to implement training programs, and 41% said limited training budgets hinder efforts. Notably, 56% of organizations surveyed by AWS said they have already developed generative AI training plans, and 19% said they will do so this year. But organizations also plan to turn to aggressive hiring to fill the skills gap, AWS said — a practice that may hinder employers in the long run if proper focus is not put on training, other reports have said. About a quarter of IT managers surveyed said at least half of the new positions at their companies 'will demand generative AI skills.' AI-skilled candidates tend to command higher salaries, General Assembly said in its State of Tech Talent 2025 report, which can drive up costs, especially when employers scramble to hire to fill gaps. The need for AI talent also has pushed employers toward skill-based hiring, as opposed to more traditional credential and degree-focused hiring, a Workday report from March said. Only around a third of leaders surveyed said they were confident their organizations had the skills needed for long-term success. But even as AI adoption rises at work, training around it continues to lag, a Jobs for the Future report said; only 31% of workers surveyed said their employer provides AI training.
Forbes
15-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
From Pathways To Policy: JFF's Vision For A Career-Ready Workforce
At a time when the economy is shifting and student needs are evolving, the case for more flexible, ... More career-connected learning has never been stronger. (Photo by: Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) At a time when the economy is shifting and student needs are evolving, the case for more flexible, career-connected learning has never been stronger. From youth apprenticeships and dual enrollment to industry-aligned pathways, states are stepping up—and organizations like Jobs for the Future (JFF) are helping lead the way. In this exclusive Q&A, Maria Flynn, President and CEO of JFF, shares her insights on where the career-connected learning movement is headed. She weighs in on bipartisan momentum, promising state models, AI's role in the classroom, and what policymakers must do now to ensure today's learners are ready for tomorrow's jobs. Workforce development and career education are key priorities for many governors. Tell us about Jobs for the Future's work with states to support flexible learning and career-aligned outcomes. What does this work look like, and which states are standouts in terms of innovation and impact? For over 40 years, JFF has partnered with states to build career-aligned education and training systems, expanding work-based learning, apprenticeships, and career pathways that connect learners to good jobs. Through JFF's Center for Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning and the Pathways to Prosperity Network, we help states design policies and programs that make education more flexible, workforce-relevant, and accessible. Maria Flynn, CEO of Jobs for the Future And momentum in this space is building. Recently, at the National Governors Association Winter Meeting, I joined Governors Tony Evers (D-WI) and Mark Gordon (R-WY) for a conversation on aligning education and workforce systems to meet labor market needs. With 10 other governors in the room, the bipartisan enthusiasm was clear: States are committed to expanding opportunities that give students real-world learning experiences and clear pathways to economic mobility. Texas is a great example. The Texas Regional Pathways Network is expanding career pathways that lead to industry-recognized credentials, strengthening education-workforce connections so students graduate with in-demand skills. Colorado's Big Blur initiative, which JFF helped advise, is redefining the transition from high school to career, advancing policies that expand youth apprenticeships, dual enrollment, and industry credential attainment. Across the country, states are moving beyond traditional education silos to build flexible, career-connected learning models that prepare young people for the jobs of the future. Now is the time to scale these approaches—and I'm eager to see how states continue to push forward. In her confirmation hearing, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stressed the importance of multiple pathways to success in the workforce. She's a proponent of apprenticeships, high school dual-credit programs, and other Career Connected Learning opportunities. What opportunities are you hoping to explore with the new administration? JFF shares Secretary McMahon's commitment to expanding career-connected learning. We look forward to working with the administration to scale high-quality apprenticeships, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and dual-enrollment programs that accelerate workforce readiness. JFF's Federal Policy Blueprint for the Trump Administration outlines key steps: setting ambitious career-readiness goals, prioritizing federal investment in skills development, and advancing industry-driven training. Proven models like CareerWise—a Swiss-inspired youth apprenticeship program operating in Colorado, New York, Washington, D.C., Indiana, and Michigan—demonstrate that career pathways can be an "options multiplier," opening doors to both college and careers. Similarly, North Carolina's Cooperative Innovative High Schools have implemented a shared governance model among school districts, community colleges, and employers to align education with workforce needs. This approach ensures joint decision-making in curriculum design, dual-enrollment opportunities, and the creation of internships or apprenticeships in high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, and early childhood education. The partnership accelerates students' entry into careers while preparing them for postsecondary education. At JFF, we're eager to build on successful state models and work with the new administration to expand career-connected learning. This will help create a more inclusive and dynamic education system that ensures all learners have multiple opportunities to succeed after high school. At the end of 2024, Congress came close to passing a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), but it didn't cross the finish line. Why does WIOA need an update and how could our nation's workforce system better partner with K-12 and postsecondary education to better support and prepare students for the jobs of the future? The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is pivotal in shaping the nation's workforce development system. However, the labor market has changed significantly since WIOA was last reauthorized in 2014; Congress needs to update the statute to account for current economic realities, emerging challenges, and new opportunities brought on by technological advancements. JFF has called on Congress to pass the "A Stronger Workforce for America Act," which proposes critical enhancements to WIOA, such as emphasizing skills development, introducing flexible training and career service delivery, and strengthening employer engagement. However, there's more work to be done to provide states and workforce entities with the resources and flexibility they need to implement proven workforce training models like industry sector partnerships and career pathways. Industry sector partnerships are invaluable in aligning education with current and future economic needs and in validating the labor market value of education programs and their associated credentials. Preparing students for the future of work depends on our ability to foster strong partnerships across the workforce development, K-12, and postsecondary education ecosystem. Local workforce boards are well-positioned to bridge the arbitrary divide between industry and education, helping to ensure that secondary and postsecondary curricula better align with employer demand, create new work-based learning opportunities, and leverage labor market information to enhance career navigation and counseling services. In prioritizing these efforts, we can connect the skills that employers need and those learned in a classroom. How are you thinking about AI in this time of rapid change? Are there ways in which AI is already being used effectively to accelerate Career Connected Learning? AI adoption in education and work is accelerating. In a recent survey with Audience Net, JFF found that 57% of learners now report that AI is being incorporated into their education by instructors (up from 13% in 2023). Yet, we also found that access remains uneven, with most learning institutions reporting that they are just beginning to use AI and related tools. JFF sees the opportunity in AI and has a Center for Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work that believes that—if designed, understood, and used correctly—AI can make learning more flexible, career-connected, and accessible, helping young people advance in their educational journey and connect to good jobs. The Center is supporting efforts around AI-powered tutoring, career guidance, and digital credentials to better ensure AI literacy is integrated into learning, while ensuring that AI supports—not replaces—human-centered education. To fully tap AI's potential, we need better policies, stronger workforce data, and greater investments in digital transformation. AI can expand career pathways and improve labor market insights, but only if we ensure these tools benefit all learners and don't just reinforce existing biases. National competitiveness is a priority for Republicans and Democrats. In a time of deep political divisions, how might both parties come together to prepare the next generation for the jobs of the future? Are there any opportunities you would encourage policymakers to seize or any strong state or local examples to replicate? In a deeply divided political climate, preparing the next generation for future employment remains a rare point of bipartisan consensus. JFF's "No Dead Ends" policy agenda, which aims to remove barriers to opportunity in education and the workforce, emphasizes policies with broad support across both parties. These include expanding access to industry-aligned educational opportunities, such as CTE and youth apprenticeships, which equip students with the skills employers need and provide learners with clear, practical career pathways. We also call for improved access to career information and relevant supports that enable today's learners to make informed choices about their futures and stay connected to education and work. There are immediate bipartisan actions that federal policymakers specifically can take to address these needs, like reauthorizing WIOA, passing the JOBS Act, which would expand the Pell Grant to include short-term and workforce-aligned programs, and encouraging greater public-private partnerships to advance high-quality work-based experiences in K-12. These policies have the potential to transform the lives of millions of learners while ensuring that businesses can find the talent they need. But as the federal government's role continues to evolve, JFF is increasingly turning to states, which are already leading the charge on this work. For example, Indiana recently launched the Career Scholarship Account program, offering $5,000 annually per student for career preparation. The state is also implementing a youth-apprenticeship program, engaging over 100 leaders to create three-year paid work-and-learn pathways for high school students. By fall, Indiana expects to enroll at least 450 new youth apprentices. At the local level in Clark County, Nevada, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is addressing teacher shortages with the launch of the NV|Forward Initiative, the state's first teacher apprenticeship program. With a 97% graduation rate, this initiative is helping to close the teacher gap and meet regional workforce needs. By empowering states to continue this work and aligning federal policy to support and scale their successful models, we can provide every learner with a clear path to good, sustainable employment and strengthen our nation's global competitiveness. Follow Sara Schapiro on LinkedIn.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jobs for the Future Launches New $2M Fund to Provide Financial Assistance to Apprentices with Support from Google.org
The National Apprentice Fund will directly support hundreds of apprentices in growing sectors of the economy that pay competitive wages and offer opportunities for upward career mobility BOSTON, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit transforming the U.S. workforce and education systems to drive economic success, today announced the launch of the National Apprentice Fund (NAF), a new $2 million fund to provide direct financial assistance to apprentices in Registered Apprenticeship programs to increase completion rates. With generous support from the philanthropic arm of Google, the National Apprentice Fund will serve 750 apprentices with a one-time award of $2,800 per apprentice to help remove financial barriers to completing programs. "Jobs for the Future is honored to receive support from to help make apprenticeships more accessible to hundreds of young people," said Maria Flynn, president & CEO of Jobs for the Future. "At a time of increasing demand for high-quality pathways to jobs with opportunities for advancement, apprenticeships are a valuable solution. But to get to higher completion rates, we must address a range of challenges from financial pressures to the need for more wraparound supports." Research has shown that financial barriers are a primary reason why apprentices do not complete their apprenticeship programs. By reducing financial stresses and enabling more people to complete Registered Apprenticeships, the National Apprentice Fund aims to help build a stronger U.S. workforce. " is committed to expanding economic opportunity for everyone. We're proud to continue our longstanding support of JFF through the launch of the National Apprentice Fund," said Nina Ong, Apprenticeships Lead at "We recognize the transformative power of apprenticeships in creating accessible pathways to well-paying jobs and economic mobility." The National Apprentice Fund will focus on apprentices in growing sectors of the economy that pay competitive wages and offer opportunities for upward career mobility, including health care, technology, education, and advanced manufacturing. Funds may be used towards the cost of tools or equipment, transportation, childcare, housing, and other essentials needed to complete training. Apprentices and employers who are interested in learning more can join JFF's national launch event and information session on National Apprenticeship Day on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Despite unemployment holding steady at a low percentage, many sectors face a persistent struggle to fill positions due to a range of interconnected factors – one of which includes a widening gap between our education/training system and labor market demand that leaves many workers unprepared for good jobs. At a time when student loan debt is at a staggering high, apprenticeships are a powerful solution that combine paid on-the-job training with learning in the classroom. "What's remarkable about apprenticeships is how adaptable they are to the ever-evolving workplace, making this ancient form of skill-building highly modern and suitable to all types of settings and learning styles," said Vinz Koller, vice president of JFF's Center for Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning. "Investments in the apprentices of today through initiatives like the National Apprentice Fund will have far-reaching benefits for apprentices, businesses, and communities – a win-win for everyone." Apprentices interested in applying and joining JFF's upcoming information session on National Apprenticeship Day on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, can visit Employers, community-based organizations, or other Registered Apprenticeship providers or program partners, that would like to refer an apprentice to apply can fill out this form. About Jobs for the Future (JFF)JFF is building a future that works for everyone by transforming U.S. education and workforce systems to drive economic success for people, businesses, and communities. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE JOBS FOR THE FUTURE INC
Associated Press
04-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
CORRECTING and REPLACING University of Phoenix to Spotlight Vision for Workforce Readiness in the AI Era at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit
In the second paragraph of release dated March 26, 2025, the speakers have been updated, and should read: This conversation will unpack the value of businesses empowering the workforce versus simply employing it in the age of AI. The expert panel—moderated by LinkedIn News Editor, Andrew Seaman, and featuring leading cross-sector voices: Raghu Krishnaiah, Chief Operating Officer, University of Phoenix; Eugene So, Managing Director, Jobs for the Future; and Robb Doub, Co-Founder and General Partner, New Markets Venture Partners— will offer actionable strategies for business leaders, providing insights into innovative tools and tactics, including those powered by AI, that can be leveraged by organizations today to build an agile and resilient workforce for the future. (instead of This conversation will unpack the value of businesses empowering the workforce versus simply employing it in the age of AI. The expert panel—moderated by LinkedIn News Editor, Andrew Seaman, and featuring leading cross-sector voices: Raghu Krishnaiah, Chief Operating Officer, University of Phoenix; Eugene So, Managing Director, Jobs for the Future; and Vinit Sukhija, Partner, Learn Capital— will offer actionable strategies for business leaders, providing insights into innovative tools and tactics, including those powered by AI, that can be leveraged by organizations today to build an agile and resilient workforce for the future.) The updated release reads: UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX TO SPOTLIGHT VISION FOR WORKFORCE READINESS IN THE AI ERA AT THE 2025 ASU+GSV SUMMIT University leaders and industry experts convene and explore industry trends, innovative workforce solutions, and five years of Career Optimism data on and off the stage at the conference. University of Phoenix today announced its slate of programming for the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit: a premier global event bringing together leaders in education, workforce development, and innovation, taking place in San Diego April 6-9. The University's marquee event will be an exclusive panel discussion, 'Workforce Reckoning: How the State of Career Optimism is Shaping a New Mandate for Employers,' taking place Tuesday, April 8 at 11:10 a.m. This conversation will unpack the value of businesses empowering the workforce versus simply employing it in the age of AI. The expert panel—moderated by LinkedIn News Editor, Andrew Seaman, and featuring leading cross-sector voices: Raghu Krishnaiah, Chief Operating Officer, University of Phoenix; Eugene So, Managing Director, Jobs for the Future; and Robb Doub, Co-Founder and General Partner, New Markets Venture Partners— will offer actionable strategies for business leaders, providing insights into innovative tools and tactics, including those powered by AI, that can be leveraged by organizations today to build an agile and resilient workforce for the future. The session will expand upon workplace solutions validated by findings from the highly anticipated 2025 Career Optimism Index ® study from the University of Phoenix Career Institute ®, which is also set to be unveiled on April 8. The Career Optimism Index ®, celebrating its fifth year, provides critical insights into workforce trends, sentiments regarding career resilience, and the evolving relationship between workers and employers. Following the panel, ASU+GSV Summit attendees are invited to join fellow industry leaders at the University of Phoenix Career Institute ® reception, 'The Optimism Hour: A Toast to Opportunity, Innovation, and the Future of Work,' at 2 p.m. This celebratory event will offer cocktails, light bites, and reflections on five years of impactful insights from the Career Optimism Index. Additionally, University of Phoenix President Chris Lynne, and Provost and Chief Academic Officer John Woods, Ph.D., will share their expertise on workforce development and the future of education as featured speakers on the following panels: Monday, April 7, 2:10 p.m.: 'Mind the Gap…Bridging the Education and Employment Gap at Scale' featuring John Woods, Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer, University of Phoenix Tuesday, April 8, 10:10 a.m.: 'Future of Online Learning' featuring Chris Lynne, President, University of Phoenix. 'The insights from the Career Optimism Index ® are clear: Developing talent as a strategic imperative regardless of the current climate, through upskilling and reskilling, is crucial. This can take the form of personalized learning models, new technologies fueled by AI, and more,' said Krishnaiah. 'This year's summit is an ideal platform to drive meaningful dialogue around innovation, career resilience, and the evolution of higher education within the future of work. We look forward to forging connections both on and off the Summit stage as we chart the course forward together.' For more information on the University of Phoenix's participation in the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit, please visit ABOUT THE CAREER OPTIMISM INDEX ® The Career Optimism Index ® study is one of the most comprehensive studies of Americans' personal career perceptions to date. The University of Phoenix Career Institute ® conducts this research annually to provide insights on current workforce trends and to help identify solutions to support and advance American careers. The fifth-annual study will be published on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. For the research archives, visit ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX CAREER INSTITUTE ® Housed within the University's College of Doctoral Studies, the Career Institute conducts impactful research and collaborates with leading organizations to explore broad and persistent barriers to career growth. Through annual studies like the Career Optimism Index® and targeted reports, the Institute shares actionable insights to inform solutions. For more information, visit ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor's and master's degree programs, and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit Sara Silberman, [email protected], 714-747-0201 Amy Lindquist, [email protected], 773-459-2065 Sharla Hooper, [email protected], 602-540-4282 SOURCE: University of Phoenix Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 04/04/2025 02:50 PM/DISC: 04/04/2025 02:52 PM
