Business Roundtable, ACT Foundation Applaud Members on Group’s Anniversary
Austin, Texas — The National Network of Business and Industry Associations (the National Network) today launched its new website – www.nationalnetwork.org – at the group’s first anniversary meeting in Austin, Texas.
The National Network — co-led by Business Roundtable and ACT Foundation — brings together leaders in the manufacturing, retail, health care, energy, construction, hospitality, transportation, professional and business, and information technology sectors to develop solutions to prepare individuals for success in 21st century jobs. The website features tools the group has developed, including information on common employability skills vital to all major economic sectors; validated industry credentials; business-led work-and-learn models; and competency-based hiring practices.
“This new site is the latest evidence of the progress we are making to catalyze a National Learning Economy,” said Parminder K. Jassal, executive director of ACT Foundation. “The National Network is committed to clarifying the skill requirements for existing and emerging career options across multiple sectors of the economy. This articulation is critical for working learners who want to control their own career-related journeys while striving for life satisfaction and career success.”
“The National Network gives employers an opportunity to address the skills gap they face by making sure that schools, training centers and others prepare students with the skills demanded in the complex, global economy,” said Dane Linn, vice president at Business Roundtable. “We are now one step closer to fulfilling the vision of Business Roundtable member CEOs, who are committed to leveraging technology and resources to close this gap.”
The site will serve as a platform to facilitate the National Network’s strategy to have cross-sector industries share experiences and products as part of this initiative. It is also the first step of a long-term plan to provide online tools to help students better navigate school, workforce training and careers. It will be updated with the latest news, information on member organizations and the latest solutions to connect learning and work.
The National Network of Business and Industry Associations (National Network) represents major business sectors and is funded through a collaborative partnership of Business Roundtable, ACT Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Joyce Foundation and Lumina Foundation. Members include leaders in the manufacturing, retail, health care, energy, construction, hospitality, transportation, professional and business, and information technology sectors. They represent the source of nearly 75 percent of projected U.S. job growth through 2020 (an estimated 30 million new jobs). More information on the National Network can be found here.