Columbus – Business Roundtable, an association of CEOs of America’s leading companies, today launched the Workforce Partnership Initiative (WPI) for the Ohio region. The effort is a partnership of CEOs and higher education, community and labor organizations working together to solve the challenge of recruiting and reskilling the local workforce in digital skills and filling in-demand jobs. Leaders from American Electric Power, Accenture, Aon, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Business Roundtable, the Ohio Business Roundtable and Columbus State Community College joined forces to kick off the regional initiative.
“Employers have a clear line of sight into the skills needed for workers to succeed in their careers, whether someone is a new entrant to the workforce or a more seasoned employee,” said Nick Akins, Chairman, President and CEO of American Electric Power, who is leading the Ohio regional initiative in Columbus. “That is why the Workforce Partnership Initiative is critical. Business leaders are working to close the skills gap, attract more diverse talent and provide workers with opportunities to gain skills that can be used to build a better life for themselves and their families.”
During today’s launch event, participants discussed creating partnerships to ensure the local workforce has the digital skills necessary for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Business Roundtable member companies in attendance shared their best practices, including providing apprenticeships or developing other career pathway programs. While today’s launch event was focused on the Columbus-area workforce, efforts are also under way in Cleveland.
The Ohio WPI is part of a national effort spearheaded by Business Roundtable to tackle current and future skills development challenges and drive economic growth in regions across the United States. CEOs of leading businesses will partner with local colleges and universities to accelerate and scale best-in-class workforce readiness programs and develop a steady talent pipeline that meets the changing needs of each region’s growing industries.
To watch a video of Akins discussing the importance of the initiative and closing America’s skills gap, click here. For more information on the Workforce Partnership Initiative, click here.