The WPI Playbook: How Business-Education Partnerships Prepare Tomorrow’s Talent
Business Roundtable released a playbook designed to help employers partner with educators to build workforce development programs and fill in-demand jobs. This resource follows the Business Roundtable Workforce Partnership Initiative (WPI) template, providing a detailed roadmap for employers and higher education leaders to address the dynamic employment environment.
Launched in 2018, WPI leverages the collective interest and need among CEOs for a skilled workforce. Through WPI, CEOs collaborate with local colleges and universities in nine U.S. regions to fill high-demand jobs in STEM-related fields, such as cybersecurity and data analytics, and in skilled trades positions, including technicians, machinists and welders.
To date, there are six active WPI sites and three self-sustaining sites. These sites have engaged more than 13,000 students, nearly 18,000 apprenticeships, almost 500 businesses and 130 higher education institutions since 2018. Research has found several benefits of the various models WPI sites employ, including decreased training costs, improved retention and expanded opportunity for nontraditional students.
Read the full playbook here, which was created in partnership with the Business-Higher Education Forum and JPMorganChase. Learn more about WPI and other Business Roundtable initiatives committed to expanding opportunities for employees here.
“WPI is dedicated to accelerating the entry of competitive, career-ready individuals into the workforce by fostering strong partnerships between business and education leaders. In a rapidly evolving job market, WPI stands out as a dynamic solution, uniquely positioned to address the needs of employers, workers and regional economies.”
Joshua Bolten
CEO, Business Roundtable
"Technological changes always reshape the job market. That’s why the future of work continues to be about skills development. Business, education and government working together is essential to develop curriculums and apprenticeships that align with high-demand, well-paying jobs. While we’re making progress, there is still much more to be done. This Business Roundtable playbook exemplifies the power of collaboration, taking the best of what we’ve learned and outlining strategies more businesses and communities can benefit from.”
Jamie Dimon
Chairman and CEO, JPMorganChase
“New approaches to talent development, rooted in the power of American innovation and strategic partnerships, are critical to growing and developing today’s workforce. Leveraging the insight and expertise of business, government, academia and our community leaders will enable us to go farther, faster. Tailoring solutions from the playbook to address the unique needs of each region will help expand opportunities for American workers today and create a positive impact in our communities for years to come.”
Kathy Warden
Chair, CEO and President, Northrop Grumman