Employer-led Apprenticeship Solutions to Workforce Challenges

There is a national shortage of workers, and every industry is dealing with finding solutions. Emerging industries like FHE have even greater challenges with emerging technologies and a lack of awareness of new job titles and job duties expectations. Employers have to lead the way to find creative solutions while engaging with state and regional workforce agencies. This presentation will discuss the journey of Tapecon Inc., a NYS based printed electronics solutions manufacturer in learning the landscape of workforce development, establishing partnerships with workforce agencies, and exploring new business models and business processes to address talent pipeline needs. The journey includes exploration of apprenticeship and micro-credential programs in a sector-based cohort of regional manufacturers to create the “rising tide that raises all ships” leveraging state and regional funding sources, including workforce agency resources, universities, community colleges, chambers of commerce, and workforce investment boards. The talk will inspire various stakeholders to take action toward contribution and engagement in solving the problem of talent pipeline scarcity.