🛠️ Skills and Workforce #17

This week, Autodesk announced that they are laying off 1,350 employees to refocus on AI and cloud services, while the US Department of Defense is cutting 5-8% of its workforce to improve efficiency. Despite rising jobless claims by 22,000 towards the end of February, the US job market remains resilient with low unemployment rates.

In green skills, Canada has committed $75M to train 10,000 workers in sustainable industries such as electric vehicles and carbon management. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry is also investing $1.3M to enhance the agricultural workforce, benefiting over 100 farms. Ireland is addressing skills gaps through Further Education and Training initiatives, which have already supported 25,000 workers in 2024. The advanced manufacturing sector sees notable initiatives like General Motors’ $400,000 grant for EV workforce training in Detroit, Arizona Western College’s new Future48 Workforce Accelerator, and a $5.6M grant to launch the Silicon Valley Advanced Manufacturing Program targeting underrepresented groups.

For AI and digital skills, Junior Achievement Nigeria, in partnership with Microsoft Philanthropies, is offering generative AI training to 5,000 learners. Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has introduced the Digital Skills Framework to support national digital transformation. Cisco and Rockwell Automation are addressing India’s manufacturing skills gap with a Digital Skills for Industry program. In healthcare, Tennessee is investing $10.7M to strengthen its rural healthcare workforce, while St. Peter’s Schools of Nursing in New York are tackling workforce shortages through a partnership with the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program. Fairleigh Dickinson University has launched FDU HealthPath Forward to address healthcare workforce shortages through innovative training programs.

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Global Labor Market Trends

🏢 Autodesk announces layoffs to shift its focus on Digital and AI. Autodesk is laying off 1,350 employees (9% of its workforce) to focus on artificial intelligence and cloud services. The restructuring aims to enhance efficiency, adapt to subscription-based sales, and reallocate resources to high-growth areas. This shift ensures agility and competitiveness in response to evolving customer needs and market dynamics.

📈 US Department of Defence announces a layoff of around 5-8%. The Department of Defense is reviewing its probationary workforce, resulting in a 5-8% reduction affecting about 5,400 employees. Additionally, over 70,000 civilian roles are under evaluation for potential cuts to eliminate redundancies. A hiring freeze is in place as the department assesses personnel needs. This is done by the DOD to improve efficiency and eliminate redundancies as part of a broader federal initiative.

👷 US Jobless Claims Rise by 22,000, Highlighting Resilience in the Labor Market. US jobless claims rose by 22,000 to 234,000 for the week ending February 24, marking the highest weekly increase in months. Despite this uptick, the unemployment rate remains low at 3.7%, signaling a resilient labor market. Economists suggest the rise is likely due to seasonal adjustments rather than economic weakness. The overall job market continues to show strength, with steady hiring trends and wage growth supporting consumer confidence.

Green Skills

💼 Canada Invests $75M in Job Training for 10,000 Workers. The Canadian government announced over $75M in funding for eight projects to train more than 10,000 workers in electric vehicle maintenance, green buildings, low-carbon energy, and carbon management, supporting workforce skills and sustainable economic growth. This initiative aims to enhance workforce skills, drive innovation, and ensure Canadian workers remain competitive in the evolving job market, supporting sustainable practices and economic growth.

🌾 Penn State Secures $1.3M to Strengthen PA’s Agricultural Workforce. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry invests $1.3M in Penn State’s Agricultural Workforce Development Project to support small- and mid-sized farms. The initiative will provide HR training, legal guidance, and workforce management strategies to improve hiring and retention. Over 100 farms will receive direct consulting, while broader outreach aims to engage 1,500 agribusinesses. The project aligns with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s economic strategy and is funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

📚 Future-proofing Businesses with Further Education and Training. Irish businesses are turning to Further Education and Training (FET) to address skills gaps amid climate and digital shifts. SOLAS, Ireland’s FET agency, is driving upskilling initiatives, with over 25,000 employees benefiting from the Skills to Advance program in 2024. Micro-qualifications and specialist training centers are expanding industry-led learning, while eCollege has seen 37,000 learners engage in flexible online courses. These initiatives help SMEs stay competitive with subsidized, tailored training.

Advanced Manufacturing Skills

🔋 GM and SME Launch EV Workforce Training in Detroit. General Motors is providing a $400,000 grant to Matrix Human Services to develop an electric vehicle (EV) workforce in Metro Detroit. Partnering with SME’s Tooling U-SME, the program will offer hands-on and virtual training to prepare individuals for careers in EV and clean energy. Training will take place at Matrix facilities and online, incorporating certification programs to strengthen job readiness and support long-term career growth in advanced manufacturing.

🔧 Arizona Western College Launches Future48 Workforce Accelerator. Arizona Western College has broken ground on the Future48 Workforce Accelerator in Wellton, AZ. The 5,600-square-foot facility will offer training in electrical technology, advanced manufacturing, and solar installation. Supported by a $3.6M investment from the Arizona Commerce Authority, the project will partner with local industries to strengthen workforce development in high-growth sectors.

🔩 Silicon Valley Colleges Launch Advanced Manufacturing Training Program. De Anza College and five other local schools are launching the Silicon Valley Advanced Manufacturing Program, funded by a $5.6M US Department of Labor grant. The four-year initiative will train up to 725 students in fields like automation and semiconductors. Targeting underrepresented groups, including Latino, Black, and female students, the program will offer supportive services and collaboration with major Bay Area manufacturers, providing certification and potential employment opportunities.

AI & Digital Skills

🧠 Junior Achievement Nigeria partners with Microsoft Philanthropies. They have launched the Career Essentials in Generative AI program to enhance digital literacy among young Nigerians. Starting in February 2024, it will train over 5,000 post-secondary learners, including undergraduates and NYSC members, in generative AI principles, real-world applications, and critical problem-solving skills. This initiative aims to equip youth with essential skills for the evolving job market.

⚡ Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has launched the Digital Skills Framework. It's the first initiative of the Digital Skills Working Group, to support national digital transformation. It aligns with the Digital Agenda 2030 and aims to enhance digital skills across sectors. Covering 19 key domains and 115 skills across four proficiency levels, the framework provides structured training for individuals and organizations, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of meeting evolving labor market demands in a rapidly advancing digital economy.

💻 Cisco and Rockwell Automation have launched the Digital Skills for Industry program. This will address India's manufacturing skills gap. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the initiative integrates training in cybersecurity, networking, IoT, data science, AI, programming, and automation. It aims to enhance digital literacy, attract talent to manufacturing, and boost workforce productivity. 

Health Skills

🧑‍⚕️ $10.7M in state grants to grow Tennessee’s rural healthcare workforce. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development has allocated $10.7M to enhance rural healthcare by funding 38 organizations statewide. Starting in July, these funds will support training, certifications, and apprenticeships across 91 non-metropolitan counties, aiming to strengthen the healthcare workforce in underserved areas.

🧑‍🎓 St. Peter’s Schools of Nursing and Caring Gene Partner to Strengthen Healthcare Workforce. St. Peter’s Health Partners' nursing schools have partnered with the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program to address healthcare workforce shortages in New York. Eligible students receive full coverage of tuition, books, and fees for education in 13 healthcare fields. The program aims to strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve community health outcomes.

💉 FDU HealthPath Forward’ Launched to Transform Healthcare Workforce. Fairleigh Dickinson University has launched FDU HealthPath Forward, an initiative to address healthcare workforce shortages through interdisciplinary education, training programs, and industry partnerships, aiming to revolutionize healthcare education and innovation.

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