Natasha Guynes’ Post

The Healey-Driscoll Administration's FY25 budget proposal builds upon existing programs to expand the state’s support for successful workforce development initiatives focused on connecting Massachusetts residents with well-paying jobs. Here's what is included in House 2. ➡ $15.7 million for Summer Jobs Program for At-Risk Youth (Youthworks) to subsidize wages and facilitate career development of at-risk youth between the ages of 14 and 25 ➡ $10.4 million for Career Technical Institutes (CTIs), which aim to close skills training gaps by expanding access to vocational education, across EOL and Education ➡ $10 million for MassHire Career Centers to provide regional workforce training and employee placement services across 29 locations ➡ $3.8 million for the Registered Apprenticeship Program to fund approximately 1,000 placements for registered apprentices in FY25    Our workforce drives economic competitiveness, and we know that talent development strategies unlock opportunities for meaningful careers and economic stability for Massachusetts families.  H2 Readout: https://lnkd.in/eK9ww6yn

The Michigan Women's Commission is hosting a roundtable series throughout Michigan to promote pathways to high-wage jobs for women. We were in Jackson earlier this week, highlighting Consumers Energy's skilled trades apprenticeship program, which has an entry hourly rate of $35 per hour or $72,800 annually. According to the Women in the Michigan Workforce report, the median earnings for all women in Michigan were $32,770 (compared to $48,050 for men) in 2022. Enrolling in a registered apprenticeship program is one of the many ways women can gain more access to higher income.  Read the full Women in the Michigan Workforce Report here: https://lnkd.in/gNANnSCT More information about Michigan's Registered Apprenticeship opportunities is available at: https://lnkd.in/e7RdDwc #MIWomen #FinancialFreedom #WomenInTheWorkforce #MWC2024

It is great to see the ongoing success of Right Track’s program over the years! I enrolled in the program back in 2016 and acquired substantial knowledge in professionalism and career development. #RightTrack #professionaldevelopment #careerdevelopment #network

This month marks the 17th anniversary of our John Hancock MLK Scholars Program, and we’re excited to welcome another outstanding group of 22 young Boston-area adults into the program. Participants, 16-18 years old, will spend their summer with us tackling meaningful job experiences right here in our corporate offices and in other community-based organizations in the city.    Since its inception in 2008, our MLK Scholars Program has invested more than $16 million to provide 6,000 young adults with meaningful job experiences. One of the primary goals of the program is to level the playing field for young people who don’t have equal access to the work experiences and networks that are key to building long-term skills, self-confidence, and financial empowerment.    The program provides guidance on career readiness and financial literacy to help participants grow as leaders in the office, the classroom, and the greater community. The program also benefits local nonprofit organizations that employ MLK Scholars, providing them with an opportunity to engage Boston’s diverse student population in potential career paths in their industries – with some students even returning as college interns and full-time hires after college.    As we welcome another group of outstanding students this year, I can’t help but think of a quote from our program’s namesake, who once said, “the function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”    I couldn’t have said it better myself.

This course explores strategies for developing online and professional continuing education programs with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will examine how higher education institutions address the needs of underserved populations and their role in career exploration, upskilling, apprenticeships, and credentialing. By analyzing faculty and staff contributions, we will identify initiatives that balance financial sustainability with social impact. Students will share perspectives on program design, marketing, content strategy, and partner engagement, fostering innovative solutions for both institutional and community advancement. Learn more and register by June 21. https://ow.ly/cQtk50RJ1L8

Mott Community College’s Dr. Marcus Matthews, Assistant Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development, and Dr. Rebecca Myszenski, Assistant Vice President of Career and Technical Education, recently provided insights for an article published by the American Institute of Research (AIR), titled "Building Strong Partnerships with Employers for Community Colleges." The article highlights effective strategies for community colleges to engage with employers and develop sustainable workforce programs, and showcases MCC as a leader in this arena. The College’s innovative approaches, such as the Workforce Promise Initiative, work-based learning programs, joint training programs with industry, and its nationally recognized apprenticeship programs, were key aspects of the interviews. Matthews emphasized MCC's forward-thinking approach, stating, "Employer partnerships are the backbone of our workforce development strategy. We believe that strong collaborations between educational institutions and industry are crucial in equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in today's evolving job market." Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gqBZXA9H

In recent times, we've witnessed an unsettling trend: a growing number of young sixth formers and college students are stepping away from the path to higher education. Amidst financial challenges, systemic barriers, and a daunting array of choices, the beacon of higher learning seems to dim for those who stand to benefit from it the most. From the heart of Isleworth, Capture Minds has risen to meet this challenge head-on. We've been at the forefront of career and higher education guidance through our estate-based youth mentoring programme, lighting the way for the young minds in our community. Our impact has been tangible, opening new doors and broadening horizons. Now, we're taking our mission borough-wide. With an unwavering commitment to Hounslow's youth, we are scaling our reach, promising the same level of support, mentorship, and direction that has already ignited countless ambitions. Capture Minds stands at this critical juncture, offering a compass to those navigating these crossroads. We understand that the decision to pursue higher education is not merely academic; it's a life choice that requires clarity, guidance, and support. Our programme is designed to illuminate the array of educational pathways available, ensuring that every young individual in Hounslow has the opportunity to choose the one that aligns best with their aspirations and potential. From university degrees to vocational courses and apprenticeships, we’re here to provide tailored advice and support. We believe in a future where every student can step into higher education with confidence, equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions that open doors to their future careers. At Capture Minds, we're not just guiding a generation; we're helping shape a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Join us in this mission. Empower a student, enlighten a future. #highereducation #futureready #CaptureMinds

Exactly this 👇 The emerging workforce is switched on. As a leader or someone who has been in work for a decade or more, asking younger generations to adapt to your leadership style and workplace simply isn't good enough. Nor is it helping your business be future proof. Adaptability has to work two ways. So much can be learnt from them, to inspire change in your business. Ignore them and what they have to offer at your peril. Support them to apply your experience and insight into the new world. That's exactly why Freeformers and 1J Esports are working together. To inspire workplaces to think. and act differently. Bringing a way of communicating, collaborating and community building that has created a 2 billion dollar industry. An industry that's bigger than film and music, that is going largely ignored. Stop being an NPC. For the sake of the people you'll employ and for the future of your business. Follow Alex Hughes, Sam Squire and Inspire 2 Ignite CIC to get all the insight you are probably missing out on!

A college education isn’t the path for everyone but if Americans aren’t careful we’re going to diminish what makes a university education a powerful tool for formation. College isn’t about getting a basic set of skills, although there’s plenty of that to be found there. It’s about shaping people: mind, body, and ideally, soul. Cultivating the mind is more than downloading information. Learning the habits that will lead to a flourishing life transcends learning a few skills. And the relational component should not be overlooked: growing in interpersonal engagement, making lifelong relationships, and other relational competencies that will serve in one’s vocation, community contribution, etc. Yes, college isn’t for everyone, but the formation of a university education, done well, is powerful to form students for the rest of their lives.

Today we published our 100% opportunity report, which emphasises that FE and skills must be reformed to meet the economic and social needs of the nation. We set out what a system that serves everyone would look like with six recommendations: 1. A national social partnership body 2. An effective system of devolution 3. A young person's guarantee and demand-led adult funding 4. Mission clarity of schools, colleges, universities 5. Curriculum and qualifications that reflect national and local needs 6. A reformed apprenticeship levy You can read our full announcement, and find the report here: https://lnkd.in/eS5fmg9D