What Is Workforce Development?

What happens when businesses focus on people first? Good things occur — for employees, the businesses themselves, and even the communities they serve. In this article, we will explore the concept of workforce development, its myriad benefits, and how employers can actively pursue this approach.

What Is Workforce Development?

Workforce development refers to a range of strategies, initiatives, and educational activities that aim to enhance the skills and competencies of people engaged in or available for work. It’s about equipping individuals with the necessary tools, knowledge, and training to meet current and future job demands. This not only ensures that employees remain relevant in their roles, but also helps businesses thrive in a competitive market.

Examples of workforce development include a tech company offering coding workshops to its employees to keep them updated with the latest programming languages. Similarly, a retail business might provide customer service training to ensure that its staff can offer top-notch service to clients.

The Benefits of Workforce Development

For Employees

• Skill enhancement: Workforce development programs offer employees the chance to upskill, ensuring they remain relevant in their industries.
• Career progression: With improved skills, employees can access better job opportunities and advance in their chosen field more efficiently.
• Increased job security: As industries evolve, those with updated skills are less likely to face job loss due to redundancy.

For Companies

• Increased productivity: A well-trained workforce can perform tasks with greater skill and confidence, leading to increased output.
• Reduced turnover: Employees are more likely to stay with companies that invest in their growth and development.
• Competitive edge: Companies that prioritize workforce development are better positioned to innovate and stay ahead of industry trends.

For Communities

• Economic growth: A skilled workforce attracts businesses, leading to increased employment opportunities and economic growth.
• Reduced unemployment: With more people gaining access to training and development, fewer individuals remain unemployed.
• Community cohesion: A thriving local economy fosters a sense of community pride and cohesion.

Engaging in Workforce Development: A Guide for Employers

For employers keen on harnessing the benefits of workforce development, here are some actionable steps:

• Conduct regular skills audits: Regularly assess the skills and competencies of your workforce. This will help identify any gaps and areas that require attention. For instance, if a majority of your sales team lacks digital marketing skills, it might be time to organize a workshop or training session.
• Invest in training programs: Consider both in-house training and external courses. Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer a plethora of courses across various industries. Here at Generation, we partner with employers to reskill workers for new and in-demand roles, either at their current workplace or in a different industry altogether. Learn more about partnering with Generation here!
• Foster a culture of continuous learning: Encourage employees to take ownership of their personal and professional growth. This could be through offering learning allowances, setting up a library in the office, or even organizing monthly knowledge-sharing or professional development sessions.
• Set up mentorship programs: Pairing less experienced employees with seasoned professionals can be a great way to encourage knowledge transfer. It’s a win-win, with newer employees gaining insights and experienced employees refining their leadership skills.
• Stay updated with industry trends: Ensure that the training and development initiatives align with industry trends. Regularly attending industry conferences, webinars, and workshops can provide insights into evolving market demands.
• Collaborate with Generation: Partner with us at Generation to ensure a steady stream of highly skilled graduates. Our training programs require extensive practice of the most important activities for each role, so that our graduates are your best employees from day one on the job. We recruit, train, and place non-traditional candidates in entry-level, middle-skill roles across a range of sectors and professions — and are adding new ones all the time. See how you can benefit from a partnership with Generation!

Workforce development is a strategic investment with tangible benefits for employees, companies, and the broader community as well. By understanding its significance and actively engaging in it, employers can ensure a thriving and sustainable future for all stakeholders. Explore partnership with Generation today to take your workforce development to the next level!

At Generation, our mission is to train, support, and place people into otherwise inaccessible career opportunities that can change their lives. Explore our employment programs to see how we help job seekers around the globe, or donate today to help us create career opportunities for our learners!