Workforce development is more important than ever as California faces a hollowing out of middle-class jobs, the rise of robots and automation in more professions, an evolving gig economy, a growing discussion about social justice and racial discrimination in the workplace, and a deep recession.

CalMatters higher education reporter Mikhail Zinshteyn leads this virtual conversation about the California economy’s workforce needs, and what state and local authorities, universities and private employers are doing right now to reform workforce training in a rapidly changing world.

SPEAKERS
* Soraya Coley, president of CSU Pomona / Member, California Future of Work Commission
* Jessica Ku Kim, senior director of Workforce Development, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation
* Greg Nosal, senior director of talent acquisition, Northrop Grumman Corporation
* Abby Snay, deputy secretary for the Future of Work at California Labor & Workforce Development Agency

WHO SAID WHAT WHEN
* 0 min to 5 min - Introducing the event, and the speakers
* 5 min - Are there enough good jobs out there for college graduates and the current workforce?
* 10:30 min - How does a polytechnic school like CSU Pomona do hands-on training during this time of pandemic?
* 15:25 min - Is Higher Ed still the best way to train current and future workers, or are there other pathways?
* 24 min - How are diversity and inclusion considered in workforce training programs?
* 32:30 min - How serious is a risk of automation to workers' jobs?
* 35:45 min - What's being done to retrain workers over age 45?
* 42 min - How can government agencies participate in these programs to replace their retiring workers?
* 44:10 min - How can the tech industry start and utilize apprenticeship programs?
* 46:30 min - How can people with disabilities be part of the current and future workforce?
* 49:50 min - Are there ways to marry workforce development programs with the building of more affordable housing?
* 54:15 min - The speakers' final thoughts

The Future of Work #3: Can California Create a Future-Ready Workforce?

California expats changing Texas politics

NOTE: The Q&A starts at the two-minute mark.

In our fourth "Future of Work" event, CalMatters economy reporter Lauren Hepler asks mayors around the state about how they plan to confront their communities’ most pressing issues in housing, healthcare, education, and jobs displacement. What are the greatest challenges and opportunities they're facing in getting people back to work during this COVID-19 crisis? How are cities communicating with one another to share best practices? And how can regional collaboration help alleviate major economic disparities as we enter a new year?

SPEAKERS
   *  Rusty Bailey, Mayor of Riverside
   * Jerry Dyer, Mayor-Elect of Fresno
   * Robert Garcia, Mayor of Long Beach
   *  Libby Schaaf, Mayor of Oakland

WHO SAID WHAT WHEN
* 2 minutes - CalMatters and the Milken Institute introduce this event
* 5:35 min - Moderator Lauren Hepler sets up the Q&A and introduces our four Mayors
* 7:10 min - Mayor-Elect Dyer tested positive for COVID-19: Has that changed his priorities for his first term starting in January 2021?
* 8:35 - How can cities play a role in addressing the pandemic?
* 10:25 min - Does Mayor Schaaf worry about an "urban exodus" in the Bay Area and job centers like Oakland?
* 12:45 min - Will some pandemic-induced changes to cities, like telework, parklets and outdoor dining, stick around for the long run?
* 17:45 min - How have people's thoughts about where to live impact California's smaller cities, like Riverside and Fresno?
* 22:45 min - What is the city's role for bracing against evictions and homelessness, and retaining its workers?
* 26:50 min - Mayor Garcia explains how community colleges and state universities can play a role in economic recovery
* 29:55 min - Mayor Bailey's take on continuing education and job retraining
* 33:10 min - Mayor-Elect Dyer explains how a city's high unemployment rate can be an opportunity
* 35:55 min - The future of "Universal Basic Income" and "Guaranteed Income" in California cities
* 50 min - What are cities doing to address the coronavirus's impact on working-class employees and essential workers?
* 55:05 min - With more counties moved back to the red and purple tiers, what  does that mean for cities' finances and revenues?

The Future of Work #4: A Q&A with California Mayors

CalMatters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters.

Our team of experienced journalists is committed to meaningfully informing Californians about the players, politics, and interests that shape the issues that affect their lives. To ensure we reach as many residents as possible, we work with more than 180 media partners throughout California.

CalMatters

Popular tracks