In this week’s episode, host Kristin Hayes talks with Adewale OgunBadejo, vice president for workforce development at GRID Alternatives, the largest nonprofit installer of solar panels in the United States. OgunBadejo and Hayes discuss how an organization can recruit and train people effectively in the solar industry, how partnerships with organizations in clean energy industries can bolster workforce development, and how the clean energy transition offers important opportunities for positive socioeconomic change.

References and recommendations:

“Key Recommendations: Cultivating a Diverse and Skilled Talent Pipeline for the Equitable Transition” from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council; https://irecusa.org/resources/key-recommendations-cultivating-a-diverse-and-skilled-talent-pipeline-for-the-equitable-transition/

“National Solar Jobs Census 2021” from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council; https://irecusa.org/resources/national-solar-jobs-census-2021/

Shining Light on Clean Energy Workforce Development, with Adewale OgunBadejo

When To Follow Up With Employers 180BOOST

How do we structure a concrete path to career growth and what are some tools we can leverage? Micro goals, mapping of our career trajectory and the value of mentorship is something we explore on this episode. 

Average Professional EP 5 (REV) - April 30th, 2025 (1)

Covers key aspects of India’s vocational training system, including government programmes, industry-led courses, and digital upskilling efforts. Highlights how training in sectors like healthcare, IT, and manufacturing is improving youth employability and addressing the skill gap. Includes examples of training centres, course formats, and placement outcomes.

Vocational Training in India: Overview of Skilling Initiatives

Hustle & Heart brings you stories of public service professionals who turn passion into impact.

In this episode, host Roberto Ayala interviews Brandy Orange, Assistant District Manager of Brooklyn Community Board 2, and Isatou Fatty, a Coro intern, to discuss the future of community engagement, civic leadership, and public service careers.

Brandy shares her journey working in local government in Brooklyn, the role of Community Boards in shaping neighborhoods, her roles prior to the Community Board, and shares some of her best lessons. Isatou reflects on her experience as a young leader entering the public service field through her Coro summer internship, offering insights into youth leadership, and the next generation of changemakers.

If you’re interested in civic engagement, local politics, youth leadership, or building a career in public service, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration.

Episode 001: “Dancing Through the Red Tape”

Think Top Chef — but for welders, machinists and engineers. Ray Dick, founder of Project MFG and creator of the reality show Clash of Trades, discusses how his organization is inspiring the next generation of manufacturers through hands-on competition and community engagement. He shares how Project MFG evolved from local events into a national showcase during COVID, highlights its role in addressing the skilled labor shortage, and emphasizes manufacturing’s importance to economic and national security. Dick also explores how inclusivity and purpose-driven education can attract more people into the trades.

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This YouTube Manufacturing Competition Takes the Next Generation from Reality TV to Real Careers

Workforce Virginia - Episode 1 - Certifications

Recently, Workforce Opportunity Services' Dr. Art Langer, Marsha Hook, and past WOS-Consultant, Chris Burrell, were recently interviewed on z100 Get Active radio show.

WOS on z100 Get Active

As the world gets smaller, the talent pools available to firms are getting much, much larger. By bringing employers and workers together and solving key challenges of contracting at a distance, digital labor platforms are changing the way work is done. Professor Chris Stanton, who has studied them for over a decade, discusses the ins and outs of tapping into these labor sources, how workers in these marketplaces compete, and how platforms are disrupting management. Are physical offices a thing of the past?

Ep 13: Work without borders: How digital platforms are transforming the way firms get things done

Elaine Duke, manager, and Jude Hannam lead practitioner, Strengthening Families, Salford, talk about the group work they do with women during pregnancies and after the birth of their children.

Group Work - Strengthening Families

I am Dhruv Banga, currently working with CII Skills, where I focus on initiatives that empower youth through skill development, vocational training, and career readiness.

I’m passionate about creating real impact by connecting students and job seekers with industry-aligned opportunities. At CII, I work closely on promoting Model Career Centres (MCCs), supporting employer-led training programs, and building scalable solutions for a job-ready workforce. I regularly share updates, insights, and resources that help bridge the gap between education and employment in India.

Manufacturing is having a moment. But what will it actually take to create more blue-collar jobs and strengthen our industrial base? Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul chats with policymakers, manufacturing experts and factory workers to find out.

At Research in Practice, we bring together academic research, practice expertise and the experiences of people accessing services. We then apply this knowledge to develop a range of resources and learning opportunities, as well as delivering tailored services, expertise and training.

We work closely with professionals across the children, families and adult sectors to ensure our work is truly sector-led and responds to the most pressing issues.

We recruit #underserved young adults and #veterans for professional #careers through various skill-based education and mentoring programs.

Resources Radio is a weekly podcast by Resources for the Future. Each week we talk to leading experts about climate change, electricity, ecosystems, and more, making the latest research accessible to everyone.

Popular tracks tagged #workforce development