October 2024 Opportunity Marketplace Recap

On October 2, 2024, over 85 local leaders gathered at the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation to ignite change in workforce development in Kent County. The Workforce Development Align and Design team, after months of refining strategies and initiatives, brought their vision to life — connecting community efforts to create clear pathways toward sustained, thriving careers for all talent in Kent County. Through shared investment, they’re committed to driving economic mobility and unlocking new opportunities for growth.

The event highlighted eleven powerful initiatives aligned with many of the suggested approaches detailed below and offered participants a chance to engage with the current state of the workforce development landscape in Kent County. Wende Randall from Kent County Essential Needs Task Force provided the current state of the landscape. Bill Guest and Nakisha Ricks-Pettyjohn with the National Skills Coalition presented on the future of workforce development. James Peacock III and Alison Freas from The Source provided the strategies we’re pursuing in workforce development.

Leaders collaborated and united around a common goal: implementing strategies that will reshape workforce development and propel Grand Rapids forward.

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The Path Forward for Workforce Development

Strategy 1: Awareness & Structure

Strengthen relationships and maintain consistent engagement across the workforce development ecosystem through system-level collaboration, building a more connected workforce that empowers individuals and helps businesses connect with skilled talent.

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Suggested Approaches

System-Level Facilitator: Appoint a collaborative of organizations or dedicated facilitator responsible for overseeing and coordinating the efforts of all stakeholders across the ecosystem.

Communications Strategy: Collaborate with corporate partners to gather information, coordinate events, and identify needs from workforce development stakeholders and employers (e.g., MI Works employer councils). The facilitator will work with this partner to synthesize the collected data and disseminate it through websites or other communication channels.

Monthly Employer and Partner Meetings: The facilitator will organize regular meetings that bring together employers and workforce development partners. These gatherings will foster collaboration, align efforts and ensure consistent progress toward shared goals.

Shared Language and Training: Build a collaborative framework that enables workforce development partners to share training programs and best practices. Allowing the exchange of resources such as curriculum, training equipment and facilities, maximizing the impact of limited resources and reducing duplication of efforts.

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Strategy 2: Alignment & Needs

Enhance talent flow by aligning workforce development initiatives with employer needs, equipping workers with relevant skills, and prioritizing job quality and advancement opportunities to ensure long-term success for both employees and businesses. 

Suggested Approaches

‍Living Wage Stipends for Training and Upskilling Program: Develop partnerships with employers, local government, and workforce development organizations to fund and implement living wage stipends for individuals participating in training programs.

Align with Industry Needs: Partner with workforce development initiatives in launching pilot programs tailored to specific industry needs or workforce development gaps.

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Strategy 3: Development & Advancement

Build a more equitable workforce by increasing the representation of diverse professionals into executive leadership roles, using a targeted approach that supports career development and reduces disparities.

Suggested Approaches

Intentional C-Suite Mentorship: Link leadership development with clear pathways to increased advancement and wages.

C-Suite Coalition: Partnership between industry leaders and nonprofits to create a coalition that supports and expands C-suite mentorship programs across various sectors within Kent County.