"Workforce Solutions: A Business and Education Dialogue" is the name of the event Nevadaworks is sponsoring on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at the Nugget in Sparks. The purpose of this event is to bring representatives of various businesses and educational organizations together in the same room to network and learn from each other. Simple enough.
Or is it?
For years I have worked with businesses whose leaders have broadly complained that local educational institutions just do not understand their workforce needs. They lament the lack of understanding among educators of the need to implement training and innovation on the schedule of business. They wonder why individuals aren't graduating from school totally prepared for work.
At the same time, I have been listening to educational leaders bemoan the fact that businesses do not know of the wide variety of training currently available in this community. These educators are often quite proud of their innovative training and the speed with which they create new offerings. They feel they are responding appropriately but are not receiving the respect they are due.
As is usual in situations such as this, both sides are correct in their assessments. Everyone is right and everyone is wrong. Enter Nevadaworks. Much workforce research on our part has occurred and it has revealed that the old phrase "I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant" is very true. Talk has been ongoing between these groups but understanding has been limited. Definitions have not been explained. Full understanding of what is being said is missing. Perceptions have become realities.
Nevadaworks decided to try and begin remedying this problem. What if it sponsored a program that brought together decision makers from business and education to communicate with each other? With no preconceived agendas? In a neutral setting? At no cost to any participant? With the goal of everyone learning and sharing from each other? Won't the entire region benefit?
At the end of September, we will have the answers to these questions and my hope is all the answers will be very positive.
This event is not structured in the usual "expert talking heads" manner. There will be one-on-one interaction, information from each element present and a group brainstorming event. There is no specific end result programmed. Instead, Nevadaworks wants each participant to leave with that which is important to them, to return to their work place and continue any dialogues started that day. We want everyone present to decide the end result that is best for their entity.
This program is not for everyone. Individuals seeking specific solutions to unique employee needs may not find the answers they seek.
Educators who are very proud of their current training offerings may be offended that business leaders disagree with their assessments. Those who just want a return to yesterday and its comfort levels will become even more uncomfortable.
Who should attend? Anyone willing to participate in change. Anyone willing to listen to new approaches to old problems. Anyone willing to take time to thoroughly explain their workforce needs in a detailed and specific manner rather than in broad general terms that say nothing.
This program is not meant just for senior managers or only for newly hired supervisors or just educational administrators. This event should be attended by a representative cross section of each organization's generational structure. A multi-generational group from the same organization will be able to discuss and debate ideas from this program
long after the session is over. One point of view from an event such as
this is not enough. Multiple interpretations of the same point will be
far more educational.
Smaller organizations should send senior decision makers, executives and owners. They should bring others like themselves from associations in which they participate so they can continue the networking as a group.
Nevadaworks realizes that each organization has rules that have evolved over time and that must be followed. Educators must follow a series of laws laid down by governments. Businesses managers must often answer to the head office. Entrepreneurs always want to do it their way. And everyone wonders why the other person can't change.
Nevadaworks' goal is that everyone attending will leave rigidities and prejudices at home. This will be a time to stop complaining and do something. Elaborate on a specific need. Stress the value added your organization gives others in the room. Learn something new. Hear a fresh thought. Overcome mental barriers. Start structuring the workplace future your organization needs or can deliver to others.
Hopefully I have your interest and have created some excitement about attending. Since this is not a general walk-in event, it is necessary to receive an invitation. As your total cost will be your time that morning, Nevadaworks wants a firm commitment from all those who want to attend. A commitment to be there because it is important to know what is available and to network and share your needs. Once you commit to this limited seating program, Nevadaworks wants you there and wants you to feel rewarded for attending.
To receive an invitation, you must contact me (775-828-7194, tom@nevadaworks.com) and share what you hope to learn from this dialogue and what you might have to offer others. Nevadaworks will send invitations to a variety of attendees from each worker generation and from companies and organizations of all sizes.
Nevada's workforce is under constant pressure to improve, Nevada's businesses must be cutting edge and all educational systems in the region must be innovative. We are all in this together. Ask for your invitation.
Now is the time to take positive action.
Tom Fitzgerald is chief executive officer of Nevadaworks.
