Episode 19: Strengths-Based Practices to Support Neurodiversity at Work In honor of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, March 13 – 19, Scott Michael Robertson, Ph.D., Senior Policy Adviser in the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, gives tips and advice for taking a strengths-based approach to supporting neurodiversity in the workplace. Robertson uses his personal experiences as an autistic man to illustrate his suggestions.
Webinar: Empowering Stories from Black Women in Inclusive Apprenticeships Empowering Stories from Black Women in Inclusive Apprenticeships Webinar Tuesday, February 28, 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET Join the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and the Office of Apprenticeship (OA) for a webinar honoring Black History Month on Tuesday, February 28th, at 2:00 p.m. ET. This virtual event will feature apprentices as well as guests from the Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship (PIA), an initiative funded by ODEP. PIA’s experts will share resources, tools, and ideas to help you create inclusive apprenticeship programs that are appealing to apprentices from underrepresented groups. During the webinar, you will also hear success stories from Black female apprentices (one who is a Veteran and one who has a disability) and learn about the many benefits of apprenticeship. Moderators Scott Michael Robertson, Ph.D. Dr. Robertson is an autistic adult and a senior policy advisor in the Office of Disability Employment Policy in the U.S. Department of Labor. Randy Copeland Randy Copeland is a Program Analyst on the Business Engagement Team in the Office of Apprenticeship. Panelists Nikcole Johnson Nikcole Johnson will share her experience pursuing an accessible technology apprenticeship with Helix Opportunity after being diagnosed...
The Clean Energy Workforce A Powerhouse of Accessible Employment Opportunities The Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship (PIA) collaborates with leaders from government, the clean energy sector, advocacy organizations, community organizations, professional associations, research organizations, and academia to help make clean energy apprenticeship programs more inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities. Apprenticeship programs and other workforce development programs can build a pipeline of diverse, untapped talent to fill a growing number of clean energy jobs. About this Paper Jobs by Sector Employment Challenges and Opportunities References About this Paper The energy economy powers U.S. homes and businesses, lights our streets, and enables us to freely travel around the U.S. by a range of modes of transportation. Indeed, energy use and development form the backbone of the modern developed world. They also serve as a major driver of gainful employment and career paths in the U.S. and many other countries. At the end of 2021, the energy workforce represented more than 5 percent of total employment in the U.S. (when including electric power generation, transmission, extraction, fuel storage, energy efficiency, and motor vehicles).1,2 Although the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant economic slowdown in 2020, employment in the energy sector still involved...
Episode 17: Not Your Grandfather’s Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships in Nontraditional Sectors Joshua Johnson, Director of Jobs for the Future’s National Innovation Hub for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in Registered Apprenticeship, discusses the importance of promoting apprenticeship in nontraditional sectors, disability disclosure challenges, and his passion for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
This article is reprinted from Solar Power World with the permission of the editor. According to the United States Energy and Employment Report (USEER) 2021, much of the clean energy sector experienced job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the solar industry saw an 8% decline in jobs. In 2020, the industry began rebounding, bringing an influx of 560,000 jobs into the energy sector and a continued need for solar workers. As we turn the corner into 2022, experts anticipate continued growth in solar jobs. A recent study from the U.S. Department of Energy projects that the solar industry will employ between 500,000 and 1.5 million American workers by 2035. Though increasingly optimistic about the future outlook, many industry leaders face major hurdles to recruit and hire experienced candidates to fill the growing number of clean energy jobs. As outlined in the 2021 USEER report, 88% of companies in the electric power generation sector reported: “It was either somewhat difficult (69%) or very difficult (20%) to find new employees.” At the same time, the energy sector is “less diverse than the nation as a whole,” and employers are seeking ways to build diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible workplaces. Apprenticeship programs that are designed to...
As the economy recovers from the pandemic, states are exploring a variety of strategies to strengthen an important career pathway for all, including individuals with disabilities, through apprenticeship programs in fields like state government, health care, information technology, and cybersecurity. The report incorporates input from dozens of apprenticeship program officials and experts around the country, examples from 30 states, and a comprehensive list of suggested strategies across four categories for states to consider based on programs that already have seen success around the country.
Episode 9: Dr. James McNeil, vocational rehabilitation, disability management, and HR compliance expert Dr. James McNeil, a recognized expert in vocational rehabilitation, disability management, and HR compliance discusses the positive effect of disability inclusion training for employers and how appropriate accommodations are allowing employers to grow a dedicated and skilled workforce while addressing intersectionality and its impact on their DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility) goals.
Episode 7: Mary Wright, Program Manager for SHRM Human Resources Registered Apprenticeship Program Mary Wright, Program Manager for the newly launched SHRM Human Resources Registered Apprenticeship Program, discusses how “earn and learn” apprenticeships are helping to close the skills gap and enable employers to access new workforce talent. https://inclusiveapprenticeship.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Ep-311-PIA-Series-Mary_Wright_Apprenticeship_Program_Mgr_SHRM.mp3 Transcript Introduction: [00:00:00.96] Welcome to the Workology Podcast, a podcast for the disruptive workplace leader. Join host Jessica Miller-Merrell, founder of Workology.com, as she sits down and gets to the bottom of trends, tools and case studies for the business leader, HR and recruiting professional who is tired of the status quo. Now, here's Jessica with this episode of Workology. Jessica Miller-Merrell: [00:00:26.73] This episode of the Workology podcast is part of a podcast series powered by the Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship, or PIA. PIA is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, or ODEP. In November of 2020, ODEP launched PIA to ensure all apprenticeship programs are inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities. PIA collaborates with employers and apprentice programs to help meet employer talent needs and enable people with disabilities to benefit from apprenticeships that increase their opportunities for lifelong access to high...
With the push for “green jobs,” this analysis by the Brookings Institute is designed to help energy-sector professionals, state and local policymakers, regional education and training sector leaders, and community organizations get a clearer look at the nature, needs, and opportunities associated with the future clean energy workforce. This analysis explores the extent to which such occupations will offer inclusive pathways to economic opportunity.
Episode 6: Jackie Black, Director of Membership for the Consumer Technology Association Jackie Black, Director of Membership for the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), discusses the tech industry’s commitment to growing a diverse and inclusive 21st century workforce. She dives into how CTA's dedicated Future of Work initiatives, including the Apprenticeship Coalition and the 21st Century Workforce Council, are getting people back to work and preparing the workforce for the jobs of the future. https://inclusiveapprenticeship.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ep-302-Jackie_Black_CTA.mp3 Transcript Introduction: [00:00:00.96] Welcome to the Workology Podcast, a podcast for the disruptive workplace leader. Join host Jessica Miller-Merrill, founder of Workology.com, as she sits down and gets to the bottom of trends, tools and case studies for the business leader, HR and recruiting professional who is tired of the status quo. Now, here's Jessica with this episode of Workology. Jessica Miller-Merrell: [00:00:26.22] This episode of the Workology podcast is part of a podcast series powered by the Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship, or PIA. PIA is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, or ODEP. In November of 2020 ODEP launched PIA to ensure all apprenticeship programs are inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities. PIA collaborates with employers and apprenticeship programs to...
Episode 5: Josh Christianson, Project Director at the Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship (PIA) Josh Christianson, Project Director at the Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship (PIA), discusses the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce, how inclusive apprenticeship programs can support organizations’ diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts (DEIA), and what it means to approach employment practices through an intersectional lens. https://inclusiveapprenticeship.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Ep-298_inclusive_apprenticeship_programs.mp3 Transcript Introduction: [00:00:00.96] Welcome to the Workology Podcast, a podcast for the disruptive workplace leader. Join host Jessica Miller-Merrill, founder of Workology.com, as she sits down and gets to the bottom of trends, tools and case studies for the business leader, HR and recruiting professional who is tired of the status quo. Now, here's Jessica with this episode of Workology. Jessica Miller-Merrell: [00:00:26.62] The Workology podcast is sponsored by UpscaleHR and Ace The HR Exam. This episode of the Workology podcast is part of a podcast series powered by the Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeships, or PIA. PIA is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, or ODEP. In November of 2020, ODEP launched PIA to ensure all apprenticeship programs are inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities. PIA collaborates with employers and apprenticeship programs to...
The pandemic has disrupted the personal finances of many Americans. As a result, large numbers of people — including those with disabilities — are making employment–related decisions based on their new financial situation. This toolkit provides a path forward, based on where the individual is in the employment journey, in the following topic areas: Preparing for a Job, Starting a Job, Maintaining a Job, Changing or Losing a Job, and Retiring from a Job — for answers to important questions, including tools and resources to help meet financial goals.
Episode 4: Devin Boyle, Director of Communications for PIA Inclusive apprenticeship programs help employers build a diverse and inclusive workforce of trained professionals, including those with mental health disabilities. Devin Boyle, Director of Communications for PIA, dispels the myths and stigma around mental health, opens up about her own bipolar disorder and PTSD, and discusses the benefits of hiring apprentices and employees with mental health and other invisible disabilities. https://inclusiveapprenticeship.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ep-291-Partnership_on_inclusiveapprenticeships.mp3 Transcript Intro: [00:00:00.96] Welcome to the Workology Podcast, a podcast for the disruptive workplace leader. Join host Jessica Miller-Merrell, founder of Workology.com, as she sits down and gets to the bottom of trends, tools and case studies for the business leader, HR and recruiting professional who is tired of the status quo. Now, here's Jessica with this episode of Workology. Jessica Miller-Merrell: [00:00:26.73] The Workology podcast is sponsored by Upskill HR and Ace the HR Exam. This episode of the Workology Podcast is part of a series powered by the Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship, or PIA. PIA is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, also known as ODEP. In November of 2020, ODEP launched PIA to ensure all apprenticeship programs are inclusive and accessible...
Episode 3: Jennifer Carlson, Executive Director of WTIA Workforce Institute. Inclusive apprenticeship programs can help employers train their future workforce. Jennifer said “We can’t create enough talent out of the traditional university ranks. We’re graduating approximately 75,000 people a year from computer science degrees, which is the first line of defense where companies go for talent. On average, there are 3 million jobs posted in tech every year. Investing in creating new talent is actually more effective and less costly, and it creates a more loyal workforce for companies that are making this investment.” https://inclusiveapprenticeship.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ep-278-jennifer-carlson-from-apprenti-1.mp3 Transcript Intro: [00:00:00.96] Welcome to the Workology Podcast, a podcast for the disruptive workplace leader. Join host Jessica Miller-Merrell, founder of Workology.com, as she sits down and gets to the bottom of trends, tools, and case studies for the business leader, HR and recruiting professional who is tired of the status quo. Now, here's Jessica with this episode of Workology. Jessica Miller-Merrell: [00:00:26.19] More and more companies are discovering a proven strategy for building a highly skilled workforce supporting the growth and success of their business, and that is through apprenticeship programs. Combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training, apprenticeship programs can help your company bring...
Episode 2: Sassy Outwater-Wright, executive director of the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) More and more companies are discovering a proven strategy for building a highly-skilled workforce to grow and to thrive: apprenticeship programs. Combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training, apprenticeship programs can help your company bring new and more diverse talent into the workplace. https://inclusiveapprenticeship.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Episode-271-How-Apprenticeships-Help-People-with-Disabilities-Find-Work.mp3 Transcript Intro: [00:00:00.15] Welcome to the Workology Podcast, a podcast for the disruptive workplace leader. Join host Jessica Miller-Merrell, founder of Workology.com, as she sits down and gets to the bottom of trends, tools and case studies for the business leader, HR and recruiting professional who is tired of the status quo. Now, here's Jessica with this episode of Workology. Jessica Miller-Merrell: [00:00:25.53] This episode of the Workology podcast is part of a new podcast series powered by the Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship or PIA. PIA is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, or ODEP. In November, ODEP launched PIA to ensure all apprenticeship programs are inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities. PIA collaborates with employers and apprenticeship programs to help meet employer talent needs and enable people with disabilities to benefit from...
Episode 1: Vinz Koller, Senior Strategist for Capacity Building at Social Policy Research (SPR) Associates Vinz discusses what employers and HR leaders should know about the benefits of investing in inclusive apprenticeship programs https://inclusiveapprenticeship.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ep-264-CHRO_Series_Vinz-Koller-KC-Render-1.22.21.mp3 Transcript Intro: [00:00:00.15] Welcome to the Workology Podcast, a podcast for the disruptive workplace leader. Join host Jessica Miller-Merrell, founder of Workology.com, as she sits down and gets to the bottom of trends, tools, and case studies for the business leader, HR, and recruiting professional who is tired of the status quo. Now, here's Jessica with this episode of Workology. Jessica Miller-Merrell: [00:00:25.32] More and more companies are discovering a proven strategy for building a highly skilled workforce to grow and to thrive. That is through apprenticeship programs. Combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training, apprenticeship programs can help your company bring a new and a more diverse talent pool into your workplace. This episode of the Workology podcast is part of a new podcast series powered by the Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship, or PIA. PIA is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, or ODEP. In November, ODEP launched PIA to ensure all apprenticeship programs are inclusive and accessible to people...
