ACT Ready for Work Podcast

Disaster and Economic Recovery for Workforce Development

Podcast Three-Part Series:
Disaster and Economic Recovery for Workforce Development 

Unexpected and widespread joblessness hit 2020’s second quarter and defined much of the remaining year. While the COVID-19 pandemic continually impacts everyday life, it underscores the important role that workforce developers play in building resilient workforce ecosystems. 

ACT has developed a disaster recovery model that can be used for any disaster—natural, pandemic, or otherwise. ALEDA, which stands for Adapt, Lead, Engage, Deploy, and Analyze, provides a framework and next steps toward a more resilient future. Listen to each episode to hear from several experts from around the country. 

Adapt | Lead and Engage | Deploy and Analyze


Adapting for Recovery with Data, Skills, and Systems (Episode 22)

The first step in the ALEDA framework is to Adapt. This phase is the process of modifying and repositioning to meet the needs of your local economy. A key word, and one that’s a heavy focus of Episode 22, is local. A focus on local data, skills, and systems inform necessary pivots from job seekers and employees, businesses and communities. 
 

Guests

Mary LeFebvre,
ACT Governmental Affairs 

Eric Canada,
Blane-Canada Ltd.

Chris Manheim,
Manheim Solutions and Certified WorkKeys Profiler 

Virginia Hamiliton,
WorkforceGPS 

Sean McCoy,
Public Consulting Group 

Leading and Engaging Recovery and Resiliency (Episode 23)

The next steps are to Lead and Engage–which are both covered in episode 23. Lisa Rice, a workforce director-turned-leadership consultant, offers perspective on three helpful qualities for a leader of disaster recovery as well as advice for those who are new to a skills-based approach. 

You'll also hear from the individual who offers experience from the last economic recession. Mike Longo is a workforce director in Lorain County, Ohio, a certified ACT Work Ready Community. Through the OhioMeansJobs centers, Mike shares more about his community’s “Make Your Lay Off Pay Off” initiative and ways to reform training and quality standards.   

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

Guests

Lisa Rice,
Every Strength Counts 

Mike Longo,
Lorain County Workforce Agency and OhioMeansJobs Center 

Ed Morrison, Agile Strategy Lab and
Co-Author, "Strategic Doing"

Deploy and Analyze Recovery and Resiliency Initiatives (Episode 24)

Episode 24 dives into the Deploy and Analyze phases. Learn how to overcome barriers in access and digital literacy when deploying recovery services remotely from Sean McCoy of Public Consulting Group. Best practices for virtual experiential learning, such as internships and apprenticeships, and remote instruction are shared Kelly Dyer from Missouri and Bronwyn Robertson in Mississippi, respectively. 

When it comes to analysis, we circled back with Mike Longo and Mary LeFebvre to share tips and considerations for understanding the outcomes of recovery efforts. 

Guests

Sean McCoy,
Public Consulting Group 

Kelly Dyer,
Missouri InternConnect and ApprenticeConnect 

Mike Longo,
Lorain County Workforce Agency and OhioMeansJobs Center 

Bronwyn Robertson,
Mississippi Adult Education Smart Start 

Mary LeFebvre,
ACT Governmental Affairs 

Resources

More episodes from Ready for Work you might enjoy!

Next Level Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning

John Wensvenn, Trudy Haszlauer, and Tammy Green

What's Trending in Workforce?

We pride ourselves on staying ahead of trends in workforce development and pioneering the next game-changing solution to help businesses thrive. Complete the form to receive your bi-monthly Workforce newsletter, where you'll learn about topics related to:

  • Upskilling
  • Economic Development
  • Talent Retention
  • Work-Based Learning
  • Corrections
  • Apprenticeships