Share Tweet Share Email

Registration open for Future Focus: Preparing for Workforce 2020 Conference

January 15, 2015

6237130c4f614d3c81d91442e87d9b5f[1]Join the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University for a Feb. 19 conference to promote cross functional collaboration that helps decision-makers and practitioners identify and implement future-focused workforce enhancement strategies. Participants will learn about the latest research and information on workforce trends, policies, and practices plus find ways to collaborate on regional approaches.

Center for Governmental StudiesU.S. Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez has been invited to update participants on the evolving regulatory environment that will shape the future of workforce development. Peter Cappelli, Director of Wharton’s Center for Human Resources, will challenge conventional wisdom that the education system is failing and propose a new approach to addressing the skills gap. An economic overview will also be provided by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

A plenary session will explore important demographic and economic trends shaping the current and future workforce and how data is being used to help policymakers anticipate future skill needs at the local, regional, and state levels. The afternoon will consist of panels highlighting three key components of talent development: Attracting and Retaining Talent; Upgrading Skills of the Under-Qualified; and Overcoming Barriers to Employment.

A dependable and well-prepared workforce will be key to maintaining economic growth in the next several years. This conference will provide opportunities to hear about promising practices in workforce development, and to join with others to consider future minded strategies.

The one-day event runs from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Thursday, February 19, at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 3rd Floor Conference Center, 230 South LaSalle Street, Chicago. Preregistration is required. Cost is $50, and no onsite payments will be accepted.

For additional information about this event, please contact Jason Keller at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.