Phase 2 of the project, the Program Inventory & Alignment Strategy examined region-wide skill development assets at colleges and universities, as well as non-academic and community-based providers who address different industry needs. The resulting Supply-Demand Gap Analysis answers the questions “Are students pursuing degrees that are in demand and meeting the needs of key Toledo industries?” and “Does the region have the programs needed to meet employer demand?”
Based on the findings during the research phases of the project, last week we revealed a comprehensive Talent Alignment Strategy which provides recommendations on how to align and improve the region’s talent pipeline. The strategy includes high level goals for developing, retaining, and attracting talent within the region. These goals include several strategy recommendations for action, tactics to be deployed across the region and talent development systems, as well as a high-level implementation plan to guide strategic activity. The Talent Alignment Strategy answers the questions “How should the region collaborate to fill existing talent gaps and meet the needs of employers” and “How can providers boost or create programs that target industries and get recognized.”
Now our work begins to bring to life the strategies, tactics, systems and plans identified through this process. This is going to take everyone’s help. If you would like to get involved in executing the Toledo Region Talent Strategic Priorities, please contact Jeff Schaaf, Talent Attraction Manager, at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce at 419.243.8191 or [email protected]. You can also visit https://www.toledoregiontalent.com/ for more information.
* A special note of thanks to all of the funding partners who helped make this work possible: Lucas County, City of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, Fulton County Economic Development Corporation, Owens Community College, Penta Career Center, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, Toledo Community Foundation, The University of Toledo, Wood County Economic Development Commission