Focus on Manatee: Regional workforce development takes collective approach

The concept of collective impact is making its way through communities looking to solve complex social challenges.

Regional workforce development plays a significant role in collective impact as well, and with such connectivity to other social challenges including poverty, affordable housing, transportation, mental health, and so much more, this approach is required to meet the diverse needs of our community. The approach of isolated intervention for individuals in need is no longer acceptable on its own and requires cross-sector coordination to solve these complex challenges.

At the beginning of each year, the mindset of “new starts” takes place. If there was one thing, we, as a workforce board believe it’s the power of partnerships and a coalition of individuals working together towards similar goals. The fundamental framework of collective impact includes utilizing a common agenda, ongoing communication, a shared approach of measuring progress, and mutually reinforcing activities.

Today’s challenges represent a unique opportunity for organizations such as CareerSource Suncoast that often sit at the intersection of business, jobseekers, community agencies, and education to convene partners to develop new ways of developing a holistic approach to workforce development.

In 2018, leaders from various organizations in Sarasota and Manatee counties came together to discuss this idea of collectively approaching workforce development as a region. This initiative called Aligned for Talent has leaders from organizations including early childhood education, technical colleges, state and university systems, local philanthropic organizations, and collaborators working in conjunction with common measures and goals. This cross-sector approach to solving the complexity of our local workforce understands conceptually the long-term effort in this work and is committed to overcoming barriers and serving people of this community.

In 2020, the hope of building a path forward collectively to accomplish great things for this community is on the minds of all involved and we look forward to sharing updates of this work in the coming months.

Ted Ehrlichman is president & CEO of CareerSource Suncoast.