Holcomb Talks Talent Connections
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowGovernor Eric Holcomb is using a national gathering in Washington D.C. to tout the state’s ongoing work to connect 16-to-24 year-olds with skills they need to find work after graduation. Holcomb, who serves as chair of the Jobs for America’s Graduates board of directors, is the featured speaker at the organization’s 2018 National Thought Leader event. He says Indiana currently has about 85,000 unfilled jobs, a figure he believes might actually be a low estimate.
During a presentation to students and stakeholders of the program, Holcomb said the state and nation have to think holistically about filling the talent pipeline. "We want to make sure that our workforce development programs, our economic development programs work and the test of time," he said, "and that we are nimble enough so that we are conducting our business at the speed of your business."
Indiana launched its participation in JAG in 2006 when Holcomb was a staffer for then-Governor Mitch Daniels. Monday’s discussion focused on national workforce challenges and gave the governor the opportunity to talk about programs like JAG and Indiana’s recently-announced participation in the Skillful initiative, which connects workers and employers to identify skills and training pathways to fill gaps in the workforce. JAG provides mentoring support and work-based experience for students. In Indiana, JAG launched in more than 12 schools and is looking to grow its presence by more than 250 schools. Thousands of students have participated in Indiana JAG programming since its introduction in the state.
During a presentation to students and stakeholders of the program, Governor Eric Holcomb said the state and nation have to think holistically about filling the job creation and talent pipeline.