E97: Operation Next- Preparing Military Personnel for Careers in Advanced Manufacturing

In this episode, you’ll learn about Operation Next, and the work that they are doing preparing military personnel careers in advanced manufacturing. Launched as a pilot at Fort Campbell, Kentucky in early 2018, Operation Next is an innovative, manufacturing-focused training and credentialing initiative. Operation Next provides a blended learning program to soldiers within their last six months of service, but while still on active duty, resulting in the individual earning one or more nationally portable, standards-based, industry recognized credentials.

Dr. Jerry Paytas, Economic Development Pracademic, Vice President of Analytics at the Fourth Economy, joins the program to share his perspective on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.S. economy. Discover what workforce boards need to keep in mind when it comes to economic development, and what we can learn from the response from other countries.

Leo Reddy, CEO of the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, joins the program to discuss the importance of a strong national industrial base and the emerging technologies that are impacting the industry. Discover the changing perception and reality about modern manufacturing and the innovation that occurring in the manufacturing sector.

Dr. Alexandrea Ravenelle, author of Hustle and Gig: Struggling and Surviving in the Sharing Economy, joins the program to discuss the costs, benefits and social impact of freelance work and the gig economy. Discover the economic forces that have led to an increase in freelance work, and why some freelance workers do well in the gig economy while others struggle. Dr. Ravenelle also discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gig workers.
To get a copy of Hustle and Gig, visit: https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520300569/hustle-and-gig

Scott Stump, the Assistance Secretary of Career, Technical and Adult Education at the U.S. Department of Education, joins the program to reveal the work that the DOE is doing to ensure that all students have the education and skills that they need to find meaningful employment. Discover the acceleration towards digital learning and the changing nature of delivering education to students. Scott also shares his thoughts about the need to move past a “one size fits all” approach to education and how workforce boards can be part of the solution.

Musician and freelance worker Jastin Artis joins the program to discuss the challenges and opportunities of being a gig worker. Discover the skills needed to be successful in the gig economy, and lessons for workforce boards.

To hear learn more about Jastin and hear his music, visit: https://www.justapuppet.com/

Nick Schultz, Pacific Gateway Executive Director, joins host Ron Painter, President & CEO of NAWB, as they discuss the efforts that have been made to strengthen the workforce system in Long Beach, CA. Discover the unique opportunities that The Port of Long Beach provides to the area, the impact that automation has had on employment, and the takeaways for workforce boards.

Keith Lawing, President and Chief Executive Officer at Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas, Inc. joins host Ron Painter, President and CEO of NAWB, to discuss how they are preparing their workforce to meet the needs of employers. Discover the importance of industry and educational partnerships, and the mindset shift that is needed for the workforce system to evolve.