Pathways to Employment Webinar Series

Behind the Software:

Telling Stories of Client Success

The Pathways to Employment (P2E) webinar series aims to tell the stories that power our platforms. We hope that attendees of this series will:

Learn something new
Answer a burning question
Take away a new approach

Each episode has highlighted our clients and partners performing outstanding work, such as:

Reducing recidivism
Using virtual service delivery
Helping career seekers upskill
Assisting students with career planning
Surveying the labor market
Serving populations with barriers
...and so much more!

View resources from each of our previous episodes below. And check back frequently on this page for the next event in this series.

Webinar Replay: Trends in Apprenticeship

In November, our Pathways to Employment webinar series featured a panel discussion with industry experts from Tennessee, Missouri, and Maryland, who discussed the evolving landscape of apprenticeships. Panelists Lynn Kirby from Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Donna Brake from Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development, and Logan Dean from Maryland Department of Labor shared valuable insights on current trends in apprenticeships, career pathway growth, state and federal statistics, and the utilization of expansion grants. They also shared insights and tips for workforce agency staff members based on their years of experience in the field.

View the recording below to catch up on this insightful presentation and learn more about this innovative program.

Webinar Replay: Creating Second Chances with the E2E Network

In July, our Pathways to Employment audience learned about the groundbreaking Entry to Employment (E2E) network from CALPIA’s Rusty Bechtold. This initiative, launched in June 2024, provides second-chance job seekers with secure job offers before leaving prison, potentially transforming the landscape of reentry employment. The webinar highlighted the importance of high-tech, web-based job search and recruitment, especially for reentry and second-chance employment. Participants also gained insights into the latest trends in the reentry industry and the careful design of the E2E system to best serve its users.

View the recording below to catch up on this insightful presentation and learn more about this innovative program.

Webinar Replay: The State of the Labor Market

In April, our Pathways to Employment audience was treated to insights on the state of the labor market with panelists from New Mexico and Colorado. They were also joined by Geographic Solutions' own economist, Phillip Sprehe. These three experts shared their state and national-level perspectives on labor market trends and issues, including the labor force participation rate, industry and occupational outlooks, the effects of education and skills development on employment opportunities, disparities in employment based on specific demographics, and cutting-edge ways in which they are using labor market data and tools.

View the recording below to catch up on the latest analyst insights.

WIOA, Politics & Technology: What's in Store for 2024

In January, we partnered with Workforce180 to feature several influential panelists in workforce development during a live town hall event. The panelists included Mike Fazio, Co-President of Workforce180/Matrix Learning; Paul Toomey, President and CEO of Geographic Solutions; Brad Turner-Little, President and CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards; Melissa Robbins, CEO of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals; and La Tunya Goodwin, Executive Director of WorkSource East Central Georgia. These industry leaders probed issues such as WIOA reauthorization, the impact of new technology, such as artificial intelligence, on the workforce, and trends expected to influence workforce development throughout 2024. Attendees will be able to use the information discussed during this event to set goals and forecast outcomes in the coming year.

Webinar Replay: State of Reentry Panel Discussion

Our most recent Pathways to Employment webinar, which was held on Tuesday, May 23, featured four experts in the field of reentry employment. Each one provided their insights on the state of the industry, and pinpointed the many challenges faced by those reentering the workforce, such as housing, transportation, resources, and financial literacy. They also discussed ways as to how employers can positively impact human resource policies by removing the stigma of hiring justice-involved job seekers.

If you missed the initial live webinar and would like to watch this insightful discussion, watch the recording below.

Webinar Replay: Thriving in the Gig Economy

In our previous Pathways webinar, we brought together a panel of international experts from the US, UK, and Germany to provide insights, perspective and answers to your questions regarding the many nuances of the gig economy.

Gig workers rely on flexible, temporary, or freelance jobs. Some of the most notable gig jobs are represented on different continents by companies such as DoorDash, Deliveroo, Upwork, Fiverr, Uber, and Airbnb. The United Nations have also included this type of work in the Sustainable Development Goals.

It’s projected that by 2027, the gig economy will make up 50.9% of the total U.S. workforce. The EU estimates that the number of people working for digital platforms across the continent will grow from 28 million to 43 million by 2025. In a 2021 report from Adobe titled "The Future of Time," its research showed that 51% of respondents favored complete flexibility in their work schedules.

To learn more, click on the image link below to watch the replay of this panel discussion.

Webinar Replay: Trends in Employment for Persons with Disabilities

The impacts of the pandemic are still being recognized in all areas of our lives; this includes the world of work and how the changes impact persons with disabilities. And earlier this week, we hosted a panel discussion with three experts from the accessibility industry.

Our panelists shared a discussion about trends in unemployment from the beginning of the pandemic until now, how to support people with the most significant disabilities so they can have success in the competitive labor market, workplace flexibility, and so much more.

Watch the recording of this panel discussion to find out more.

Webinar Replay: Preparing the Youth with Future Job Skills

The youth are the future of our workforce, and in May, we hosted a panel discussion with experts from across the United States.

During this session, the audience heard our panelists share information about:

The regions and programs that they oversee and serve
How they each uniquely work to prepare the youth for the workforce
How the use of technology has grown to be a key factor in keeping youth engaged
The positive effect that has happened for youth employment because of rapid digital transformation, including flexible work schedules, increased benefits, and higher wages
New skills that the younger generations are bringing as they enter the workforce
...and so much more!

Our webinar audience also engaged in the discussion through a series of interactive polls. When asked about their insight on top skills needed for youth entering the workforce, motivation, support, and communication received the most votes. Accountability and soft skills trailed closely behind.

Webinar Replay: The State of Apprenticeships

In 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) announced plans to expand apprenticeships in the United States, establishing a process for the development of high-quality, industry-recognized programs. They created a new system that paved the way for educational institutions to receive grants when they partner with employers. Fast forward to 2022, and apprenticeships are white-hot.

In February's Pathways to Employment webinar, our panel of experts shared their knowledge on:

The rate of growth for apprenticeships in their area
The "why" behind the urgent and timely need for apprentices
Ways that apprenticeship stigma can be broken
New approaches for agencies seeking program funding
Tips for working with employers to develop programs

Watch the video from our State of Apprenticeships panel to find out more.

Webinar Replay: Tri-Parish Works Pivots During the Pandemic

To Deliver High-Quality Service

Within 24 hours of the 2020 economic shutdown, Louisiana's Tri-Parish Works began planning how to prepare staff member to quickly and efficiently pivot.

Their preparations included:

Developing a contingency plan
Creating a work-from-home strategy for flow and accountability
Identifying quick and low-cost logistical solutions

Following these steps resulted in a unique brand of center-wide service delivery responsible for fielding 23,000 calls, texts, and emails.

18 months later, this team is pivoting again to aid in the economic recovery. They've learned that resilience and sustainability plans are critical; that flexibility bears opportunities to overcome obstacles; and to remember the "why" for the work that they do.

Find out more about this team's incredible effort during the pandemic by viewing the resources below.

Webinar Replay: How the NCWorks Veterans Portal

Helps Returning Service Members Find Employment

In November, we heard from the North Carolina Department of Commerce and their veterans employment services program.

By partnering with Geographic Solutions -- and through collaboration between several interdepartmental teams -- the NCWorks Veterans Portal was created to assist veterans, transitioning service members, and eligible spouses.

Download a PDF version of the slide deck, and watch a recording of the presentation by clicking below.

Webinar Replay: How Texans are Skilling Up

To Gain Employment in High-Demand Industries

In April of 2020, unemployment levels reached historic heights in the state of Texas. As a result, there was an increased need for a range of services to support businesses and workers, including the unemployed. The Texas Workforce Commission partnered with Metrix Learning to offer online skills gain and certification services.

Download a PDF version of the slide deck, and watch a recording of the presentation by clicking below.

Webinar Replay: The CDLE Uses Labor Market Data

To Support Colorado's Economic Recovery

During our July episode of Pathways to Employment, we heard from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's (CDLE) Economist, Monicque Aragon, about using labor market information to bolster the state's economic recovery.

In 2006, the CDLE partnered with Geographic Solutions to launch the Colorado Labor Market Information (COLMI) Gateway, the official online source for estimating and measuring:

Non-farm payroll jobs
Labor force
Total unemployment
Number of unemployed
Unemployment rate
Occupation wages and employment
Industry wages and employment

Shortly before the pandemic, the CDLE created a method to disseminate economic data by hosting the information on the COLMI Gateway. They used a simple email subscription list for agencies, media outlets, and more to receive the data. Initially garnering 200 signups, the list has now swelled into the thousands as the pandemic persists.

Learn more about how Monicque and her team at the CDLE is using the COLMI Gateway on the state's path to economic recovery by watching the webinar recap video and viewing a PDF version of the presentation.

Webinar Replay: The Jobs First Employment Services Program

Helps Connecticut with Reemployment

Our May Pathways to Employment webinar highlighted the Connecticut Department of Labor's (CTDOL) work administering the Jobs First Employment Services (JFES) program.

The program provides employment services to time-limited recipients of Temporary Family Assistance, and helps parents gain skills to obtain employment and become independent of cash assistance. Team members at the CTDOL partner with Connecticut's Department of Social Services and the five state workforce development boards.

The CTDOL team also partners with Workforce Alliance, and the Refugee Resettlement Agency with an embedded JFES case manager to provide refugee assistance.

Webinar Replay: Pathways to Employment with Maria Smith

Thriving in a Changing World

Our April Pathways to Employment webinar featured Maria Smith, CEO and Founder of Bounce, and former keynote speaker at the 2019 Workforce Technology Conference.

Her presentation focused on how to bounce back and thrive after major challenges, and how to cope with stress in positive ways. She discussed working in strengths, the stages of change, building resilience in others, and the two distinct systems that impact our decision-making process.

Download the slide deck and view a recording of the presentation to replay your favorite parts of the event.

Bounce Soft Skills: bouncesoftskills.com/helping-clients

Job Coach Quiz: www.thewayfinders.com.au/job-coach-quiz

Webinar Replay: Pathways to Employment with New Mexico

Find out How New Mexico Developed a Virtual Career-Planning Platform

In the third installment of our Pathways to Employment webinar series, Economist Michelle Doran and Youth Engagement Coordinator Rebecca Sisneros discussed the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions' (NMDWS) journey to develop the Career Solutions Portal, a virtual career planning platform.

The Career Solutions Portal specifically targets youth within the state of New Mexico. NMDWS approached Geographic Solutions to work on this project based on a foundation that was started with two existing systems: Labor Analysis Statistics and Economic Research (LASER), and the New Mexico Workforce Connection. Today, the Career Solutions Portal serves approximately 89 school districts and 338,220 students.

But, these resources aren't limited to young people.

Adults seeking change or facing barriers are able to use these tools when they need help moving forward or creating their unique pathway to success. The Career Solutions Portal has also inspired statewide curriculum and a facilitators' guide. Through a series of lessons, the guide outlines success strategies and encourages career exploration.

Check out the webinar video to hear Michelle and Rebecca discuss the Career Solutions Portal.

Webinar Replay: Pathways to Employment Service Delivery

To find out how North Carolina used Innovative Avenues for Service Delivery

In our second Pathways to Employment webinar, the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Guilford County (Greensboro) teams described how they implemented many of Geographic Solutions' staff efficiency and no-touch service delivery tools prior to and during the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

As many agencies were instructed to work from home, staff members in North Carolina successfully navigated the challenges that many agencies faced across the nation: signing and uploading documents remotely and securely, using live chat to serve an influx of individuals, and effectively capturing digital signatures, just to name a few. Hear how they met the challenge of providing remote service delivery, while maintaining high levels of business continuity

Download the presentation and listen to the entire webinar. And, keep an eye out for the next event in our Pathways to Employment webinar series.

Webinar Replay: Pathways to Employment Recidivism

How Tulare Keeps Recidivism Rates Low

In the kickoff to our Pathways to Employment webinar series, the Tulare County team described how they maintain their area's recidivism rate with the RESET program and custom portal. With Tulare County's Employment Connection, Probation Department, and Workforce Investment Boards working as a team, the group facilitates the process of employing justice-involved individuals after release from jail or prison.