Objective

To discover how businesses can provide the training needed for high-paying jobs, especially for those without college degrees, and to understand the role of educational institutions and the impact of the benefits cliff on worker response.

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Subject Matter Experts:
●    Xavier Gonzalez, Chief Communications Officer, Kaseya
●    James Haj, President & CEO, The Children’s Trust
●    Symeria Hudson, President & CEO, United Way Miami
●    Adriene McCoy, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, Baptist Health South Florida
●    Madeleine Pumariega, President, Miami Dade College
●    Facilitator: Francesa de Quesada Covey, Chief Innovation and Economic Development Officer, Miami-Dade County
●    Dialogue Advocate: Adrian Felix, Partner, Bilzin Sumberg

 

Key Observations:

●    Upskill Miami initiative by United Way aims to assist women heads of households in going to school.
●    Social mobility is not being created through certificate programs; only 19% of Miamians have a Bachelor’s degree. 
●    Announcement from Miami Dade College about scholarships for Miami-Dade resident students, scheduled for October 30.
●    Lack of affordable childcare is a major barrier to employment and education.
●    Baptist Health has shifted its philosophy on workforce development, moving from tuition reimbursement to tuition payment.
●    Kaseya focuses on internal training to stop attrition.

 

Ideas:

1. Summer Internships: Set a goal for paid internships during the summer, to address the childcare gap.

2. Cost of living analysis: Examine the cost of living to stabilize the workforce and allow for upskilling.

3. Soft skills and mental health: Incorporate a multidisciplinary approach that includes soft skills and mental health factors in worker readiness programs.

4. Educational pipeline: Focus on residents with some college education who need a degree upgrade, including the re/unretired.

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Working Group Action Steps:

1. Community-wide Framework: Establish a critical care framework that the community can use for upskilling. 

2. Information Sharing: Share current programs and initiatives focused on upskilling and workforce readiness.

3. Reconvene in 1 Month: Continue the conversation and align objectives across the public and private sectors.