Reforming workforce systems...Arizona gives it a try
Tuesday, January 14, 2003
Arizona is revamping its workforce development system. These reforms include the common sense steps that too many other states are ignoring. For example, Arizona is:
+ Providing memberships for all 16 work-force boards in the Arizona Association for Economic Development.
+ Upgrading the skills of those working on the front lines of work-force centers.
+ Following a master plan that's clear and concise (not like most workforce "mumbo jumbo" plans).
+ Consolidating workforce centers and repositioning them to provide skills beyond the entry level.
+ Developing a common brand: Arizona Workforce Connection.
The fact is that most state and local workforce systems have been remarkably resistent to change. They are still largely captive to the provider organizations and include very little employer guidance. They provide a confusing array of weak programs. They use measurements that are complex and confusing. And they still look at the world from the wrong end of the binoculars. That is, they think of target populations instead of competencies and skill sets. Read more about Arizona. Go
posted by Ed Morrison |
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Some Background on EDPro Weblog
The purpose of this weblog is to help economic development professionals -- EDPros -- keep up with the changes sweeping our profession. Strap on your goggles. It's a whole new game. There are no experts any more. The only place to learn about economic development is from other EDPros who are doing it.
One other point: the prevaling approach (paradigm, if you like) in economic development is shifting from competition to collaboration. There are a lot of reaasons underlying this shift, but here's the important insight: You, your community, and your region will do better by collaborating and sharing information.
If you are using a news reader, here is the link to syndicate this site:
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Speaking and workshops on Open Source Economic Development
As the idea of Open Source Economic Development starts spreading, more people are asking about it. Visit the I-Open web site to learn more. My colleagues and I are happy to explain the basic concepts in a talk or a workshop. E-mail Susan Alshuler if you'd like to learn more about workshops and speaking.
Background on Ed Morrison
Download some background information on me here.
Reforming workforce systems...Arizona gives it a try
