Michael Berkley’s Post

I always appreciate the quality content from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, the oldest and most prestigious Black think tank in the nation. Check out their issue brief on sector partnership programs and the Black workforce. What institutions are leading workforce efforts in your city? #workforce #thinktank #sectorpartnership #breakingsilos #leadership #blackleadership #policy #practice #solutions

New research from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies highlights critical strategies to improve job quality for Black workers in sector partnership programs. https://lnkd.in/g7-iNyPc Sector partnerships are collaborations among multiple employers in the same industry, along with educational institutions, community organizations, unions, and training providers. These partnerships aim to develop workers' skills and place them in in-demand jobs within specific industries. Key findings include: • Sector partnerships can increase earnings for Black workers, but racial disparities persist • Only 1 of 6 states studied (California) reports outcome data by race for these programs • Job quality standards are essential but inconsistently implemented across states • Recommendations include: - Dedicated federal funding for sector partnerships - Codifying job quality standards in workforce laws - Expanding data reporting requirements by race - Implementing a national tracking system for these programs The study examined sector partnerships in California, Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas, offering valuable insights for policymakers and workforce leaders across the country. As the nation's premier Black think tank, the Joint Center continues to produce vital research to inform policies that advance equitable economic opportunities for Black workers. GLUE encourages all policy makers and influencers to follow their work. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requires states to implement sector partnerships, but effectiveness varies. What sector partnerships are working well in your city? How are they addressing the needs of Black workers? #WorkforceDevelopment #RacialEquity #PolicyResearch #SectorPartnerships Author, Justin Nalley, MPA, is a senior policy analyst for the Workforce Policy Program at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

Sector partnerships continue to show great promise for connecting workers to higher-paying jobs, but we need to better understand what models work and for whom. In its latest issue brief, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies examines how Black workers experience sector partnerships and lays out several policy recommendations for improving the efficacy of sector partnership models, including the collection and sharing of racially disaggregated outcomes data, among others. An important and timely read for all of us engaged in sector partnership efforts. https://lnkd.in/ez_9_q4j

The Good Jobs Challenge is a strategic initiative that brings American workers and employers together through workforce training systems. The challenge has the potential to increase Black employment; read more to see the strategies we recommend. https://lnkd.in/emUwJ5dJ

Bridging the Gap: Towards Economic Equity for Black Workers In a world where talent is universal but opportunities are not, the wage gap remains a stark reminder of the economic inequities facing Black workers. This gap isn't just a number—it's a reflection of systemic barriers that limit potential and prosperity. But what if we could change the narrative? Imagine a workplace where equity isn't just a buzzword, but a cornerstone of economic strategy. Where discussions on wage disparities lead to actionable plans, empowering Black professionals and ensuring their talents are rewarded equitably. Strategies for Change: 1. Transparency in Pay: Encourage companies to adopt transparent pay practices, revealing disparities and prompting equitable adjustments. 2. Mentorship and Sponsorship: Invest in programs that support the career advancement of Black workers, bridging the gap from entry-level positions to leadership roles. 3. Policy Advocacy: Support legislation that promotes fair wages and combats discrimination, ensuring a level playing field for all. This is more than an aspiration; it's a necessity for a just and prosperous society. By confronting these challenges head-on, we can forge a future where economic equity is a reality, not a dream. Join me in championing these strategies, sparking conversations, and taking action towards closing the wage gap. Together, we can create a world of equal opportunity and reward for Black workers and beyond. #EconomicEquity #WageGap #BlackProfessionals #InclusiveEconomics #ChangeMakers

Closing the Gap: Empowering Black Workers for Economic Equity In the landscape of economic prosperity, the persistent wage gap affecting Black workers stands as a stark reminder of the barriers to true equality. It's time to confront this disparity head-on and chart a course towards economic equity for all. Did you know? According to the Economic Policy Institute, Black workers earn only 62 cents for every dollar earned by white workers, a gap that has remained virtually unchanged for decades. This wage inequality not only impacts individuals and families but also stifles economic growth and opportunity on a broader scale. But here's the silver lining: Awareness leads to action, and action leads to change. By shedding light on the systemic issues perpetuating the wage gap and implementing targeted strategies, we can pave the way for a more just and inclusive economy. Here's How We Can Make a Difference: -Pay Transparency: Advocate for transparent pay practices to ensure equitable compensation for all employees, regardless of race. -Invest in Education and Training: Support initiatives that provide access to quality education and skills training for Black workers, empowering them to compete on a level playing field. -Promote Diversity in Leadership: Encourage companies to diversify their leadership ranks, fostering an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued and rewarded. Together, we can break down barriers to economic equity and build a future where every worker—regardless of race—has the opportunity to thrive and prosper. We can turn discussions into action and make economic equity a reality for all. #EconomicEquity #WageGap #DiversityandInclusion #EqualityForAll #ChangeMakers #CultureEngineer

📌 Attention Employers: Unlock up to $7,000 in wage subsidies when you hire an ADaPT participant! One of ADaPT for Black Youth’s key aspects is connecting our digitally trained young Black talent with businesses like yours. Businesses receive: 💡 Help with targeted searches and support for candidates that meet your talent needs 💡 Opportunities to inform our free customized training to ensure candidates are equipped to succeed 💡 Access to a full suite of equity, diversity and inclusion supports to help your organization attract and retain diverse talent 💡 Access to ongoing support once candidates are placed to ensure their success and yours ... and much more! Learn more about the benefits for employers and contact us by clicking below: https://lnkd.in/gTE8n7dM

✊🏾The racial wage gap is narrowing, but true equity demands a revolution. For 70+ years, systemic racism suppressed Black workers’ earnings. No more. New data shows the wage gap reaching its smallest level EVER as companies finally prioritize equitable pay 💰 But representation in top fields remains disproportionately low for Black talent. It’s time to demolish the ceilings restricting our community’s advancement and earning potential. Diversity without empowerment is hollow 🗣 HR pioneers, the time is now to transform your practices: 💥Compensation audits to identify impacted groups 💥Skills-first hiring to open doors 💥Inclusive leadership pipelines 💥Robust DEI accountability Only by dismantling segregation’s roots can we uplift Black employees to shatter longstanding barriers. The wage gap is closing, but achieving true equity will take a seismic HR shift. Click the link below to read my analysis on turning this growing momentum into lasting change. The revolution starts here 🔥 https://lnkd.in/eKywc3AG

Every year, around 67,000 Americans end up in emergency rooms due to heat exposure, with hundreds tragically losing their lives. Among the most affected are the delivery drivers, racing against the clock to deliver our online purchases, many of whom are Black. While Black workers make up 13% of the U.S. workforce, they account for 20% of the transportation industry—a sector notorious for its slow adoption of heat-related safety measures like air conditioning in vehicles and warehouses. This oversight is deadly. "Transportation incidents" are the leading cause of death for Black workers, who already face higher on-the-job fatality rates than other workers. In his latest Forbes column, Michael Collins highlights the importance of disrupting occupational segregation patterns and focusing on training that creates durable career pathways to ensure sustainable gains for Black workers in transportation. Read Michael’s column here: https://hubs.ly/Q02JyJHy0

Racial bias in hiring is still alive and well. Economists sent out 80,000 resumes (to 10K jobs from 2019 to 2021) and discovered just how entrenched employment discrimination is in parts of the U.S. labor market — and the extent to which Black workers start behind in certain industries like retail and auto. Read more (no paywall) here: https://lnkd.in/gnMTbtxn