A National Imperative: Why Universities Must Invest in Workforce Training

As the labor market evolves, traditional degree pathways alone cannot meet the urgent demand for reskilling and upskilling across industries. The aging workforce, declining college enrollment, and the rise of digital and AI-driven economies necessitate accessible and flexible education solutions.

Increasingly, industries are prioritizing specific skills over degrees, leaving universities at a crossroads: adapt to this paradigm shift or risk irrelevance. Workforce training, including industry credentials, apprenticeships, and externships, is emerging as a crucial avenue for universities to expand their impact, align with labor market needs, and support diverse learners.

The Case for Workforce Training in Universities

1. Aligning Education with Workforce Needs

Industries like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology demand workers with specific, practical skills that can be demonstrated and immediately applied. Workforce training programs—often non-credit or micro-credential-based—fill this gap by enabling students to acquire targeted competencies quickly.

2. Meeting Learners Where They Are

Not every learner fits into the traditional college model. Many are mid-career professionals, displaced workers, or individuals seeking affordable and flexible pathways to upward mobility. Workforce training programs offer short-term, stackable credentials that accommodate diverse life circumstances, ensuring access and equity.

3. Talent Economic Development

By aligning workforce training programs with local and regional economic priorities, universities can play a vital role in economic development. They can act as talent pipelines, supporting industries that fuel local economies and attract new investment.

Exemplary Universities Leading Workforce Training

Several universities have embraced this shift, setting a benchmark for integrating workforce training into their offerings.

1. Purdue University

Purdue’s Center for Career Opportunities and Polytechnic Institute provides a comprehensive suite of workforce training programs. These include industry-recognized certifications in fields such as advanced manufacturing and data analytics. Their "Purdue Global" platform specifically targets adult learners with flexible and affordable education solutions, including apprenticeships and upskilling pathways.

2. Cleveland State University (CSU)

Cleveland State University (CSU) through its Division of Workforce and Continuing Education is expanding its workforce training initiatives to align with the evolving needs of industries, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), microgrids, smart manufacturing (CESMII endorsed), semiconductors and customized corporate education.

3. Arizona State University (ASU)

ASU’s Workforce Education Solutions delivers on-demand and stackable credentials for working professionals. They also partner with corporations such as Starbucks and Uber, enabling employees to earn credentials while they work. ASU’s commitment to "universal learning" exemplifies how universities can merge workforce development with traditional education models.

4. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)

While a community college, NOVA sets an inspiring example for universities with its Workforce Innovation & Skills Training (WIST) division. They have pioneered apprenticeship programs in collaboration with Amazon Web Services and launched pathways for high-demand roles in cybersecurity, IT, and healthcare.

5. Clemson University

Clemson’s Center for Workforce Development integrates virtual reality and online learning into workforce training. Their partnership with advanced manufacturing companies provides students with opportunities to earn credentials that are directly transferable to high-paying, in-demand jobs.

Strategies for Universities to Expand Workforce Training

1. Industry Collaboration: Universities must partner with employers to design training programs that reflect real-world job requirements. These partnerships ensure relevance and increase graduate employability.
2. Technology Integration: Leveraging digital tools like virtual labs and AI-powered learning platforms enhances accessibility and scalability.
3. Flexible Pathways: Offering stackable credentials that count toward degree programs ensures learners can transition seamlessly between workforce training and higher education.
4. Funding Opportunities: By tapping into federal workforce development grants and private-sector investments, universities can scale programs without imposing high costs on students.
5. Equity Focus: Workforce training must prioritize access for underrepresented and marginalized communities, fostering diversity and inclusion in emerging industries.

Expanding into workforce training is no longer optional for universities; it’s an imperative to remain relevant, responsive, and impactful. By embracing flexible, skills-based learning models, universities can serve a broader demographic, align with industry needs, and contribute to economic resilience. Institutions like Purdue, ASU, and others are leading the way, proving that the marriage of higher education and workforce training is not just beneficial—it’s transformative.

For universities considering this journey, the road is clear: innovation, partnership, and a relentless focus on learner success will pave the way forward.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Oddo is the President and Founder of New Collar Talent. New Collar Talent is on a mission to reshape how higher education and industry work together to transform skills-based training, career development, connections, and workplace success.

To learn more about our industry and higher education offerings, visit us at www.newcollartalent.com.