Upcoming Event: 2025 Innovations Conference

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A screenshot of the League's website promoting the conference

The League for Innovation in the Community College is excited to announce the 2025 Innovations Conference, taking place from March 9-12 in San Antonio, Texas, at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk. Hosted by Alamo Colleges District, this 28th annual event is the premier gathering for community college professionals focused on enhancing teaching, leadership, and student success.

The conference features keynote speakers, over 100 breakout sessions, and a Solutions Center showcasing the latest in higher education products and services. This international conference is a unique opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas, and explore programs shaping the future of community colleges.

Find out more and register on the League's website.

New Video: World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs

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A screenshot of the World Economic Forum website

A new video from the Centre for the New Economy and Society (CNES) highlights the growing challenge of skills gaps as a barrier to business transformation. The CNES 2025 Future of Jobs Report reveals how evolving skills demands are slowing industry progress and creating pressures for both workers and employers.

The video, from the World Economic Forum, explores how skills shortages are reshaping industries, the new roles emerging, and the fastest-growing job sectors. It offers insights for workers on how to adapt and succeed in this rapidly changing landscape.

Watch the full video on the World Economic Forum to understand how skills gaps are transforming careers globally.

Data from NSF National Training, Education, and Workforce Survey Pilot Now Available

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The logos for NSF & National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has released the first-ever data from the National Training, Education, and Workforce Survey (NTEWS) Pilot, focusing on the skilled technical workforce. This new, nationally representative survey sheds light on individuals in technical occupations that require specialized knowledge and skills, but not a bachelor’s degree. The data highlights work-related credentials such as vocational certificates, occupational licenses, and industry-recognized certifications, and explores their impact on employment outcomes.

The survey, which covers individuals aged 16 to 75 and excludes high school students, aims to expand understanding of the U.S. workforce. The data tables from the 2022 pilot are marked as experimental, offering valuable insights while informing future data collection efforts. However, users are encouraged to consider potential limitations in the quality of these preliminary statistics.

Explore the data tables on the NSF Website.

New Research: Future of Jobs 2025 Report

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A photo of electronic screens in a workplace

The expansion of digital access is revolutionizing the global labor market, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025. The new report highlights that emerging technologies, particularly AI, robotics, automation, and energy innovations, are driving significant job growth in specialized fields. Big data specialists, fintech engineers, and AI and machine learning experts are among the fastest-growing roles projected by 2030, as 86% of surveyed executives expect AI to transform their businesses. Concurrently, roles in clerical and administrative support are declining rapidly, reflecting a shift in workforce demands.

Sustainability and green technologies are also shaping the future, with autonomous and electric vehicle specialists and renewable energy engineers ranking among the top 15 emerging professions. The report, based on a survey of over 1,000 global companies representing 14 million workers, underscores how digital access and technological advancements are reshaping industries and skills. 

New Issue: Digital Community College Journal

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A screenshot of the AACC website

The latest issue of the American Association of Community Colleges's (AACC) Digital Community College Journal December 2024/January 2025 edition is now available, offering insights for community college professionals, educators, and workforce development leaders. This issue covers:

  • Digital Portfolios: Their potential for students and employers and the challenges slowing widespread adoption.
  • Liberal Arts and Workforce Readiness: The vital connection between well-rounded education and career preparation.
  • Corporate Colleges: How these institutions are transforming workforce development.

Stay informed on the latest trends shaping community colleges. The full digital issue can be found on the AACC website. Previous archives of the journal can also be found on the AACC website

Upcoming Event: Workforce Development Institute: Uncharted Courses

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The graphic logo for the WDI 2025: Uncharted Courses

Join the American Association of Community Colleges (AAACC) at WDI 2025: Uncharted Courses, an event for workforce and economic development professionals, taking place January 28-31, 2025, at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, California.

Hosted by the Workforce Development Institute, this year’s conference explores innovative strategies and partnerships that empower community colleges to lead in shaping the future of workforce education.

With an agenda featuring expert speakers, interactive sessions, and  networking opportunities, WDI 2025 is the perfect platform to navigate new challenges and chart bold paths forward. Don’t miss the chance to engage with thought leaders and peers in a transformative setting. Register now on the AACC website

Wisconsin Apprenticeships Break Records and Expand Pathways to Careers

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Will Cummings, a journeyman ironworker and welding foreman at The Boldt Company, wears one of the new safety helmets. Ph

Wisconsin’s Registered Apprenticeship Program has set a record-high enrollment for the third consecutive year, with 17,089 apprentices participating in 2023, as announced during National Apprenticeship Week in November. Governor Tony Evers attributed this milestone to ongoing efforts to expand apprenticeship pathways and reduce barriers to work. The century-old program, the first of its kind in the United States, combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, requiring employers to pay apprentices during both phases.

With over 200 occupations and partnerships with more than 2,600 employers, the program now includes fields beyond traditional trades, such as healthcare, education, IT, and finance. A notable milestone this year was the launch of teacher apprenticeships. 

State officials emphasized the program's growing appeal as a viable alternative to a four-year college degree, allowing participants to "earn while they learn" and enter long-term careers. Officials highlighted the program's role in addressing Wisconsin's labor shortages by enabling employers to invest in talent and workplace culture early on, improving retention compared to traditional hiring methods. The...

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Call for Participants: Workplace Barriers for Library and Information Science Professionals

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A graphic image of two people in a library. The text promotes the study

Ithaka S+R and the University at Buffalo are seeking first-generation BIPOC professionals in the Library and Information Science (LIS) field to participate in a new IMLS-funded research project. Led by Africa Hands and Melissa Blankstein, the study aims to examine workplace barriers, biases, and career advancement challenges while highlighting cultural assets and inclusion strategies.

Participants will join 90-minute focus groups, either virtually or in-person at LibLearnX 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, to share their experiences. Findings will inform future policies and professional development initiatives in LIS.

Eligible participants must hold an MLIS or MLS degree, identify as BIPOC, and have been first-generation students (neither parent/guardian held a bachelor’s or graduate degree). Compensation will be provided via digital gift cards. Discussions will explore workplace barriers, inclusion challenges, and the policies or practices affecting career advancement for first-generation professionals, contributing to better support systems in the LIS field.

For details, contact Melissa Blankstein (melissa.blankstein@ithaka.org) or Africa Hands (africaha@buffalo.edu). More information ...

Upcoming Event: NAAIC Community of Practice Kickoff Meeting

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A screenshot of the NAAIC website

The National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) announced a kickoff meeting for its new Community of Practice (CoP) on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 12:00 PM EST. This interactive session will bring together educators from diverse institutions to explore innovative approaches to teaching AI, foster collaboration, and provide access to  resources.

The CoP is designed to support educators at all levels of experience, offering tools, professional development, and a network of peers interested in advancing AI education. Participants will have the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of AI in the classroom.

The kickoff meeting will feature:
- An introduction to the CoP’s vision and goals.
- Discussions on how participants can engage and benefit.
- Opportunities to share input and connect with other educators.

Faculty interested in enhancing their AI teaching strategies are encouraged to attend and become part of this new initiative.

For more information and to RSVP, visit the Zoom Webinar Link.

Upcoming Event: AI Summit New York

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Graphic logo for the AI Summit

The AI Summit New York returns for its ninth year, taking place December 11-12, 2024, at the Javits Center in New York City. A premier event in the AI industry, the summit highlights the commercial potential of artificial intelligence, providing attendees with insights on optimizing business processes, driving innovation, and creating tangible value with AI-driven solutions. 

Geared toward professionals, businesses, and students, the event offers a valuable platform to network with industry leaders, explore the latest AI technologies, and deepen strategies for sustainable success in the AI space. Registration options range from a $29 Expo Pass to a $1,499 Delegate Pass, accommodating up to 5,000 participants ready to shape the future of AI.

Register on the AI Summit website. 

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