Blog Archive

Multi-Generational programs (also called the 2Gen approach) address the needs of both children and parents, with the ultimate goal of creating self-sustaining opportunities and better outcomes for the whole family unit. Multi-Generational programs have been applauded and proven to be a holistic way to end the cycle of poverty, which is why EDSI is so committed to offering this program to as many families in as many regions as possible.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requires that each state must establish the minimum criteria for certification of One-Stop centers and the One-Stop delivery system. The certification criteria allows the State to set standards for customer-focused, seamless services from a network of partners that help individuals overcome barriers to becoming and staying employed. Certification is required to be done by local boards at least once every three years in order for One-Stop centers and the One-Stop delivery system to receive infrastructure funding.

Training and development represent a significant organizational investment — but are your programs actually delivering results? This post explores how the Kirkpatrick Model, combined with modern AI-powered tools and a skills-based development mindset, can help you close the gap between learning and real business outcomes.

Explore how EDSI’s Pre-ETS team is improving workforce readiness nationwide by delivering high-quality, consistent career preparation for youth and supporting programs across multiple states. Read the full story on how our facilitators are helping students build skills, gain confidence, and achieve meaningful outcomes.

Corporate universities help bring structure to internal training efforts. They also assist in the effort of aligning the training arm of companies with the organizations’ strategy and vision. There are many different types of training which can be used as part of a corporate university.  

Discover how EDSI’s Innovative Learning Solutions team designed ‘The Science of Happiness’—a 12-month microlearning series rooted in positive psychology and neuroscience. Learn how this program supports employee well-being, engagement, and organizational success through practical, mobile-friendly strategies. Explore EDSI’s commitment to workforce development and customized training solutions that help organizations grow their people—and their impact.

If you’re interested in learning more about knowledge management, or if you need more insight on why it’s important to your company, you’ve come to the right place. In this brief article, you will learn the basic definition of knowledge management, the two main types of knowledge and how your company stands to benefit from a knowledge management plan.

In celebration of Veterans Day, this blog is dedicated to all U.S. servicemen and women, as well as the workforce professionals who have the privilege of helping to guide Veterans’ career choices in civilian life.

How are career ladders and lattices different? How are they the same? And which one is best for your organization’s talent management strategy? Although they’re both tools that organizations use to guide employees on a path of career progression, they differ in many ways! In this article, I will review how they’re different, what they have in common and which one might be the best choice for your organizational needs.

Helping jobseekers find work continues to be a central focus of workforce development professionals. Even though the labor market has stabilized compared to earlier years, jobseekers still face real challenges—from industry skills gaps and hiring competition to changing job search behaviors shaped by digital-first recruitment.

As the world of work evolves, so must the way we develop people. Learn how EDSI’s Kim Glenn is helping organizations build future-ready talent and shape the next era of learning and leadership through her work with ATD’s exclusive CTDO group.

Have you ever asked your employees, “What’s it like to work here?” For many of our clients, the answers seem to either reassure or surprise them. From a management perspective, this question offers meaningful insight into whether or not the company is living up to its brand image. What is brand image, you ask?

Talent dashboards empower HR teams with real-time workforce analytics to improve hiring, retention, and employee engagement. By tracking key metrics like turnover, time-to-fill, and eNPS, organizations can make smarter, data-driven decisions that strengthen their talent strategy and overall business performance.

Two-thirds of small businesses lack succession plans, despite over 4 million owners approaching retirement in 2025. Companies with formal plans are 2.5x more likely to outperform competitors. Discover 5 actionable steps to safeguard your business legacy and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

American Job Center (AJC) certification is more than a compliance milestone—it’s a catalyst for innovation, integration, and equity. Discover how certified AJCs, including those operated by EDSI, are transforming into hubs of collaboration that connect jobseekers, employers, and communities. With real success stories and proven outcomes, certification is fueling workforce resilience and reshaping the future of work.

Strategic workforce planning helps organizations align business goals with their talent strategy to ensure the right people, skills, and capacity are in place for future growth. By using workforce analytics, skills forecasting, and proactive hiring and training plans, companies can close talent gaps, reduce turnover, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing labor market. Learn how smarter workforce planning strengthens your talent pipeline and drives long-term business success.

Career readiness has been a common topic in the workforce development and educational arenas for many years, and now more than ever, bridging the gap between education and workforce preparation is crucial. In this blog, we highlight a curriculum development project with Abington Junior High School. After receiving a state grant, Abington wanted to develop a school-wide curriculum based on educating students on career pathways and employability skills to give them all the foundational skills they would need to be successful in their post-secondary or post-college careers.

If lack of time and budget are preventing you from reaching out for succession planning assistance, you’re in luck – our succession planning templates are designed to take you- step by step – through the process. In the end, you will have designated key positions and pinpointed successors to lead your company into the future!

Effective, work-based learning strategies build a bridge between learning and real work experiences. In partnership with Workforce Development Boards and employers across the country, we continue to see work-based learning (WBL) initiatives and funding reemerging as critical regional strategies to help the millions of people who are struggling to start or advance in their careers. Let's explore the benefits of effective WBL strategies and the different types of WBL initiatives that are available.

Corporate culture. It’s like a magnetic force that pulls talent toward your organization. Is your pull strong or weak? In all seriousness, though, it’s a hot topic in the war for talent. Economists note that when the economy is thriving, employees have more bargaining power, which leads to more competition in the job market. Because of this, many companies must take a closer look at their culture as a primary way to attract and retain employees.

Are your state and local workforce strategies optimized to support and engage older workers in your region? In this blog, we're sharing important information on serving older adult workers ages 55 and up, including workforce insights, labor market metrics, barrier remediation and 6 strategies you can use to more successfully engage with older workers.

Succession planning means different things to different people, but the most common theme among all the definitions that exist is that it involves making sure your business is prepared for the future. There are different types of succession planning, each of which depend on your type of business and your businesses’ specific situation.

Is your organization prepared for an unexpected leadership change? Without a succession plan in place, businesses of all sizes risk losing momentum, talent, and strategic direction. Our virtual succession planning process makes it easier than ever to build a solid plan in four weeks or less — without the premium price tag of traditional consulting. Connect with one of our specialists today to safeguard the future of your business.

2024 saw a record 2,200+ CEO departures—and the data reveals a crisis: only 26% of boards treat succession planning as a top priority. The cost of inaction? Your company's future. Act now... our comprehensive succession planning guide walks you through identifying critical positions, assessing retirement risks, capturing essential knowledge, and building a resilient leadership pipeline.

Are students prepared for life after high school? What can be done to better support and guide students as they approach graduation and beyond? In this blog, you will learn about a workforce development program in Chester County, PA that is helping students transition through the appropriate educational pathway and then into the workforce.

One-Stop Operators play a behind-the-scenes but critical role in workforce systems. From coordinating partner meetings and tracking performance to ensuring compliance and continuous improvement, their work keeps workforce centers running smoothly. Hear from Diana Monti as she shares insights on how One-Stop Operators drive collaboration and impact across communities.

If I told you that an intentionally planned culture has the power to align your organization’s people, processes, and workplace, wouldn’t you want to learn more? I thought so – keep reading! Culture is a buzzword that isn’t going away anytime soon.

Explore how collaboration between workforce development and economic development agencies can drive regional growth and create more resilient, inclusive communities. Anchored by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the article highlights practical strategies, common challenges, and real-world examples—like Pennsylvania’s Industry Partnership program—that demonstrate the power of aligning systems, data, & goals. By shifting from siloed efforts to coordinated action, regions can better meet the evolving needs of both employers and jobseekers while maximizing public investment.

Learn how workforce boards and service providers can effectively use WIOA funds to engage out-of-school youth (OSY) through targeted outreach, work-based learning, and comprehensive support services. This updated guide outlines current federal requirements, including the 75% OSY funding priority, 20% work experience mandate, and the 14 required youth program elements. Discover strategies to improve performance outcomes, strengthen employer partnerships, and build career pathways that lead disconnected youth to education and employment success.

In this Q&A with Kim Glenn, EDSI’s Managing Director of Innovative Learning Solutions, we explore the launch of KeyweLearn—a new professional development platform designed for adult educators and workforce development professionals. The blog highlights the inspiration behind the platform, the unique features that set it apart from traditional training, and the flexible learning formats offered. From trauma-informed practices to workforce essentials, KeyweLearn delivers high-quality, accessible, and affordable learning opportunities that align with real-world challenges.

Internships are still booming in today’s economy, which is good news for students and employers alike. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers anticipate hiring 2.6 percent more interns this year than they did last year, continuing the upward trend that shows organizations are leaning on internship programs to attract budding talent. Employers who run successful internship programs can attest that this is an effective tactic to include in your recruiting strategy.

86% of job seekers research your company before applying. What will they find? Learn how to take control of your employer brand with a proven 3-step framework — and find out how EDSI can help you attract, engage, and retain top talent.

You’re standing in an art gallery filled with paintings. What draws your eye toward a particular canvas? It might be the vibrant colors or the naturistic scene … but something makes it stand out, right? Believe it or not, it’s similar for talent acquisition – you must find your own unique way to stand out if you want to be noticed by the best job candidates.

It’s no secret that companies in all employment sectors are facing challenging workforce shortages and gaps. What many companies don’t know is that apprenticeships offer a viable solution for recruiting, training and retaining world-class talent. Apprenticeships are an earn-as-you-learn, flexible workforce development tool and training strategy that can be customized to meet the needs of any business.

Struggling to keep talented employees engaged? Research shows that 94% of workers would stay longer at a company that invests in their growth — and organizations with strong development cultures see retention jump 30–50%. EDSI’s Career Sculpting approach helps companies tap into each employee’s unique strengths, passions, and goals, creating personalized growth paths that build loyalty, boost engagement, and strengthen culture. Learn how this intentional, people-centered approach drives retention, reduces turnover costs, and transforms the employee experience.

Finding an employee who’s the “best fit for a position” isn’t always the biggest challenge when it comes to hiring. Talent professionals across the board agree that finding the “right fit” for not only the position, but the team and company, is much harder. If you’re involved in the hiring process or part of a talent team, and haven’t heard about AcuMax Index (AI), you’re missing out on a valuable opportunity to save time, money and resources in the quest to find, develop and keep rock star job candidates.

You may be wondering, when is the best time to begin thinking about a Succession Plan. As the saying goes, "there's no time like the present." Recent studies reveal that only 30% of small business owners have a formal succession plan, leaving a vast majority unprepared for future transitions. With over two-thirds of owners planning to retire in the near future, the absence of succession planning could lead to business closures and economic disruptions in local communities.

Traditional workplace well-being programs often fall short because they focus too much on individuals rather than systems. With traumatic stress on the rise, employers need more effective solutions. That’s why EDSI’s Innovative Learning Solutions (ILS) Team partnered with Healing Center Restorative Engagement (HCRE) to reframe how we support well-being at work. This blog explores different models of trauma-informed care and how organizations can take a more impactful, system-wide approach to fostering a healthier workplace.

Many business owners dream that their sons or daughters will take over the family business, but struggle with feeling confident it’s what’s best for the company. In a report from the Family Business Institute, 88% of family business owners said they believed their family would control their business in five years. Yet, according to the report, only about 30% of family-owned businesses survive into the second generation.

Business leaders and executives have different experiences and points of view on what it takes to be an effective leader. But here's what I've learned after years of leading teams: the leaders employees remember — and stay for — are the ones who show up for them as human beings first. For me, the foundation of a trusted leader starts with being approachable, available and authentic. Living out those traits means taking the time to get to know employees on a personal level while empowering the team to succeed together.

As more and more baby boomers retire or consider retirement, ‘succession’ continues to be a common buzzword. Every year about 10% to 15% of corporations must appoint a new CEO due to retirement, resignation, dismissal, or a health crisis. As a business leader, succession planning (SP) has no doubt crossed your mind … maybe you’ve even started working on a leadership succession plan, but you’ve hit a roadblock. What should you do next?

Trauma is an unavoidable reality in today’s world, and its effects on children can have lifelong consequences if left unaddressed. Recognizing the need for a healing-focused approach, EDSI collaborated with Healing Center Restorative Engagement (HCRE) to create a training program for Head Start educators. This innovative program provides practical tools to help educators respond to trauma, build supportive environments for children, and prioritize their own well-being. By focusing on healing, the program equips educators to make a lasting impact on the lives of children facing adversity.

Curious about how to future-proof your business? Don’t miss this insightful Q&A with EDSI Consulting Managing Partner Jim Bitterle, a recognized expert in strategic planning. In this blog, Jim shares why strategic planning is essential, what makes a plan truly effective, and how EDSI’s unique approach helps organizations thrive in today’s competitive markets. Whether you’re building a new strategy or refining an existing one, this article offers practical advice to drive long-term success.

If there’s one thing that remains true in business (and life in general) it’s this: a crisis can strike any company … anytime, anywhere. Imagine you just found out a valuable, tenured employee is leaving and taking all his or her critical knowledge and experience with him to a competing organization. Your only hope to avert this crisis? Advanced planning!

Knowledge management is not just a stand-alone program or project. KM refers to the explicit and tacit information life-cycle that runs throughout the entire organization on a continual basis. This 10-step setup process will teach you everything you need to know to minimize risks and maximize results.

Exit interviews are more than an offboarding formality — they’re a powerful HR strategy for improving employee retention, engagement, and workplace culture. By gathering honest feedback and turning insights into action, organizations can reduce turnover, strengthen their employer brand, and even rehire top “boomerang” talent. Learn how to transform exit interviews into data-driven tools that support smarter workforce planning and long-term talent success.

Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) are essential tools that enable American Job Centers to deliver coordinated, efficient services to jobseekers and employers. Learn how local workforce development boards can leverage MOUs to improve service delivery, eliminate duplication, identify gaps, and ensure compliance with WIOA requirements. Discover best practices for developing Infrastructure Funding Agreements, managing partner relationships, and using MOUs as strategic tools for continuous improvement in your workforce system.

Discover what makes a workplace truly magnetic! At EDSI, our strong employer brand—built on human-centered leadership, our Show Up, Smile and Support Core Values, and a culture of connection—helps us attract, retain, and empower top talent. Learn why investing in culture isn’t just “nice to have” but drives real business results, from lower turnover to more qualified applicants. Ready to see how your company measures up? Take our free talent survey and get actionable insights today.

Tap into apprenticeship opportunities and leverage federal funding to grow your workforce! With support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, businesses can now access significant resources to create or expand apprenticeship programs. Learn how apprenticeships can help your company build a skilled workforce, reduce costs, and increase retention. Explore the benefits and discover how EDSI can guide you every step of the way.

This blog highlights Tammy and Autumn, two of EDSI’s unsung heroes who support Veterans in their transition to civilian life. They share the challenges and successes of their work, emphasizing the importance of personalized care. Their dedication to treating each Veteran as a person, not just a number, underscores the meaningful impact they make in the lives of those who have served our country.

Working together with the City of Detroit, EDSI has been instrumental in offering a successful virtual youth summer employment experience that pays youth ages 14-24 as they explore careers, build skills and receive training and instruction from local employers. Students are offered hands-on, innovative learning and work experience related to high-priority industries such as healthcare, IT, construction and customer service. Read more about the program in this blog!

Discover how EDSI’s Integrated Career and Case Manager training program is equipping workforce professionals with the technical skills and certifications needed to deliver exceptional service. Through credentialing, continuing education, and innovative learning solutions, we’re helping case managers and career coaches enhance their impact and improve customer outcomes. Learn more about the evolution of this program and how it's driving success in workforce development.

A skill gap analysis helps to identify the skill gaps an individual or group of individuals has. Just like a gorge or a river, you can probably recognize there is a gap from here to there, but what is the best way to span that gap? The skill gap analysis is like a bridge’s blueprint- it helps to identify the best way to span the gap.

EDSI's Luzerne County staff recently participated in five Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training sessions across the Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton offices, resulting in 39 employees earning their 3-year MHFA certification. This initiative equips staff with vital skills to support both colleagues and clients in managing mental health challenges, creating a stronger, more supportive work environment.

EDSI is a proud partner of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) participating in the 2024 Reimagine Summit in Detroit. Our ILS team played a key role in helping BGCSM leaders reimagine their spaces to better serve youth and combat poverty. The Summit highlighted the transformation of desolate buildings into state-of-the-art clubs, offering career pathways in fields like Fashion, Tech, and Behavioral Health. Through these innovations, we’re equipping youth with the skills to break the cycle of poverty.

Career fairs have long played an important role in connecting job seekers with employers. They give candidates access to multiple opportunities in one place, while helping employers efficiently engage and screen potential talent. As workforce development and recruiting continue to evolve alongside technology, career fairs have evolved too.

Discover how the Eddystone Youth Program is making a difference in Ridley, PA! Created by Katy McGinley, Assistant Principal at Eddystone High School, this initiative addresses the need for engaging winter activities for local youths. As part of EDSI's commitment to youth development, this program exemplifies our leadership in creating meaningful opportunities for young people across our regions.

Discover how EDSI’s PA CareerLink® Montgomery County branch is championing diversity, equity, and inclusion through the innovative DEI-Wall. Learn about our commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and promoting self-driven DEI education. Explore how this dynamic platform serves as a rotating bulletin of information, sparking dialogue, learning, and heightened awareness among our staff. Join us in celebrating the core values that make our workplace inclusive and supportive for all.

Discover the transformative impact of EDSI's Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program in North Carolina. Since 2018, EDSI has partnered with Vocational Rehabilitation to equip students with disabilities with essential skills for a successful transition from high school to the workforce. With a focus on holistic support and community engagement, the program has achieved remarkable success! As EDSI looks to the future, it envisions continued growth and impact, aiming to expand its reach and enhance services to ensure every student's pathway leads to post-graduation success.

Although Job Task Analysis (JTA) was created to help management make hiring, promotion, wage, and salary decisions, it serves a much bigger purpose. JTA is a data-driven approach that is designed to identify the work requirements of specific jobs by providing a detailed overview of the knowledge, tasks and responsibilities that must be performed by workers in a given occupational area to successfully perform the job. Before going any further, an important point to remember when conducting a JTA is that it’s an evaluation of the job, not the person doing the job.

Workplace flexibility has evolved from a nice-to-have perk to a proven driver of employee engagement, productivity, and retention. Research from SHRM, Stanford University, and others consistently shows that flexible work programs deliver measurable results for both employees and employers — and the competitive stakes have never been higher. Discover the latest statistics on workplace flexibility and learn how EDSI, a multiple award-winner for company culture and workplace flexibility, can help your organization build a more engaged and productive workforce.

“They’re lazy. They don’t want to work like we did and they want so much accommodation. It’s like everything is a free-for-all. You can’t even count on them to show up on time. It’s hard to believe how much support and attention they want. I just can’t work with them.” Oh, I’m sorry. Did you think that was a quote about millennials?

Explore the transformative power of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) in our latest blog! Delve into the intricacies of VSM, a crucial tool that guides organizations in seamlessly connecting job seekers with employment opportunities, enhancing efficiency, and optimizing processes.

Research shows that nearly 70% of family businesses don’t survive the transition to the second generation, and only 12–15% make it to the third. Succession planning plays a critical role in long-term business continuity. Learn how to assess readiness, avoid common pitfalls, and explore proven success strategies—plus watch a short expert video for practical insights.

Unlock the secrets of talent strategy with our latest blog on Compensation Analysis! Join the conversation with EDSI Managing Partner Jim Bitterle as we explore the vital role of compensation analysis in attracting and retaining top talent.

Is your office back to onsite work? Chosen to go fully remote? Or maybe a hybrid setup? Still figuring it out? Check out our latest blog for insights on how to reimagine your workspace, including 6 tips to meet employees where they are.

Providing mental health support is a crucial part of serving customers, particularly in the workforce development industry, which is why more and more regions are hiring Behavioral Health Advocates (BHAs) to be part of their staff.

Connecting apprenticeship programs with your state and local workforce system is a win-win partnership and we have extensive experience working with employers and jobseekers to strengthen the workforce and our economy. Our Regional Apprenticeship Coordinator Adina Tayar offers best practices!

Career sculpting helps organizations improve engagement, productivity, and retention by aligning employees’ work with their interests, strengths, and career goals. By investing in meaningful development and growth opportunities, companies can build a more motivated workforce while reducing turnover and strengthening long-term performance.

Partnering with local organizations, cities and schools is one of our favorite ways to do business. Together with the City of Philadelphia, we aim to improve the quality of life in Philly neighborhoods through the CLIP program, which offers opportunities to our jobseeker participants related to training, upskilling and employment.

As a national workforce development and consulting firm with clients across multiple states and industries, EDSI is known for evaluating, designing, and delivering customized training. Read this Q&A Spotlight to find out how the City of Tucson benefited from having their Water Maintenance and Customer Service Divisions training practices updated.

Helping statewide systems execute high quality professional development is an area where EDSI has deep knowledge and experience. The organization continues to be sought out for projects related to professional development (PD) programming throughout the Midwestern and Southern United States. This project spotlight demonstrates the success EDSI has had working with the State of Michigan.

Supporting New York businesses within the entertainment industry during the pandemic became possible through Federal grants administered through the U.S. Department of Labor's Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program, and workforce development service provider, EDSI played a big role in helping coordinate these efforts.

As employers and organizations across the country continue to face workforce challenges, finding new ways to connect with customers is crucial. In this blog, you will learn more about the ways AJC’s have developed and implemented better, smarter, faster ways to deliver services to jobseekers and employers, including creating virtual, innovative programming and specialized support.

Exciting progress is happening in the world of workforce development. The National Governors Association Workforce Innovation Network is positioned to help states achieve a higher level of innovation and longer-term strategizing to prepare their workforces for a post-COVID-19 recovery for American workers. EDSI, as a Michigan-based workforce service provider and consulting firm, plays a key role in providing technical assistance to the NGA as one of 20 advisory members and philanthropic partners asked to participate in supporting the innovation network.

Customer service is embedded into everything we do. Preparing front-line workers for the unique challenges being faced in the workplace during the pandemic and beyond can be difficult. This blog spotlights the virtual COVID Customer Service Career Acceleration Program (CAP) that was established to help front-line customer service workers receive more in-depth training on issues such as de-escalation and conflict resolution that go beyond the traditional scope.

At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, small business owners braced for what seemed like a short-term inconvenience, but many small businesses are still operating at limited capacity or have shuttered completely. Don't lose hope: with the right strategy and tools, businesses can rebound and adjust to the new economy.

With youth unemployment 3.5x higher than adults, communities need innovative solutions. See how Detroit is tackling this challenge through virtual workforce programs that combine digital learning, employer mentorship, and hands-on capstone projects.

Have you ever been in awe of a company that seems to do everything perfectly? In this blog, EDSI's Jim Bitterle will answer questions about the findings from his book research and share best practices and “unquittable” tips companies can use to ensure their talent management strategy is effective and competitive in the 21st century.

Manufacturers are facing a dire employee shortage. While nearly every industry is being affected by the rapid retirement of the Baby Boomer generation and the reduced rate of Generation X and millennials entering the manufacturing workforce, the greatest risk the industry faces is failing to adapt. Some of the reasons for lack of adaption include: the low employment rate, skills gaps, and the inability to attract qualified workers.

The case study below explains the needs and outcomes of a train-the-trainer project EDSI was hired to provide for New Jersey Transit, the state of New Jersey’s public transportation corporation. Since EDSI’s inception over 40 years ago, we have assisted both large and small organizations in various industries develop customized training programs. Although each training program is unique, we often assist companies in the development of ‘train-the-trainer’ programs.

Since EDSI’s inception over 40 years ago, we have assisted both large and small organizations in various industries develop customized training programs. Although each training program is unique, we often assist companies in the development of ‘train-the-trainer’ programs.

For decades, training and upskilling workers has been challenging for trainers in many job markets, and the transit industry is no exception. Often, transit training departments are staffed with instructors who are extremely skilled in their craft, but lack essential knowledge in adult learning theory. According to statistics*, businesses lose up to $13.5 million every year per 1,000 employees due to ineffective training.

Ensure your organization’s future success with a strategic succession planning process that identifies and prepares professionals for leadership roles. Read this blog for all the insights and information to get you started.

Broadly speaking, current federal workforce policy aims to bridge the needs of employers and jobseekers through training and other support measures. Is this happening and how successful is it? At a time when close to 65% of our country’s open positions require some form of higher education or post-secondary credential, it is crucial for education and workforce development partners to work together to meet the needs of employers and jobseekers.

A boot camp is a fast track, industry-specific training program that enhances jobseekers’ skills to prepare them for employment in high-growth industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality or customer service. In communities across the United States, boot camps are being welcomed and endorsed by workforce boards, industry partnerships, educational institutions, and employers.

There are many companies who stand out when it comes to employer branding. Those who deliver a dynamic, consistent experience to employees are more likely to develop and benefit from a strong employer brand. Organizations with a well-established and respected employer brand will find it easier to both attract and retain top talent. Representatives from EDSI had the pleasure of meeting an employer branding standout – Barton Malow – at the Metro Detroit 101 Best & Brightest awards ceremony.

If there is one key word to pull from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA), it is collaboration. WIOA has created a unique and exciting opportunity for collaboration at the state level between local workforce and economic development agencies. The law requires states to submit plans outlining how they will collaborate with partners, including economic development agencies. But, doesn’t this call for collaboration seem like a no-brainer?

Did you know that the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requires Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) to partner with Economic Development Organizations (EDOs)? The benefit of this partnership reaches far and wide. By working with EDOs, Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) will be able to identify new services, align resources and deliver training service offerings which meet the needs of employers.

In today’s competitive talent marketplace, your employer brand is crucial in helping to attract the right people to your company. According to a study by LinkedIn, 75% of jobseekers evaluate an employer's brand prior to submitting a job application.

When it comes to succession planning, thoughtful consideration is imperative in helping businesses remain viable. Review these common mistakes and the suggested success strategies to save yourself and your company from lost profits and leadership woes, and watch the video included!

Baby Boomers are retiring at a staggering pace of over 4 million per year. Consequently, this has created a dramatic increase in privately held company transfers to the next generation. Needless to say, this can be a huge undertaking. Many business owners are caught in a challenging situation where they feel stressed and unprepared.

Internships are a smart way to strengthen your talent pipeline while building your employer brand. Learn how structured, meaningful internship programs help attract emerging talent, support workforce development, and convert interns into future hires.

Referral bonuses are a very simple and effective, yet extremely underutilized recruiting tool. Simply put, referral bonuses are generally monetary rewards given to an employee who recommends a candidate who is ultimately hired.

Over the past several years, discussion about alternative transportation options has increased. Alternative transportation refers to commuting in any way other than driving alone, including public transportation.

Have you ever hit send on an email and immediately wished you could retrieve it, for fear that the recipient would misconstrue your actual intent? In a world where the words we use represent a mere 7% of communication effectiveness, this happens all the time.

Jim Bitterle, Managing Partner of EDSI Consulting, was invited by Tom Borg Consulting to talk talent! Tune in to this podcast recording to learn more about EDSI and how to develop talent in your organization.

Every day millions of people travel from one place to another using buses, trains, subways, ferries or other forms of public transportation. Most people don’t realize the agencies that run public transit organizations are in desperate need of new workers to operate and maintain the current transit systems and build new systems to meet the growing demand for transportation options.

The Public Transit industry has been a major focus of EDSI’s Workforce Development consulting efforts for many years. Throughout this time, our participation as a business member in the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) conferences has been a consistently enriching experience. It is amazing to think how we have grown from a single engagement at SEPTA for a skill gap analysis of mechanics in 2001, to work across the country with dozens of agencies.

“Speak up. Don’t wait for someone to tap you on the shoulder. Karma won’t help,” Robin Roberts, co-anchor of Good Morning America, stated to an audience of 8,000 women at this year’s 11th Annual Pennsylvania Conference for Women. Robin shared with us how speaking up in previous jobs about what she really wanted to do in journalism helped her achieve the level of success that she has found today. Robin also spoke about her battle with cancer, the loss of her mother and some of her professional setbacks and accomplishments.