Employee Education and Workforce Training: Unlocking Mid-Market Potential Through Technology and Upskilling

 

Integrating education and workforce training as an employee benefit has become a pivotal strategy for talent acquisition and retention. While industry leaders like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Starbucks have long championed such programs, mid-sized and smaller enterprises often face barriers to implementation. A study found that education reimbursement programs deliver a 129% return on investment, meaning for every dollar spent, companies gain an additional $1.29. This makes the case clear that upskilling is not just a perk but a business imperative.

How can mid-market companies effectively adopt and benefit from educational assistance programs?

Part two of this episode of “DisruptED” features host Ron Stefanski continuing to engage with Sasha Thackerberry-Voinovich, CEO of SkillsWave. The discussion delves into the challenges and opportunities mid-sized businesses face when implementing education benefits, emphasizing the importance of aligning these programs with cutting-edge technology and measurable business outcomes.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

  • Technology as a Driver: Innovative platforms streamline the implementation of educational and workforce training programs, enabling scalability and efficiency for businesses of any size.
  • Investment with Impact: Upskilling initiatives not only reduce turnover but also foster innovation and competitiveness in a disrupted workforce landscape.
  • Tailored Learning Paths: Personalized education tracks align employee career growth with organizational goals, enhancing engagement and retention.

Sasha Thackerberry-Voinovich is a renowned leader in corporate upskilling and education innovation. As the CEO of SkillsWave, she bridges the gap between education providers and businesses, driving transformative workforce development. Sasha holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Kent State University and has held key leadership roles at D2L, Louisiana State University, and Pearson, bringing unparalleled expertise to the table.

Recent Episodes

Automation and AI aren’t arriving someday—they’re already reshaping factory floors, logistics hubs, and technical workplaces right now. That shift is putting schools, especially Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, on the spot: the jobs students are training for are evolving faster than most curricula. In its Future of Jobs Report 2025, the World Economic…

Detroit is in the middle of a historic transformation—powered increasingly by technology, workforce innovation, and community-driven economic mobility. As industries shift and new tech corridors rise, cities like Detroit are asking a critical question: How do we ensure the future of innovation belongs to everyone who lives here? The upcoming launch of the University of…

As colleges and universities grapple with enrollment pressures, shifting student expectations, and a tightening labor market shaped by AI and automation, the demand for meaningful work-based learning experiences has grown dramatically. Research across the UK’s higher education sector shows that hands-on industry engagement is becoming a leading factor in student decision-making and employability outcomes. Institutions…