The DisruptED World of Upskilling for Frontline Workers – Part 2

 

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the importance of upskilling for frontline workers cannot be overstated. The rise of new technologies, changing workforce dynamics, and income inequality have intensified the need for continuous learning and skill development. As the pandemic reshapes the way we work, the discussion on leveraging technology and intentional design to enhance virtual learning experiences becomes critical.

How can employers adapt to the changing landscape and effectively upskill their frontline workers in a world driven by technology and remote work?

In this second episode of a two-part series on DisruptED, Host Ron Stefanski engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Michelle Westfort, Chief University Officer at InStride, and Jonathan Lau, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at InStride. They explore the transformative trends of upskilling, including the growing importance of soft skills, the rise of micro-credentials and stackability, the role of adaptive and personalized learning, the impact of remote work on talent strategy, and talent retention strategies. As income inequality rises and individuals seek to secure meaningful and family-supporting jobs, the episode sheds light on how corporations can strategically invest in their workforce to drive long-term success.

The three also discuss…

  1. The evolving landscape of upskilling for frontline workers, focusing on soft skills, technical skills, and role transformation.
  2. The significance of micro-credentials and stackability in shaping industry-focused learning pathways.
  3. The role of adaptive and personalized learning experiences and the power of intentionality in designing effective virtual education.
  4. The impact of remote work on talent strategy and how it aligns with employees’ choices and company culture.

Michelle Westfort, Chief University Officer at InStride, is a visionary leader with extensive experience in upskilling and workforce development. Her contributions in building infrastructure to support employer-led education initiatives have positioned her as a thought leader in the industry.

Jonathan Lau, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at InStride, is a driving force behind the transformation of talent management through upskilling. His passion for empowering employees and bridging the skills gap makes him a prominent figure in the disruptive world of workforce development.

Recent Episodes

Across the country, workforce development systems are under pressure to deliver better outcomes in an economy that demands speed, flexibility, and equity. Traditional pathways, such as community college without clear career prospects, no longer serve enough people well. A report by the Center for Community College Student Engagement found that 42 percent of community…

The traditional residential college experience is transforming. Driven by rising costs, declining enrollment, and student demand for flexibility, small private colleges are rethinking their academic models. A 2022 McKinsey & Company survey found that 65 percent of higher education students want aspects of their learning experience to remain virtual, even post-pandemic. This shift signals…

Across the country, a growing number of students and educators are taking education into their own hands—literally. As frustration with traditional education mounts, a new wave of entrepreneurial energy is leading to radically reimagined learning spaces. From food forests to fashion start-ups, the classroom looks more like a collaborative studio than a lecture hall….