Hardly Working with Brent Orrell

Ben Wildavsky is a veteran higher education strategist and writer, and host of the Higher Ed Spotlight podcast. He brings decades of experience in journalism and education policy, including leadership roles at Strada Education Network, the College Board, and US News & World Report. He is the author of The Career Arts: Making the Most of College, Credentials, and Connections and an award-winning expert on education-to-workforce initiatives. In this episode of Hardly Working we explore the German model of dual studies, a unique blend of vocational training and academic education, and examine its implications for the US as industries continue to evolve in the face of technological change. Ben's insights, drawn from years of leadership in education, offer valuable lessons on the future of workforce development.Mentioned in the Episode:Germany Jumps on Degree ApprenticeshipsNational Center for the Apprenticeship DegreeTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing CompanyThe Career Arts: Making the Most of College, Credentials & Connections

Robert Lerman is a research fellow at the Urban Institute and the co-founder of Apprenticeships for America, where he is dedicated to expanding opportunities for lifelong learning and ensuring that apprenticeships are a cornerstone of America’s educational landscape. Through his prolific research and advocacy, we examine the role of apprenticeships in our economy, successful policy examples in Europe, and the impact of AI and technological changes. Mentioned in the episode:Apprenticeships for AmericaSkills-Based HiringNational Apprenticeship Resource HubThe Harold W. McGraw, Jr. 2024 Prize in Education

Stuart Andreason is the Executive Director of Programs at the Burning Glass Institute where he leads efforts in research and engagement on workforce innovation, higher education, and economic mobility. Through his personal experience and his work in skills-based hiring, we look at vocation in career, skills signals, and role of technology in the hiring process.Mentioned in the episode: Burning Glass InstituteSkills-Based Hiring: The Long Road from Pronouncements to PracticeHow Advanced Data Systems Can Do More to Drive Economic Mobility

Kerry McKittrick, in her work as co-director of The Project on Workforce at Harvard, looks into different aspects of the relationship between workforce development and careers. In this episode of Hardly Working, we dive into three different reports that McKittrick has authored recently. Mentioned in the episode:The College-to-Jobs Initiative: Exploring the intersection of higher education and the workforceCollege-to-Jobs MapUnlocking Economic Prosperity: Career Navigation in a Time of Rapid ChangeWorkforce Strategies for New Industrial Policies: Governors’ Emerging Solutions

Description:This week on Hardly Working, Brent Orrell talks with David Hernandez, Vice President of Education at IPC, the Global Association for Electronics Manufacturing.Brent and David discuss domestic electronics manufacturing, workforce education and training, and the global supply chain. Mentioned During the Show:IPC International, Inc.The CHIPS and Science Act