U.S. Department of Commerce and Aspen Institute "Playbook" Will Support Local Skills Development Efforts

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Aspen Institute President and CEO Walter Isaacson today released a playbook intended to help communities develop comprehensive strategies to create a pipeline of skilled workers to fill local jobs.

This playbook reflects the collective experience of seven communities that participated in the inaugural Communities that Work Partnership (CTWP). A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Aspen Institute, the CTWP strengthens regional economies by equipping American workers with the skills needed for 21st century jobs and accelerating industry-led workforce development and training efforts.

“In order to prepare our workers to fill these jobs, we must encourage communities to develop comprehensive economic growth strategies that incorporate strong talent development plans, informed by the needs of local employers. That is precisely what we have done through the Communities That Work Partnership,” said Secretary Pritzker. “Our goal is to break down silos within regions and ensure that local leaders – from across government, business, education, economic development organizations, and social services – are working together to address the talent development challenges and opportunities.”

“I’m honored that Secretary Pritzker selected the Aspen Institute to lead the Communities that Work Partnership,” said Walter Isaacson, President and CEO of the Aspen Institute. “The Communities that Work Partnership playbook that we’re releasing today captures important insights about the regional partners’ work on strategies to promote a thriving economy in which all contributors—workers, investors, business leaders, and communities—can benefit. It’s our hope that other communities across the US will find the playbook to be a useful resource for their economic and workforce development efforts.”

Through initiatives like the CTWP, the Department of Commerce is working to prepare America’s workers for the in-demand jobs of the 21st century by expanding apprenticeships and encouraging communities to develop comprehensive economic growth strategies. The strategies, or “plays”, highlighted in this playbook incorporate strong talent development plans informed by the needs of local employers.

Click here to view the full report.