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Op-Ed submitted by Mark Douglas, CEO and President of LCPtracker, Inc.
City and county agencies are constantly seeking ways to strengthen local economies and support underserved communities. As the CEO of a technology company that works with government entities, I have had the honor of observing the initiatives our public agency clients undertake to address these challenges.
For more than two decades, my company has been providing tech solutions for public works construction projects. During this time, I have realized that while the primary objective is to enhance the nation’s infrastructure and create well-paying construction jobs, they also play an important role in empowering disadvantaged individuals, fostering community wealth, and ultimately strengthening local economies.
Experiencing the transformative effects of public works projects firsthand has inspired me to advocate for the initiatives that make these achievements possible: workforce development programs.
What Are Workforce Development Programs?
Workforce development programs in construction are structured initiatives aimed at equipping individuals with the skills, knowledge, and training necessary to thrive in the job market. These programs encompass a range of activities, from vocational training and apprenticeships to continuing education and life skills development. The primary purpose is to bridge the gap between the skills construction employers are looking for and the skills job seekers possess, fostering a more robust and adaptable workforce.
Why Cities and Counties Need Workforce Development
Investing in workforce development programs for public works construction is a strategic move for cities and counties to foster economic growth and resilience. These programs go beyond training individuals; they create a pipeline of skilled workers who can ultimately drive local economies forward. Workforce development initiatives help pave successful career paths for individuals, who then become significant contributors to overall economic stability and prosperity of a region.
Case Study: Workforce Development in Action
I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with HireLAX, a workforce development initiative created to support the $30 billion dollar infrastructure project spearheaded by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).
HireLAX is dedicated to fostering diversity, economic inclusion, and high standards of equity and transparency. The program focuses on hiring locally from central Los Angeles and nearby communities, ensuring that the economic benefits of airport expansion are reinvested into the local area, promoting economic growth and job creation where it’s needed most.
Participants in HireLAX can earn up to $46 an hour, significantly improving their financial stability and contributing to the local economy through taxes. These tax contributions support essential services like housing, public infrastructure, and community programs, creating a positive cycle of economic development.
LAWA and HireLAX’s initiative is a prime example of how targeted workforce development programs can drive economic growth and foster community inclusion. By prioritizing local hiring and offering competitive wages, LAWA is not only building a skilled workforce for its ambitious projects but also ensuring that the benefits of these developments are felt throughout the surrounding communities. This approach addresses immediate labor needs while investing in the long-term economic health of the region, making the LAWA and HireLAX program a model for other large-scale infrastructure projects.
Establishing (or Enhancing) a Workforce Development Program
From working closely with my public agency clients and hearing the stories they’ve shared, I’ve learned a few lessons along the way and realized that a few key factors helped position a program for success.
Effective Leadership: Workforce development programs thrive under effective leadership. Strong leaders drive initiatives forward by demonstrating commitment through their actions and decisions, inspiring others to follow suit. Securing buy-in from top leadership is essential as it sends a powerful message throughout the organization. This endorsement not only provides the necessary resources and authority to implement the program but also motivates employees at all levels to engage and participate actively. Without such leadership and top-level support, programs may struggle to stay focused and achieve their full potential.
Collaboration With Industry Stakeholders:
Collaborating with partners is vital for the success of workforce development programs. These partnerships ensure that participants receive not only the technical training and job placement assistance they need, but also the essential support to overcome personal challenges.
Supportive services providers are key to program success because they help address barriers, like housing, transportation, childcare, and life skills training. Additionally, construction companies, contractors, and trade associations are also key industry stakeholders. They pave the way for apprenticeship and internship opportunities, providing program participants with practical skills and real-world knowledge.
Proactive Data Management:
Taking a proactive approach to data collection, management, and reporting is paramount for maximizing workforce development benefits. By tracking essential data, organizations can effectively measure and report on their progress. This tracked data allows workforce development programs to easily determine when they are meeting their goals and identify areas for improvement. Moreover, it provides a transparent view of the program’s positive impact on both individuals and the broader community.
Conclusion
The success stories and positive outcomes I have witnessed reinforce the urgent need for cities and counties to invest in workforce development programs. These initiatives are not just about training individuals; they are about building stronger, more resilient communities.
I am personally committed to seeing these programs thrive and uplift communities across the nation. I urge local officials and agencies to recognize the transformative potential of workforce development and to invest in these initiatives for the benefit of all. Together, we can create a brighter future for everyone.
Mark Douglas is the driving force behind LCPtracker, Inc., where he serves as President and CEO. His leadership is guided by a powerful vision: to empower people to build better communities. LCPtracker’s innovative cloud-based software solutions for construction compliance and workforce development are at the forefront of this mission, helping government agencies and contractors effectively comply with prevailing wage law.
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