Redefining Apprenticeship: Workforce Solutions and National Trends with Melanie Flowers

Originally filmed Oct 24, 2024 

How does the "Tool Belt Diva," Melanie Flowers, transform her passion for building into groundbreaking workforce development strategies? 
 
Today on Austin Hires Local, Tamara Atkinson welcomes Melanie Flowers, board member of Workforce Solutions Capital Area and recently-appointed board officer for the National Association of Workforce Boards, to talk about the vital role of apprenticeships and the benefits of the ‘earn-and-learn model’ for both workers and businesses. Apprenticeship programs strike a careful balance between providing a valuable education and respecting the apprentice’s time and financial responsibilities to help shape a skilled workforce. 

Looking out on a national scale, the same challenges exist across many workforce boards in urban and rural landscapes. The reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) bears significant implications for funding workforce initiatives. Considering potential shifts in federal priorities after the elections, there is a need for ongoing support and adaptability to meet evolving community needs. Join us as we uncover the dynamic intersection of education, economy, and opportunity and explore innovative strategies reshaping the workforce landscape. 
 

Melanie Flowers - With over 25 years of experience in corporate training and workforce development, Melanie is currently the Chief Workforce Strategy Officer at Craft Education, an education technology leader focused on apprentice-based programs. She has previously served as VP of Industry Partnerships at Pathful, Inc. and Senior Manager of Technical Training at Samsung Austin Semiconductor. Melanie is an active board member and former chair of Workforce Solutions Capital Area and Skillpoint Alliance and recently joined the National Association of Workforce Boards as a board officer. She holds numerous certifications and is a respected industry thought leader. 

In This Episode:  

• (00:00) Introduction of guest Melanie Flowers, unofficial title of “The Tool Belt Diva”, building the podcast set for Austin Hires Local 
• (04:43) Why Melanie is a champion for apprenticeship in her professional roles, and why apprenticeship is a proven way to support workers and meet business needs, debunking narrow perceptions of apprenticeship -- how more non-traditional industries are adopting earn-and-learn models 
• (07:00) Registered apprenticeship programs vs non-registered apprenticeship programs, how funding can be available for both, and what business leaders should know if they're on the fence or never considered adopting an apprenticeship model 
• (09:00) Melanie's journey to becoming a board member with Workforce Solutions Capital Area  
• (10:55) Industry sector partnership impact and uncovering surprising ways Workforce Solutions can help, advice for anyone interested in getting involved 
• (18:00) “Rose, bud, and thorn" from Melanie's unique national vantage point as board officer for the National Association of Workforce Boards, including “thorn” of the WIOA (Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act) federal funding reauthorization.  
• (22:00) Recognizing that childcare is a massive part of workforce training 
• (25:00) Melanie's vision for a successful workforce development ecosystem, including starting earlier in schools -- even as young as kindergarten 
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