At the MACo Winter Conference, panelists explored innovative strategies for bridging generational gaps and building a resilient, inclusive workforce.
At the recent panel, experts delved into the evolving workforce landscape, addressing the challenges and opportunities of supporting an aging workforce while cultivating young and non-traditional talent. Panelists shared actionable strategies for showcasing the power of investing in apprenticeship programs to develop future talent pipelines.
Attendees gained practical insights into growing inclusive workplaces that maximize employees’ potential across all stages of life and career, creating environments that thrive on diversity and adaptability.
Title: Talent Transformation: Empowering Experience and Elevating New Talent
Speakers:
- Stuart Sutley, Growth and Innovation Practice Leader, Bolton
- Dr. Clifford Coppersmith, PhD, President, Chesapeake College, Queen Anne’s County
- Adam Tolley, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools
- Tiffany Stephens, Human Resources Director, Harford County
Moderator: The Honorable Sarah Wolek, MD House of Delegate
Stuart Sutley at Bolton shared strategies to support embracing age
diversity and the wealth of experience older employees bring to the table at #MACoCon. pic.twitter.com/viIQScQbkb— Karrington Anderson (@Kanderson_MACo) December 13, 2024
Stuart Sutley addressed the implications of an aging workforce, focusing on retention strategies and adapting workplaces to meet evolving employee needs. With retirement-eligible workers growing in number, he stressed enhancing benefits and offering flexibility to retain experienced talent. Specific suggestions included tax-advantaged Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).
Dr. Coppersmith discussed Chesapeake College’s role in enhancing educational and workforce pathways. The dual enrollment program enables high school students to earn college credits, with 84-85 percent success rates and offers early college pathways for gifted students. Chesapeake College also supports adult learners through Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, with a 14% increase in ABE participation in FY24.
Adam Tolley discussed the importance of preparing students for workforce demands through Career and Technical Education (CTE). He mentioned key initiatives, including promoting internships, apprenticeships, and industry-recognized credentials (IRCs) to ensure students graduate career- and college-ready. His presentation also outlined efforts to embed career readiness into the curriculum, such as resume writing, workplace skill development, and mock interviews in English 12 classes. Tiffany Stephens emphasized the work Harford County is doing in workforce development and apprenticeships and their partnership with Harford Community College.
