Strengthening the Talent Pipeline Ecosystem
RAND researchers study strategies like regional partnerships and stackable credentials to help communities, employers, and training institutions develop and sustain a skilled, diverse workforce.
Workforce development is a multi-dimensional problem. Economic development advocates seeking to attract and retain local industry are concerned with cultivating the skills employers need. Economic mobility advocates are concerned with identifying, incentivizing, and increasing accessible pathways to gainful, stable, and meaningful employment. Meanwhile, technology is actively transforming the world of work, making the choice of path increasingly risky. As the cost of college increases and the return on getting a degree declines, policymakers and learners alike are trying to navigate this dynamic environment without clear guidance on where and how to invest. RAND researchers are dedicated to helping close these evidence gaps.