The Workforce Innovation Center and our partners at the Leadership Center are pleased to announce the release of a new white paper focused on Gen-Z in our regional workforce, sponsored by the Workforce Innovation Center Advisory Board. This is the first of two white papers that will explore the values, preferences, and challenges faced by Gen-Z, those born between 1997 and 2012 or approximately ages 12-27. As they enter the workforce, their expectations for flexibility, diversity, and clear growth opportunities are reshaping traditional workplace norms.
This first paper is focused on members of Gen Z who have completed their college degree and are working or are pursuing a college degree. Based on data from the Cincinnati Chamber’s Center for Research and Data, a review of literature and trends, along with insights from focus groups with university students and Gen Z employees, this report presents insights about college-educated Gen Z individuals and provides suggestions about what employers can do to better attract and retain this important talent base. We encourage business and community leaders to review the information presented and then explore how you might adapt your strategies to foster inclusive environments that resonate with this generation's values, while also supporting them in adapting to the workplace. The report serves as a launching point for organizations eager to harness the unique strengths of Gen-Z, ensuring a stronger workforce.
We are also excited to share that we are working on the second Gen-Z white paper to be released in early 2025. Our next report will feature data, insights, and feedback from those individuals that did not go the college route, people that Opportunity @ Work refers to as STARs or Skilled Through Alternate Routes. We know that we have a large population of these individuals in our region and that businesses and employers rely on talent with a variety of skill levels, so we want to make sure to focus on and hear from people in this group. We’re wrapping up our focus groups for STARs this quarter so please share with people who may be interested!
My Cincinnati Regional Chamber colleagues, the Workforce Innovation Center Advisory Board and I are so pleased to share this information with you and the broader community. We recognize the importance of engaging Gen Z students and employees to keep our region thriving and growing. Explore the insights that we present here and consider how you might join us in adapting to our newest colleagues from Gen Z. Visit our website to download your copy!
Learn about how our client, Jostin Construction is beating the industry average for turnover after implementing the Workforce Innovation Center's strategies to help them strategically support and engage their employees and achieve their business goals.
LinkedUp Connect is a comprehensive career exploration platform designed to connect high school students with local businesses, helping them explore various career paths through real-world experiences. Through partnerships with more than 30 school districts and over 100 industry leaders across the Greater Cincinnati region, LinkedUp provides students with opportunities such as internships, job shadowing, and virtual mentorships.
For businesses, LinkedUp offers a streamlined way to engage with the future workforce by posting career opportunities that reach over 18,000 high school students. Educators also benefit by finding resources such as guest speakers, field trips, and teacher externships to enhance career-connected learning. We are looking for more employers to join the LinkedUp Connect Network – please consider becoming an employer partner!
By simplifying the connection between education and industry, LinkedUp ensures that students are better prepared for in-demand careers, while also supporting the region’s workforce development.
The Workforce Innovation Center is proud to announce the Women of Color in Tech (WoCIT) Career Fair on November 6, 2024. The event will focus on participants and graduates of a special initiative, Women of Color in Tech, funded by JPMorgan Chase and hosted by the Cincinnati Regional Chamber’s Workforce Innovation Centerand in partnership with the Office of Workforce Development at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The local WoCiT candidates will be speaking with employers about their skills obtained from Google Career Certificates via the Coursera platform. Participants in this initiative have a wide variety of backgrounds, including women with advanced degrees and a variety of professional experiences. If you are an employer interested in hiring candidates who are new to the certifications outlined above but are often seasoned workers.
Are you a member of Gen-Z (born between 1997-2012)? Are you an active member of the workforce in Cincinnati? Do you hold a specialized trade certificate/credential or are you working towards one? Are you passionate about improving workplaces in the region?
If you said yes to any of the above, we want to hear from you! Give us your opinions and we will give you a $25 gift card!
We are looking for participants in two upcoming discussion groups to learn more about Gen Z’s perspective on careers and work. Your voice will help inform a white paper that will educate employers on the unique work contributions and expectations of Gen Z.
Some topics we are seeking your opinion on may include:
· How do you view your work life and career over the next 10-20 years?
· When you were looking for employment, what factors were the most/least important in your decision-making process?
· What benefits, perks, workplace culture, etc. are you looking for from a company?
· How do you feel about the Cincinnati Region? What has made you stay here?
No opinions are wrong – we want to hear it all! The sessions are scheduled in November and December.
Parking will be free, and lunch or dinner will be provided along with a $25 gift card. So, if you’re available and interested, please fill out this form or click the button below. Please feel free to forward this to your friends and colleagues. Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to meeting with you!
We’re thrilled to invite you to the 2024 Fifth Third Bank Diversity Leadership Symposium on Wednesday, December 11, from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Music Hall in Cincinnati. The power of unity through diversity comes alive at this year's Symposium, themed "Growing Together: Cultural Vibrancy & Belonging." This transformative event brings together thought leaders and change-makers who understand that true organizational growth happens when every voice is heard, and every culture celebrated.
This year’s symposium will also feature three informative breakout sessions led by local experts that will a mix of workshops and panel discussions, providing practical strategies for cultivating inclusion, supporting diverse teams, and building vibrant workplace ecosystems. A highlight of the symposium this year is the African American Historical Bus Tour, "Let Freedom Ring for Everyone," led by NKU University's Dr. Eric Jackson. This journey through time shows how our community's cultural roots have grown into the diverse, vibrant region we see today, reminding us that belonging is built on understanding our shared history. Stay tuned for more details on this unique experience in the coming week!
This symposium is a fantastic opportunity to connect with thought leaders, share ideas, and deepen your understanding of how DEI practices can transform organizations and communities.Register today to be a part of this transformative experience!
