This episode features a discussion with guest Kate Pleasant, a professional development consultant. Kate delves into the crucial topic of character development and soft skills in the workplace, explaining why employers are increasingly valuing these attributes over technical expertise. She also shares practical strategies for cultivating soft skills, including mentorship programs, enhanced onboarding processes, and professional development opportunities.

In this second part of a two-part conversation, we delve deeper into workforce development with Dr. Justin Arnold, Workforce Board Director at LWIA 17. Dr. Arnold offers valuable insights on state-level advocacy for workforce initiatives, discussing the importance of local control and the need for legislators to understand the existing infrastructure. He also explores different perspectives on workforce development, challenging the "creative class" framework and advocating for a multiple pathways approach.

This two-part episode of Workforce Innovation News features a conversation with Dr. Justin Arnold, Workforce Board Director at LWIA 17. Justin discusses the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), its importance as legislation, and its impact on workforce development at national, state, and local levels. He also shares his personal journey from high school dropout to workforce development leader, emphasizing the role of WIOA in creating a national workforce development system. The conversation covers the structure of workforce boards, the challenges of public awareness, and the current status of WIOA reauthorization.