The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is accepting applications for its second virtual Talent Pipeline Management Academy (TPM Academy Cohort XVII). This is a sought-after program that will attract workforce experts nationwide. The NC Chamber Foundation, a strong supporter of TPM, will offer tuition scholarships for up to five participants from North Carolina. Eligibility for the tuition scholarship will be determined based on geographic diversity and the ability to launch an employer-led talent effort. Participants will be strongly encouraged to work with other practitioners in their region upon graduation.

The application deadline for the U.S. Chamber Foundation TPM Academy Cohort XVII is March 26. During the program’s six-month period beginning May 12, workforce leaders from across the country will team up to create talent supply solutions that will support the students, workers, and businesses in their states.

The application process will be competitive. Please contact the NC Chamber if you would like guidance on the application or more information about the potential benefits for your organization.

Joining forces with the U.S. Chamber Foundation, the NC Chamber Foundation launched the first TPM Academy for North Carolina in 2019. The graduates of the first NC TPM Academy are local leaders from chambers of commerce, workforce development boards, business, and education who are now establishing employer collaboratives in their regions. Led by the TPM Academy graduates, these groups of employers examine data, identify their most in-demand positions, come to an agreement on the skills and hiring requirements necessary for those positions, and analyze where the top performers in these roles came from in the past.

Now is the time to ensure education and training systems are aligned with business demands statewide. The pandemic has caused long-term disruptions to our talent pipelines. Collaboration from the private sector, workforce development, and educational institutions must be achieved to connect existing talent, fill skill gaps, and unite North Carolinians with quality careers.