In this edition of the NC Chamber’s Workforce Revival in NC series, a September 2021 graduate of the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s six-month Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) Academy shares his success story for implementing the TPM strategic framework to address talent challenges in Gaston County. Gaston Business Association (GBA) Strategic Initiatives Director Vincent Ginski explains how he is establishing industry-specific, employer-led collaboratives using demand-driven workforce projections and deep analysis of core issues impacting employers and employees.

Employer-led collaboratives will meet workforce demands.

Collaborating with TPM practitioners across the country, the GBA developed an approach to scale and sustain the TPM program and is now focused on implementing it across industries in Gaston County. This year, the GBA will organize three employer-led collaboratives to address urgent talent needs within the manufacturing, healthcare, and construction sectors. First, we will launch a Manufacturer’s Collaborative which will kick off on January 26. The GBA has secured commitment from nearly three dozen manufacturing employers to participate in the late January 2022 launch. Healthcare and Construction Collaboratives will follow shortly afterwards during Q2 2022.

Employer-sourced data champions both talent development and retention priorities.

As stated before, the TPM process is grounded in being led by employers and, therefore, relies on employer-sourced data and employer-determined outcomes. This employer-sourced data with TPM is also helpful for critical “wrap-around” services that strengthen talent pipelines and workforce priorities such as childcare, transportation, and housing. Once established, all employer-led collaboratives are intended to be financially sustainable and will directly support the talent development and retention priorities of Gaston County and the GBA.

Community partners bring great value to TPM process.

Finally, it remains to be stated that launching TPM in Gaston County has been a community-wide effort. Seeing the value in TPM, the Gaston County Economic Development Commission, Gaston County Workforce Development Board, Belmont Abbey College, Gaston College, Gaston County Schools, and other public- and education-sector partners have dedicated time and resources to make TPM successful from the start. Thanks to their readiness and willingness to leverage TPM efforts and data, we have been successful in recruiting businesses to participate in the employer-led collaboratives.