The National Association of Workforce Boards’ National Conference surfaced several key issues that can impact America’s long-term success in the global economy and the workforce system’s ability to lead the necessary changes. The opening speaker, Author Daniel Pink, focused on the shifting skills and abilities needed for a successful workforce. Former Congressman Newt Gingrich, author of the newly released book Real Change, shared why he thinks that workforce learning needs to fundamentally change. Venture Capitalist Bob Compton shared clips of his documentary Two Million Minutes that shadowed two American, two Indian and two Chinese high school students highlighting the lack of rigor, focus and relevance in American Education.
 
In addition to the featured speakers, a plethora of breakout sessions highlighted the tightening federal budget, the need to diversify funding and partners, the urgency for communicating the workforce value proposition to elected officials, the shortage of healthcare workers and the emergence of green and life science jobs.
 
For more information on the Pink, Gingrich and Two Million Minutes Documentary see the individual articles in the newsletter.