Agenda
AGENDA
NY Workforce Connect will host its first annual workforce-centric conference, where industry professionals – from the education, government, nonprofit and other sectors – will gather for a day of learning and networking. Our events are always evolving and changing based on the needs of the industry.
Our panels will dive deep into various topics and viewpoints from across the industry. There will be time to ask questions and interact with the panelists. View the topics that will be highlighted during the event.
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AGENDA overview:
8:30-9:00 AM: Check-in / coffee and tradeshow
9:00-9:15 AM: Welcome remarks
9:15-9:30 AM: Keynote by Michelle Clarke from Empire State Development
9:30-9:45 AM: Keynote by Chris White from State University of New York (SUNY)
​9:45-10:30 AM: Panel: Building Diverse and Skilled Healthcare Talent Pipelines for Long Term Success
10:30-10:45 AM: Coffee break & networking
​10:45-11:30 AM: Panel: The Power of Partnership: Advancing Workforce Pathways Through Collaboration and Outreach
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM: Panel: Adapting Workforce Programs for Unique Needs
​12:15-1:15 PM: Lunch & networking
1:15-2:00 PM: Fireside chat: Conquering Policy Barriers in Workforce Development
2:00-2:45 PM: Session: Developing the Next Generation of Diverse Talent for Advanced Manufacturing
2:45-3:00 PM: Coffee break & networking
3:00-4:00 PM: Panel: Building the Ecosystem: Collaborative Success in Workforce Development
4:00-4:15 PM: Closing remarks
4:15-5:30 PM: Reception & networking
Sessions & topics
Advancing Workforce Pathways Through Collaboration and Outreach
This panel will explore how partnerships are creating clear, inclusive pathways into high-growth fields like construction and advanced manufacturing. From regional roadmaps to academic-industry alignment to community-based career exploration, this discussion will highlight their practical, scalable strategy to build the workforce of tomorrow—together.
Adapting Workforce Programs for Unique Needs
This panel will delve into the critical need for inclusive workforce development, focusing on how to build bridges and break down barriers for underserved communities like veterans, women in male-dominated fields, individuals with disabilities, and more.
Conquering Policy Barriers in Workforce Development (fireside chat)
Learn how to navigate bureaucratic hurdles, funding constraints, accessibility issues, and resistance to change through compelling personal stories. We'll dissect policy pitfalls hindering program implementation and explore actionable strategies for overcoming them.
Building Diverse and Skilled Healthcare Talent Pipelines
Healthcare professionals and their education/workforce partners will discuss strategies for attracting and retaining talent, addressing critical skills gaps, and fostering successful collaborations. Attendees will gain actionable insights into building sustainable healthcare workforces.
Building the Ecosystem: Collaborative Success in Workforce Development
Through the lens of the Greater Rochester Region's successful cohort, panelists will illuminate their unique roles, the power of strategic partnerships, and how these collaborations build robust talent pipelines and strengthen communities. Attendees will gain actionable insights into bridging cross-sector gaps and creating sustainable workforce ecosystems.
Building a Strong Talent Pipeline: Early Intervention to Career Re-skilling
This session will cover workforce best practices and give an overview of how a program helped over 15,000 students in the last seven years as well as talk about a mechatronics high school model that is filling the void of technicians with over 100 graduates in the last four years.