For the last and final Impact Challenge Detroit Project, I had the opportunity to work along side Southwest Economic Solutions (SWES)-Workforce Development Team to address the design question…

“How might we identify in-demand entry level jobs to better address workforce needs of special populations (youth, returning citizens, and homeless veterans) within Detroit, MI?”

I am passionate about workforce development and its mission to connecting great people with great job opportunities, ultimately contributing the betterment of families and the growth of an economy.  Workforce development provides partnership between education and employers by offering industry specific education, training, and services that contribute to a highly skilled workforce. By collaborating with Southwest Economic Solutions, my hope is to support their organization as they strive to close the skill gap and aid job developers with in-demand data to strengthen entry level career advise made to clients at their organization.

Over the last eight weeks, I have had the privilege of partnering with Southwest Solutions to scale an analysis of entry-level employment outlook within the Detroit community. Through the work of Southwest Solutions-Workforce Development they have been able to help more than 1,000 individuals obtain employment with greater successes in placing individuals in various jobs while equipping them with the skills needed for employment.

With much success that Southwest Solutions has had in job placement; there is still a need for further analysis on minimal training needs, specifically for entry level career pathways. Through the creation of an analysis of in demand industries, companies who are hiring, job titles, requirements for employment, and an understanding of employment barriers; Southwest Solutions will be able to better service their customers.

The Process

Step 1: Contacted local Workforce Development agencies and key industry experts for insight.  Requested workforce data reports, etc.

Step 2: Interviewed key Workforce Development experts, gained access to labor market reports and exclusive data rounding job outlook/ in-demand jobs in Detroit, MI.

Step 3: Compiled information on narratives, studied market reports, highlighted entry-level  in demand careers and created a culminating report for Job Developers at Southwest Economic Solutions.

Key Insights (4 Stakeholder Contributed)

The City of Detroit is expecting approx. 40,000 more jobs by year 2021.  When is comes to employer job demand, it is equally important that we “focus on addressing skill gaps and barriers for special populations”.

Chioke Mose-Telesfold
Deputy Director of Workforce Development
City of Detroit

The Workforce Intelligence Network data & research helps inform Detroit’s decisions about education and training investments, in-demand entry level careers, workforce planning, career awareness and readiness efforts, career pathways and Workforce much more.

Sarah Sebaly
Senior Program Manager
Workforce Intelligence Network

Data Report Resources

  • US Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Market Data (provided by University of Phoenix)
  • A Way Forward: Career Pathway Development in Detroit by Workforce Intelligence Network
  • New Skills at Work: Driving Opportunity in Detroit: Building a Middle-Skill Workforce to Strengthen Economic Recovery and Expand the Middle Class by JP Morgan Chase & Co.
  • Detroit’s Untapped Talent: Jobs and On-ramps Needed by Corporation for a Skilled Workforce-JP Morgan Chase & Co.
  • City of Detroit WIN Quarter Report by Workforce Intelligence Network

Outcomes

Top Industries in Detroit

  • Government
  • Transportation | Distribution | Logistics
  • Healthcare
  • Retail | Hospitality | Entertainment
  • Manufacturing
  • Information Technology
  • Construction | Skilled Trades

Top Employers Hiring in Detroit

  • FCA
  • DTE Energy
  • Amazon.com
  • Children Center
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Quicken Loans and more

Top Entry Level Jobs Titles

  • Office Clerks/ Secretaries, Receptionists, Information Clerks and Administrative Assistants
  • Home Health Care Aides, Personal Care Aides, Childcare Aid, Housekeeping Cleaners
  • Helpers-Production Workers, High Low Driver, Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers
  • Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers
  • Customer Service Representatives and more

Major Barriers for Employment

  • Life Skills | Personal Support
  • Professional Development | Education
  • Daycare for Single Parents
  • Transportation | Drivers Licenses
  • Child Support

The agency has exceeded that goal every years since 2011. Through the analysis of elusive job market insight, the organization will be able to utilize information to sustain long term employment opportunities for customers.

Learn more about Southwest Economic Solutions at http://www.swsol.org/workforce-development/