Scratchin' The Surface of Workforce Development

Hosted by Courtney Taylor

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Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

This podcast is for people looking for a free resource as they tackle the profession of workforce development. We will 'scratch the surface' of many topics with the hope of stirring better conversation in this profession, leading to better professionals to ensure better outcomes for our human capital. We will laugh and have fun, while tackling tough topics.

Listen to episodes

22 recent

August 22, 2026Episode 533 min

Do we have a workforce system or parts that resemble a whole? Part 2 of the double episode.

Send us Fan Mail As I clearly got excited about the topic mid stream, I decided to break the last conversation up into two. So, join me as I detail what I believe a true workforce development system accomplishes. Fun fact-it's more than moving money. Also, join me as I launch the Foundry Signals Newsletter on October 1, 2026. This will be super short and specifically designed to demystify policy, provide a short upskilling opportunity for workforce developers, and provide a recommendation on what I think you should read. This will be bi-monthly and I promise-short! Sign up here

August 22, 2026Episode 451 min

Protect Yourself-Part 1 of the Double Episode

Send us Fan Mail This doesn't go where you think it's going to go. Long story short-do you have ideas? Do you think others take them from you? Good. Create more. Also, join me as I launch the Foundry Signals Newsletter on October 1, 2026. This will be super short and specifically designed to demystify policy, provide a short upskilling opportunity for workforce developers, and provide a recommendation on what I think you should read. This will be bi-monthly and I promise-short! Sign up here

July 27, 2026Episode 344 min

Data Based Decisions? I doubt it.

Send us Fan Mail Join me as I discuss what I see in the world related to how we abuse the phrase "data-based decisions". It'll be fun.

June 15, 2026Episode 254 min

I Don't Look Good in Orange...

Send us Fan Mail Join me as I walk through some ways I think we allow ourselves to manipulate and be manipulated in workforce. This is a long one!

May 16, 2026Episode 152 min

You Better Know If You're a Workforce Developer or an Employee...

Send us Fan Mail Join me as I talk about what I think the difference is between an employee and a workforce developer; what it means to do workforce in 2026; and what I hope for you!

November 2, 2025Episode 31 hr 5 min

Let's get into it...Contract Training

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I discuss realities of contract training in public workforce development from my perspective.

September 28, 2025Episode 21 hr 11 min

Myths and Real Partnerships Within Workforce Development

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'Scratching the Surface of Workforce Development,' I addresses the importance of moving past 'false professionalism' to foster genuine communication. I delve into various myths and truths about workforce development, including misconceptions about the role of the federal government, the necessity of both technical and soft skills, and the cultural reliance on four-year degrees as the primary path to success. I emphasize the critical role of community development and local initiatives in workforce development, the importance of integrating soft skills into education, and the potential of apprenticeships when properly implemented. I also highlight the need for meaningful partnerships between employers and educators and the importance of continuous learning. We continue to advocate for a more honest discussion about the varied paths to success, particularly for women and minorities in the trades.

August 31, 2025Episode 11 hr 10 min

Resilience, America's Talent Strategy, and ACTION.

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Season 3 of 'Scratching the Surface of Workforce Development.' Season 1 we learned how to do this, season 2 we survived life so it's definitely not my best work. But season 3? Season 3 is going to bring some real examples of things that are working. Stay tuned. This episode reflects on personal and professional challenges as I discuss the ups and downs of my life over the past few months, including significant family events while the world continued to move. I continue to emphasize resilience, honesty, and a relentless focus on making a difference in people's lives. I also spend some time highlighting the importance of collaboration between workforce development professionals, economic developers, and industry leaders. I spend some time discussing the need to streamline systems, challenge bureaucratic inefficiencies, and ensure that training aligns with real job demands. The episode also touches on the 'American Talent Strategy' and its potential impact on workforce training and coordination between federal, state, and local entities. Thanks for sticking with me!

June 11, 2025Episode 334 min

Fluffing the numbers?

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I describe how I wish we treated data and requests as workforce developers. How I wish funders could be realistic and not encourage the habit. And, in general, some of my pollyanna views of where I wish my industry could go...

February 9, 2025Episode 256 min

Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes

Send us Fan Mail Join me as I chat about all things current in workforce and the need to determine what needs to change. I discuss federal and state policy here and my viewpoints on where we are as a policy and a profession. Glad to be back after a long, unscheduled break!