TU hosts Maryland Workforce Outlook Forum
Leaders from industry, workforce development, and government agencies came together to develop partnerships to address workforce challenges facing Maryland.
The Division of Innovation and Applied Research at Towson University was proud to present the Maryland Workforce Outlook Forum on May 26. The event was also sponsored by the Baltimore Integration Partnership, and the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board.
The inaugural event brought state industry leaders to TU to find where innovation and growth in the workforce can occur. Business leaders from diverse sectors highlighted successful methods and partnerships addressing workforce, business and educational challenges.
“Towson University is a convener,” said Daraius Irani, interim vice president of Innovation and Applied Research at TU. “We are thought-leaders in this area. We bring business, government and academics together to address some of the critical workforce needs in our region.”
The event featured opening remarks from Towson University President Kim Schatzel. Kelly M. Schulz, secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) and Francis “Hall” Chaney III, chair of the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board, made introductions.
Irani, who is also the chief economist for TU’s Regional Economic Studies Institute, delivered the keynote speech on theworkforce outlook, highlighting the top 10 occupations and job sectors predicted to grow in Maryland in the near future.
Take an in-depth look at Dr. Irani’s presentation from the Workforce Outlook Forum
Another key point Irani made in his presentation is it’s critical that workforce and business leaders partner with high education to help better prepare students for the future.
“What we don’t want to do is generate students who don’t have the skills to meet the needs of the industry,” Irani said. “Oftentimes having industry partners will help guide the curriculum. And sometimes having students work in the field will give them an idea of what skills they want but also what they need.”
After Irani’s presentation of the workforce outlook, there were lightning presentations highlighting successful methods and partnerships addressing workforce, business and educational challenges.
Irani shared advice with students who will be joining the workforce.
“Develop critical thinking and strong communications skills and be adaptable,” he said. “The hallmarks of a liberal arts degree are critical skills, communications and adaptability. Students who are successful in that will do well in life.”