Using Data to Drive Workforce Development

Experts on employment and public policy in Chicago discuss the workforce development landscape, workforce policies aimed at providing services to job seekers, and research on what influences success among community-based workforce programs. The panel also discusses ways better data can help improve services and how workforce programs can use this data to provide training and employ people.

During the recent recession, cities and towns across the U.S. experienced high levels of unemployment. Now, they are striving to ensure their workforce development system is meeting the needs of struggling individuals seeking employment. Policymakers and practitioners have difficulty obtaining reliable data and information about how to improve workforce programs and services. Timely and accurate data can help policymakers and practitioners understand which workforce development programs are successful and help them better direct resources within the system.

Panelists include:

• Elizabeth Weigensberg, Senior Researcher at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago
• Karin Norington-Reaves, Executive Director of Chicago-Cook County Workforce Partnership & Director of Cook County Works
• Carrie Thomas, Associate Director of Chicago Jobs Council
• Maria Kim, Chief Operating Officer of The Cara Program