‘Back to Work’ Webinar Explores How Education and Skills Training Can Expedite America’s Economic Recovery

Governor Jack Markell and Amazon’s Ardine Williams join Carnegie Corporation of New York and Gallup to discuss the need for a more robust education system for long-term economic growth

By Carnegie Corporation of New York March 5, 2021

Future of Learning & Work

Carnegie Corporation of New York and Gallup cohosted a webinar on February 17, 2021, that explored key findings of their joint survey Back to Work: Listening to Americans.

The public opinion poll, commissioned by the Corporation, looked at Americans’ views on the most important issues facing the nation due to COVID-19 as well as an economic recovery program that would address high unemployment through paid jobs, education, and training.

Three out of four Americans, including nearly identical numbers of Democrats and Republicans, say that the weak economy has become the most urgent concern in recent months. An overwhelming number – more than 93 percent – from both political parties favor a national program that would provide paid work and training opportunities while addressing national and community needs.

Hundreds of viewers tuned in to the webinar to learn more about the results of the survey, which were discussed by LaVerne Evans Srinivasan, vice president of the Corporation’s National Program and director of the Education program; Jack Markell, former governor of Delaware; Ardine Williams, vice president of Workforce Development, HQ2 Amazon; and Mohamed Younis, the editor-in-chief at Gallup.

Both Markell and Williams spoke at length about the need for a more robust education system. Additional skill training for students and those already in the workforce
is not only necessary for America to bounce back, they explained, but essential for our long-term prosperity.

According to Markell, many people “feel poorly served by much of the education they’ve previously gotten. They’ve been left on the sidelines as the world of work passes them by through automation and globalization.” But the good news, he continued, is that “we have better tools than we’ve ever had before” to help job seekers and training providers match their needs and wants.

“As a business community, we need to understand that a skilled workforce is a community asset,” Williams added. “If you have a skilled workforce in a specific county or region, that accelerates growth, and economic growth is good business. But it has to be done locally.”

Srinivasan provided an overarching conclusion: “Americans are pragmatic. They know that pairing job creation with education and training is the best way to prepare for long-term economic success.”