WPTI Employer Symposium Series: Retail Sector

In a rapidly shifting economic environment, gaining a deeper understanding of employer and industry needs, and how workforce providers can most effectively respond, is especially critical. To this end, WPTI is pleased to announce our upcoming Employer Symposium Series, which will consist of five sessions throughout the coming months, each focused on an individual sector. Through discussion with employers, workforce providers will not only develop a deeper understanding of industry priorities and required skill sets, but also learn strategies to build the relationships necessary to create effective career pipelines for the communities they serve.

The series will begin Tuesday, October 20 from 8:30-10:15 am with a forum focused on the retail sector, one of the industries affected most dramatically by recent economic changes. This event will bring together employers and practitioners from workforce development agencies with a focus on meeting employers’ workforce needs in a digital economy. The event, presented in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, will feature an overview of the labor market and panel discussion followed by smaller discussions in breakout rooms. Featured speaker include James Parrott, Director, Economic and Fiscal Policy at the Center for New York City Affairs at the New School, and representatives from major retail employers across New York City.

Employer panelists from the retail industry will share their real-time views on:

• The structural impact of COVID-19 on their business operations;
• The implications for training and development in a digital environment;
• The immediate as well as long-term talent needs of the business community including recruitment, retention, and career advancement; and
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Practitioners will walk away with:

• An understanding of how employers have shifted in the wake of COVID-19, including the increasing role of technology;
• Learnings regarding employer talent needs; and
• Strategies to support and prepare emerging job seekers and those who will be displaced by technological advancements and changes in the labor market.

This will be a dynamic, interactive session, so we ask that individuals who register are prepared to attend and participate in the conversation! If you cannot attend, please let us know ASAP, so we can remove you from the list and ensure there is enough space for all attendees.

Tickets are FREE OF CHARGE. To register for the event, please CLICK HERE.