2024 Workforce Development Trends for Central Oklahoma
As the calendar turns to 2024, let’s take a look at emerging workforce trends and the invaluable services Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma provides to guide individuals through their transition (back) into the workforce.
Embracing Technology
The digital revolution has reshaped the job landscape, making technological literacy a prerequisite for success. Our commitment to embracing technology is reflected in our training programs, where we provide hands-on experience with the latest tools and software relevant to various industries. By bridging the digital divide, we empower individuals to confidently navigate the tech-driven work environment.
In the fall of 2023, Goodwill will expand its digital literacy offerings with a brand-new digital literacy lab. Under the expert guidance of digital literacy trainers, the lab will offer training opportunities at up to 25 computer stations at a time.
High-Growth Career Fields
When it comes to the job market, workforces in certain trade occupations, like plumbing, electrical work and other specialty professions, are aging. Goodwill is trying to combat continuation uncertainty in those job fields by highlighting to our clients the many opportunities available within those career tracks – most of which do not have a higher-education requirement, have high placement rates, great compensation profiles and show a track record of being recession-proof.
Through the Goodwill Career Pathways Institute, we offer many stackable certificate programs to help candidates obtain training and accreditations in a variety of career fields, from customer service, to retail and in-demand trade professions, like Network Cabling.
Resources for Goodwill’s Workforce
Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma envisions employment as the cornerstone of stability, capable of positively impacting entire families and future generations. That’s why our workforce development efforts include our own team members. We offer more than 95 training opportunities to employees, ranging from leadership development and effective communication tactics to financial literacy and emotional intelligence.
Recognizing that personal challenges can impact professional performance, our Begin At Home program also provides a large number of employee assistance services, many encompassing employees’ families. To grow this area and better integrate it with our in-house career and training opportunities, Goodwill plans to invest in increased staffing for our Programs and People & Culture teams.
Building Oklahoma’s Future Together
As workforce development trends continue to evolve, Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma remains dedicated to providing innovative solutions that empower individuals to achieve their professional aspirations.
Know of someone that could benefit from our career services or trainings? Our training calendar hosts our monthly opportunities and events, and our employment specialists are ready to welcome clients Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at our Employment Services Center located in downtown Oklahoma City.
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Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma is a community-based, nonprofit agency in Central Oklahoma with one outlet store, 24 retail stores and 17 attended donation centers, as well as an Employment Services Center throughout 37 counties. Goodwill is a sustainable social enterprise that funds job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items.