Join leaders from the Necessary Skills Now initiative for a hands-on workshop focused on integrating critical employability skills—like communication, teamwork, and dependability—into technical education. Discover classroom-ready tools, bite-sized resources, and proven strategies for aligning instruction with real-world workplace expectations. Explore employer perspectives, leverage US-DOL competency models, and learn how to collaborate with industry partners to bring workplace culture into the classroom through scenario-based lessons and projects.

This dynamic session explores how strategic partnerships can be leveraged to create inclusive, high-quality career pathways for all learners. Participants will engage in interactive activities to assess and strengthen current collaborations while also examining promising practices for supporting special populations through holistic supports and career navigation initiatives. By integrating service alignment with an inclusion lens, attendees will leave with actionable strategies to build a robust career preparation ecosystem that meets the diverse needs of today’s learners.

This interactive session is designed for institutional leaders and decision-makers ready to move beyond exploration and begin implementing AI across programs and campuses. Participants will collaboratively develop actionable steps for integrating AI in ways that align with workforce needs and educational goals. The workshop will explore how to prepare faculty, update curriculum, and ensure ethical and effective use of AI in learning environments. Special emphasis will be placed on engaging local employers to identify in-demand skills and co-design learning experiences that reflect real-world expectations. Participants will leave with starter action plans, ready-to-use resources, and strategies for building cross-sector support for sustainable AI integration.