Across every industry sector, the conversation is about the shortage of talent. Reskilling and upskilling programs are imperative for employers as they attempt to alleviate labor and talent shortages.

Meeting the needs of an ever-changing economy requires an innovative approach to workforce development that taps into existing institutional knowledge but directly engages with public, nonprofit, and private sector stakeholders.

The W. P. Carey School of Business is responding with a focused effort on executive and continuing education, including launching programs such as AZNext, a public-private partnership designed to create a workforce development ecosystem that addresses the need for more skilled workers in IT, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing roles.

AZNext has two essential purposes: giving learners the skills they need to succeed at every career stage and providing employers with access to a skilled workforce that addresses their demand for talent.

With an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, AZNext relieves barriers like cost and commuting. And by providing access to employers and hands-on opportunities, learners enter the job market with experience already under their belts. AZNext aims to serve more than 3,000 learners during the next four years, focusing on underserved populations, including women, minorities, and veterans.

Using a combination of educational delivery modalities—boot camps, internships, apprenticeships, hands-on learning, and simulated work experiences—AZNext addresses the acute need for a mid- to high-skilled workforce in information technology, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing roles.

AZNext drew from existing curriculum to structure training programs into intensive courses that develop targeted skills and deliver knowledge students can implement immediately. In every course, industry experts share their experiences from the real world, ensuring what is being taught stays relevant and providing learners with a realistic view of how their coursework translates to the workplace.

AZNext is building a workforce development model that can be scaled and implemented across the country. By offering training virtually, we can reach communities that may not have been accessible before, offering individuals a new pathway into an in-demand career.

In today’s uncertain economic environment, businesses need better-skilled workers to grow and stay competitive, while workers need quick and efficient ways to adopt in-demand skills. The future of higher education is in bridging the gap between the needs of learners and employers by providing an assortment of paths for knowledge acquisition and career advancements, such as credentials, competencies, and experiential learning opportunities in high-demand fields.

Through AZNext and related initiatives, the W. P. Carey School is reimagining what education looks like and offering pathways to learners at different levels in their career journey, creating the pipeline of the talent needed to secure the future.

Visit wpcarey.asu.edu/AZNext to learn more.