A committee of the Regional Workforce Alliance

Upskilling Workforce

Moving up, not starting over.

The Upskilling Committee prepares the region’s workforce for the jobs of today — and tomorrow.

It unites employers, training providers, educational institutions, and community partners to coordinate initiatives that expand access to high-quality upskilling and reskilling opportunities.

The focus is on working adults: people already holding a job who need a credential, a new skill, or a clear next rung to move into higher-wage work.

Co-chairs

  • Dr. Jamel Wright

    Upskilling Workforce Co-Chair

    Dr. Jamel Wright

    President, Eureka College

  • Jason Fark

    Upskilling Workforce Co-Chair

    Jason Fark

    Vice President, Chase Bank

What we keep an eye on

  • Emerging skill gaps across priority industries
  • Industry-driven credentialing and certifications
  • Adult learner and mid-career worker training
  • Career laddering and advancement pathways
  • Employer investment in internal talent development
  • Alignment between educational offerings and job market demand
  • Sector partnerships and co-designed training programs

Current initiatives

  • Regional Upskilling Landscape Study Mapping what training exists in the region, who it reaches, and where the gaps are.
  • Fast Track Career Pathways Short-term, stackable credentials that lead to immediate wage gains.
  • Employer-Led Curriculum Development Training built with the employers who will hire the graduates.
  • Work-Based Learning Integration Apprenticeships and earn-and-learn models embedded in training.
  • Talent Pipeline Management Helping employers forecast skill needs and build pipelines to meet them.
  • Essential Skills Training Regional delivery of GPEAK, the essential employability skills certification.

The other committees

Nobody reaches 60% alone.

Employers, educators, and community partners are already at the table. Join them.

Get involved