Strategies For Expanding the Talent Pipeline Using Career Pathways

Education, workforce, and economic development professionals across the nation are working with employers to create a robust talent pipeline utilizing career pathways. This document builds on a literature review of the collective experience and a series of collaborative conversations with professionals from Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Workforce Development Boards, Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), and Wisconsin’s Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). It intends to offer guidance to practitioners about career pathway strategies they can use to meet employers’ need for skilled employees. We recognize that many of the strategies are already being used, but partner agencies may not think about or utilize them as part of a career pathway system. They also may not have clarified which agency in their network can lead and deliver the strategy. We encourage practitioners to use this guidance in communication, relationship-building, and strategy development with each other and with Wisconsin employers.