For many years, Economic Development Professionals have incorporated Workforce Development programs for locals who either need training to increase their economic status, re-enter the workforce, or exit social service programs. Federal policies such as Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ACT (WIOA), have funded these initiatives so states can develop programming. These programs generally partner with local colleges or trade programs to facilitate training and offer job placement. Economic Development professionals work hard to market and retain high demand industries and align workforce programs to increase competitiveness on the local level. Since Career Pathway has become a trend, Economic Development agencies need to take these types of programs into consideration. But, how?
Career Pathway focuses on aligning K-12 academics with career training programs for youth, so they can earn Diplomas, career credentials, and college credits. Work-based learning is part of the career pathway which provides an opportunity for students to gain experience by working with employers based on their career programs. Vocational Institutions house many of these programs; however, several traditional high schools received grants to provide Career Pathway programming. Initiatives such as P-Tech allow IBM to partner with participating High Schools to incorporate a 2-year post-secondary tech degree with their High School Diploma. Since academics align with their career programs and they can take advantage of college courses, students now have an option to earn advanced degrees.
So, what role does Economic Development play in promoting Career Pathway? As stated, ED programs target rebuilding the workforce so that talents can fill opportunities in growing industries. The career pathway represents a way of planning ahead to train the next generation to compete and become successful in industry. Obviously, these ideas come with challenges; such as providing incentives for young talent to stay or return back into their communities if they attend Higher Education Institutions outside of their origins; therefore, minimizing “brain drain”. In addition, this can be effective in keeping up with the volatile nature of the market; and thus, updating career pathway programming can change based on need.
Collaborations between economic development agencies and career pathway institutions facilitate a mindset that we MUST invest ahead in our workforce to accelerate the talent recruitment process. As important as that, we should also strive to minimize any potential disruption of economic growth in communities.
Wilson Career Pathways Project 
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