Human Capital : Featured Stories

At a recent event co-hosted by Flying Kite, the Job Opportunity Investment Network announced an ambitious grant program to promote innovation in the workforce development space.

The current labor market requires innovation, creativity and commitment -- not only to finding the best workers, but to cultivating them. Meet two local companies committed to rethinking how they train and hire. PTR Baler, a manufacturer in Port Richmond, and Wash Cycle Laundry, a green bike-powered laundry service, both looked at the challenges of maintaining an engaged, talented workforce and declined to take the easy way out. PTR has taken it upon themselves to train the next generation of high-skill workers, while Wash Cycle emphasizes upward mobility and taps vulnerable populations. Both solutions have bred success.

Flying Kite chatted with the organization's director about the importance of collaboration, the skills gap and Philadelphia's unique workforce challenges -- and opportunities. Starting with her time in the Mayor's Office, this passionate leader witnessed the interconnectedness of human capital issues, and is working to tap the region's canniest employers and most aggressive advocates to solve the jobs riddle.

Friday's showcase of 'ideas worth sharing' made an argument for Philadelphia as 'The New Workshop of the World.' Speakers touched on education, development, access and modern manufacturing.

Philadelphia Game Lab wants to help build a local gaming industry that better reflects the diversity of Philadelphia. The organization recently received a $384,000 grant from the state to fund a year-long apprenticeship program.

This interactive event brought together employers, nonprofits and thought leaders to talk workforce development.

This local thinker has made waves by addressing "Why Good People Can't Get Jobs," and laying some of the blame at the feet of rigid employers.  Next week, Cappelli will give a talk at the JOIN(t) Action Forum, a gathering of thought leaders, advocates and employers workshopping best practices for creating and filling jobs in Philadelphia.