Workforce Development: Competing for Talent in the 21st Century
Overview
Manufacturing organizations face intensifying workforce challenges driven by talent shortages, technological disruption, demographic shifts, and increasing global competition. Success in the coming decades will depend on an organization’s ability to understand its workforce ecosystem, develop future-ready talent pipelines, and align workforce strategy with business objectives. This webinar explores the demographic, economic, and workforce trends shaping the future of manufacturing and examines the skills, partnerships, and data-driven strategies organizations need to remain competitive. Participants will gain practical insights into workforce planning, talent pipeline development, education and industry alignment, and emerging workforce trends that will influence manufacturing through 2030, 2040, and beyond.
Host Company
The Bolden Group is a consulting, research, and professional development firm that helps organizations improve performance, optimize growth, and build long-term sustainability. Specializing in workforce development, economic development, public policy, and organizational strategy, the firm delivers data-informed solutions to public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Through research, technical assistance, strategic planning, and customized training, The Bolden Group helps clients develop talent pipeline strategies, strengthen workforce readiness, and build organizational effectiveness in a rapidly changing economy.
Presenter
Dr. Nicholas Bolden advises governments, manufacturers, and educational institutions on how to build the workforce systems that drive long-term economic growth. A workforce strategy expert, public policy scholar, and higher education leader, he specializes in economic development, workforce development, and talent pipeline strategy. Dr. Bolden has advised state governments and advanced manufacturing organizations as a senior consultant, leading initiatives focused on workforce optimization, talent pipeline alignment, organizational performance, and long-term growth strategy. His work bridges research and practice, helping organizations navigate workforce challenges, close skill gaps, and build sustainable, high-performing talent systems in an increasingly competitive global economy.
He serves as a Professor of Public Administration and Policy and as a Commissioner on the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, where he contributes to policy discussions and initiatives that strengthen education and workforce outcomes. A recognized scholar in workforce development policy, Dr. Bolden is the author and editor of two books:
- Workforce Development: The Key to Prosperity in the 21st Century (2020)
- Bridging the Skill Gap: Workforce Development Policy and Perspectives (forthcoming, 2026)
His research and scholarship have appeared in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development and the Journal of Regional Analysis and Policy. Through his academic, consulting, and public service roles, Dr. Bolden continues to advance innovative workforce and economic development strategies that support employers, communities, and policymakers.
Agenda
Thursday, August 13, 2026
CentralTime zone
11 a.m. Welcome and introduction
11:05 a.m. Objectives and overview
11:15 a.m. Global demographic and workforce trends – Emerging talent and labor market challenges – Implications for manufacturing organizations Workforce Development Strategies for Manufacturing
11:30 a.m. The shift from jobs to skills – Future workforce skills and talent pipeline development – Education, training, and workforce partnerships – Data-driven workforce planning and decision-making Building a Competitive Workforce Advantage
11:40 a.m. Workforce strategy as a business strategy – Addressing skill gaps and workforce shortages – Practical actions manufacturing leaders can take today Questions & Answers
11:50 a.m. Questions and Answers, closing remarks
12 p.m. Event adjourns
PARTICIPANT BENEFITS
- The talent challenge is about skills, not headcount future workforce success depends on access to skilled, adaptable talent — supported by continuous training, skills-based hiring, and strong education partnerships. ;
- Workforce strategy is a core business function organizations that align workforce strategy with growth, innovation, and long-term business goals will be better positioned to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving economy. ;
- Workforce intelligence and cross-sector partnerships build resilient talent pipelines organizations that use data-driven workforce insights and build aligned partnerships across education and industry will create stronger, more sustainable talent pipelines. ;
- Demographic shifts and global competition are rewriting the rules of talent global demographic and workforce shifts are redefining where talent will come from, what skills will be required, and how organizations must strategically compete for workforce readiness in the future economy.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- Plant managers & operations leaders;
- Workforce development & talent strategy professionals;
- HR directors & talent acquisition leaders;
- Training & technical development managers;
- Engineering & process improvement leaders;
- Supply chain & logistics managers
Safety Requirements
OTHER REGISTRATION INFORMATION
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