Governors, Business Leaders Discuss Workforce Shortages, Opportunities at NGA Winter Meeting

The nation’s Governors were joined by Fortune 500 leaders last week to explore solutions to workforce shortages in a panel discussion during the Winter Meeting of the National Governors Association (NGA).

In a panel conversation Saturday, NGA Chair New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Montana Governor Greg Gianforte led a discussion with Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith, Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar, and AECOM Global Transportation Chief Executive Jennifer Aument. The discussion centered on strategies – including broadband access, digital skills training and apprenticeship programs – to address workforce shortages and ensure workers have the skills required to succeed in a changing job market.

“The growth and resilience of our country’s economic future depend on our ability to open new pathways and expand opportunities for our workforce,” said Governor Murphy. “Governors are focused on working with the business community and with educators to develop training that prepares workers for open jobs in growing fields. For the United States to compete in a global economy, we must rebuild the American Dream to be more expansive and inclusive than ever before.”

“Opportunities for good-paying jobs are growing, but we face a nationwide workforce shortage,” said Governor Gianforte. “By partnering with the private sector, improving and reforming education programs, and investing in workforce development, including trades education and apprenticeships, we can create greater opportunities for the people we serve, empower workers with in-demand skills, and address our nation’s workforce shortage.”

During meeting sessions Thursday – Saturday, Governors have met with federal officials and leaders from business, academia and philanthropy for solutions-driven conversations around the top issues in states and territories.

The Winter Meeting is one of the two marquee annual convenings of the National Governors Association, the bipartisan organization representing governors from the 55 states and territories.