Take Our Workforce Pipeline Quiz!

Think you know all you need to know about the workforce pipeline? Test your knowledge by taking the quick quiz below!  If you attended the recent panel discussion co-sponsored by Centennial and FranNet, you will know the answers.  If you weren’t able to join us, an answer key fortunately follows the quiz!

True or False

1. An organization’s “employment brand” is crucial to engaging the workforce pipeline.
2. An area’s preschool options affect the workforce pipeline.
3. Our educational system needs to become more employer-focused to ensure a healthy workforce pipeline.
4. Companies are acquiring competitors to gain talent instead of turning to the workforce pipeline.
5. An area’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is almost always a positive influence on the workforce pipeline.
6. The workforce pipeline is dependent on economic development.
7. Organizations with a talent “strategy” are most successful in tapping into the workforce pipeline.
8. Bonus Question (fill in the blank) Instilling _____________ in the workforce pipeline can be key to not only the cultivation of potential workers but also retaining those already a part of it.

Answers

1. True. An organization’s employment brand frequently factors into the pipeline’s desire to work there. Simply, companies that take their employment brand seriously get ahead. Company culture, training opportunities, leadership vision, and employee retention strategies are key components to an organization’s employment brand. An organization’s employment reputation is key to attract workers.
2. Yes, it’s true! Preschool is actually the “point of entry” for the workforce pipeline! The workforce pipeline hinges on education—from the day a child sets foot in preschool. Children who attend preschool perform better in school—through college! Furthermore, strong preschools in an area attract high achieving parents—who bolster the workforce pipeline.
3. True. Employer-focused educational systems provide training opportunities that directly affect the pipeline. Thanks to our region’s Great Oaks educational network and schools like Gateway Community and Technical College and Cincinnati State (not to mention the amazing universities in our area!) training opportunities for high school students and young adults abound, providing employers with the skilled workers they need. But, many seats are empty! Participation in training programs like those offered through Great Oaks and Gateway needs to be encouraged—especially for students who might not necessarily be college-bound.
4. True! A recent example of a company acquiring another for talent is Unilever’s acquisition of Dollar Shave Club. Not only does Unilever benefit from Dollar Shave’s “built in” online distribution channel, they also gain the talent who designed their winning strategy. Unilever’s entire product line will profit because of it.
5. False. Entrepreneurism sometimes takes the best and brightest out of the pipeline, which is tough for employers. If an entrepreneur’s idea takes off and a new organization is born, the pipeline may benefit in the long run.
6. True and False! The Workforce pipeline and economic development has a co-dependent relationship.   Economic development attracts workers who then attract employers—and vice versa. What’s important is that both need to be healthy.
7. True. Having a talent strategy is the differentiating factor between organizations that “win” and organizations that are behind when it comes to the workforce pipeline. And, as mentioned earlier, talent strategy includes building an employment brand with those in the pipeline and those about to enter it. Organizations that are especially successful begin building their employment brand when students are in high school or in college. They are on campus, instructing classes, creating events–or attending them. To appeal to those already in the workforce, these organizations focus on their culture, find ongoing training opportunities for their workers, participate in their communities, and are aware and attentive to their online presence.
8. Bonus question: Instilling PRIDE in the workforce pipeline can be key to not only the cultivation of potential workers but also retaining those already a part of it. Marketing to the workforce pipeline should be part of the every organization’s talent strategy.

How did you do? (Give yourself an extra pat on the back if you answered #8 correctly!)

How is your organization engaging the workforce pipeline?