Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce
How to help every young person navigate their personal career path
By Hans Meeder with JoLynn Fletcher
Foreword by Edson Barton
Empowering students for a future-ready workforce
In the rapidly changing world of work, today’s youth and young adults struggle to find good-fitting careers that match their innate talents and align with their life goals. This challenge is getting worse as our workforce is reshaped by the AI convergence (the synergy of artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and autonomous technologies). The underlying problem is that today’s youth and young adults don’t have well-developed career navigation skills—the bundle of skills and knowledge that include self-knowledge, knowledge of careers and the workplace—and the problem-solving and decision-making skills to chart their personal pathway.
This powerful book, “Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce,” by Hans Meeder with JoLynn Fletcher, demonstrates how youth can develop these skills, and how schools and colleges across the country are using a proven, replicable approach called career-connected learning to help young people develop these skills. Through the research findings, the practical strategies for students and parents, and the implementation steps explained in this book, your school and your community can help students develop their talents today to make a positive difference in Tomorrow’s Workforce!
Preview “Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce”
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Hans Meeder
Hans Meeder is a Senior Fellow for Education and Workforce Innovation at YouScience. Hans was co-founder and President of the National Center for College and Career Transitions (NC3T), which merged with YouScience in 2022. Mr. Meeder served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Education in the U.S. Department of Education Office of Vocational and Adult Education, among many other policy roles in Washington, DC.
A conversation about tomorrow’s workforce
Hans Meeder is joined by educators from around the country for an in-depth discussion about the future of education and how to best prepare students for an evolving workforce.
What people are saying about “Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce”
Imagine if all young people had the opportunity to better understand their strengths, motivations, aptitudes, and passions while at the time learning their academics in a meaningful way by exploring possible careers through a career-connected approach. The authors of this book deserve our thanks for putting together this guide to help adults ensure career navigation tools meet the needs of our future leaders.
Cheryl Carrier
Executive Director, Ford Next Generation Learning
The research is bulletproof, the case for career-connected learning is compelling, and the recommendations are both powerful and practical. This book is a must for anyone wanting to equip learners to pursue their best possible career life.
Kevin J. Fleming, PhD
Founder and CEO, Catapult
Hans Meeder’s “Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce” is a masterful guide for educators, policymakers, and industry leaders dedicated to transforming our education system from a college-readiness focus to a career-readiness approach. Meeder’s expertise and insightful analysis demonstrate how an equity-first mindset can help students understand their aptitudes and interests, ensuring that their voices, choices, and cultural backgrounds are integral to their educational journey.
Deb Mumm-Hill
Executive Director, Oregon STEM
Hans’ national leadership, vision, and voice are shaping reality. Connect school and work, increase aptitude feedback and engagement, verify that what’s taught improves a student’s future vision and internal motivation takes off! Brilliant read, clear steps, and hope all in one place.
Rich Feller, PhD
Former NCDA President and University Distinguished Teaching Scholar, Counseling and Career Development, Colorado State University
Hans Meeder’s insightful work highlights the urgent need for Career Navigation Skills to prepare our youth for the rapidly evolving job market shaped by AI convergence and technical advances. This book is an essential guide for educators, policymakers, and families committed to equipping students with the skills necessary for their future careers.
Rachael Mann
Author of Pack Your Bags for an AI-Driven Future
With a focus on developing career navigation skills, Hans Meeder calls attention to an important element in supporting youth in their transition to work. With so many changes in the world of work, career advising programs must help all youth identify occupation pathways that align with and develop their emerging talent.
V. Scott H. Solberg, PhD
Professor and Co-Director, Boston University Center for Future Readiness