Workforce Development Hub: Building a Trained Public Works Workforce That Requires Special Skills, Not College Degrees

  • Room: Exhibit Hall D - APWA Connect LIVE! - Booth 1122
Sunday, August 17, 2025: 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Speaker(s)

Speaker
Chris Ewell MPA, RLA
Assistant Public Works Director
City of Phoenix
Speaker
Megan Patent-Nygren MCRP
Interim Director
Nebraska LTAP
Speaker
Tom O'Brien
Director
California LTAP

Description

This session will consider how practical skills-based training can be an alternative or complement to the traditional college degree career path. Prioritizing skills-based training and development can enhance creativity and increase innovation while bridging skills gaps in the public works sector. 

Track(s)

Learning Objectives

You will gain strategies to:
• Assess the value of a skills-based approach by focusing on specific skills needed for public works positions and how a skills-based approach can address the workforce needs of the public works sector.
• Explore innovative training methods and discuss various approaches for delivering specialized training.
• Explain how a skills-focused approach improves job performance, increases job satisfaction, creates advancement opportunities, and ultimately contributes to the overall success of public works organizations.