Big Ideas for Jobs | Workforce Innovation & Policy Research

About the Initiative

Policy roundtable with researchers, employers, and community leaders discussing jobs

About the Initiative

Big Ideas for Jobs | Workforce Innovation & Policy Research

We connect research, employers, and policymakers to scale pathways into quality jobs.

Turning Evidence into Opportunity

Big Ideas for Jobs advances practical, data-driven solutions that help workers gain skills, connect with employers, and grow in resilient careers. We pilot programs with local partners, evaluate what works, and translate findings into actionable policy and practice.

Printed report with charts and sticky notes on policy ideas

At a Glance
Field pilots • Impact evaluations • Employer coalitions • Policy briefs • Open data tools

Hands-on technical training lab with adult learners
Apprentice and mentor reviewing wiring diagram at worksite
Career center counselor helping jobseeker with resume on laptop

Our Pillars

Researchers discussing charts and evaluation design around a table

Evidence

Design rigorous studies and publish accessible insights on what works for workers and employers.

Facilitated workshop prototyping new workforce program ideas with sticky notes

Innovation

Pilot skills pathways, short credentials, and paid work-based learning with local partners.

Legislative hearing room with microphones and policy binders ready

Policy & Practice

Translate findings into policy options, funding models, and implementation playbooks.

We publish open toolkits and host knowledge exchanges for public, nonprofit, and employer partners.

Focus Areas

  • Work-based learning & apprenticeships in high-demand sectors.
  • Short-cycle credentials aligned to regional employer needs.
  • Job quality & mobility—wages, schedules, and promotion ladders.
  • Inclusive hiring & re-entry pathways for underrepresented talent.
  • Digital skills for frontline workers and small-business adoption.

Manufacturing floor with technician using tablet to check machines

Regions & Sectors

We co-design with community colleges, workforce boards, and employers in key clusters.

Interactive dashboard on laptop with labor market charts and maps

Open Data Tools

Local labor trends, program benchmarks, and equity metrics to inform decisions.

How We Share Findings

  • Policy briefs and implementation guides.
  • Webinars and community-of-practice sessions.
  • Case studies and replication toolkits for partners.

Snapshots from the Field

Healthcare trainees practicing patient care simulation in lab
Construction apprenticeship cohort with hard hats at jobsite briefing
Small business owner receiving digital skills coaching in storefront
Community college classroom where adult learners collaborate on laptops
Employer HR team reviewing inclusive hiring practices with facilitator
IT help desk apprentices collaborating around ticket dashboard
Moms at evening class studying with childcare area nearby
Regional partners signing collaboration MOU at meeting table

Coalition meeting with workforce board, college, nonprofit, and employer representatives

Our Partners

Workforce boards, community colleges, training providers, labor organizations, and employers committed to inclusive growth.

Notebook with agenda titled Workforce Innovation Strategy next to coffee and glasses

Collaborate with Us

Bring a challenge or idea—we’ll co-design a pilot and share results.




 


We typically reply within one business day.

FAQ

Do you fund programs?
We partner on design and evaluation, and help align programs with public and philanthropic funding.

How do regions participate?
Submit an interest form with sector focus, partners, and outcomes. We prioritize scalable ideas with strong employer demand.

Are resources open?
Yes—policy notes, tools, and case studies are shared openly whenever possible.

Panel discussion on workforce policy with audience Q&A and microphones

Shared Learning

Join our webinars and practice networks to learn what’s working across regions.

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