America’s workforce challenge is significant and growing. There are fewer births while the retiring population is increasing. Employers struggle to find technicians, healthcare workers, cybersecurity professionals, advanced manufacturing talent, and workers prepared for emerging industries.
In response, America has invested heavily in workforce development efforts. Yet workforce shortages persist. This paper, developed by FHI 360’s Institute for Work & Learning, argues that the challenge is not simply a shortage of talent. It is a shortage of coordination infrastructure.