i3 - July/August 2017 - 34

N E W A M E R I CA N J O B S SU M M I T

CTA's New American
Jobs Summit is a Success

Topics discussed during the day included
education, immigration, automation,
cyber defense, software jobs shortage,
apprenticeships, labor laws, the sharing
economy, infrastructure and alternative
solutions. Gary Shapiro, president and
CEO, CTA, gave the opening address.
"Our overall goal is innovation, and that
innovation is what separates us from other
countries," said Shapiro. "Together, we're
shaping the new American workforce."
Steve Koenig, senior director of market
research, CTA, released results from CTA's
Future of Work Survey. Koenig explored
the future of job skill requirements, job
automation and hiring practices. "Fiftytwo percent of tech industry executives
plan to automate job functions in the next
five years," Koenig explained. "It's getting
easier, it's getting better."
Reps. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Jared
Polis (D-CO) then took the stage to offer
their perspectives on jobs. Rep. Foxx - an
Airbnb host in her home in Boone, North
Carolina - explained how the new
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JULY/AUGUST 2017

doesn't mean everyone needs to be a programmer, but you will need to be able
to work in an environment increasingly
infused with technology." He added, "Your
work is shifting across multiple spheres."
Glenn DuBois, Chancellor, Virginia's
Community Colleges, took the stage next
to discuss the most difficult jobs to fill
in Virginia, and how the present and
future are cyber-focused. "If you can fix
Congress and administration give
something, there's a middle class job out
America the opportunity to create
there for you," DuBois stated. He spoke
policies that close the widening skills
about how employers love the credentials
gap. Rep Foxx said, "As leaders in
that community colleges are offering
Congress, we want your ideas and
because they are affordable, obtained in
insights." Rep. Polis highlighted the
months not years and are "stackable."
need for early education and community
Brian Kelly, editor and chief content
colleges to narrow the skills gap. Polis
officer, U.S. News and World Report,
called for fixing the broken immigration
moderated a conversation on connecting
system so the U.S. can import
education and companies.
the best and brightest.
Ty Ahmad-Taylor, CEO,
Future jobs THX Ltd.; Jon Chapman,
The Jobs Report followed,
as presenter Shawn DuBravac
co-founder and president,
will be a
and Monster Government
collaborative national partnerships,
Solutions Director of
Linda Livingstone,
effort between EverFi;
Research Bruce Stephen
Ph.D., dean and professor
humans and of management, George
highlighted the current
machines.
status of jobs and projected
Washington University
job growth in the future.
School of Business; and Roy
DuBravac explained how
Skillicorn, senior director,
future jobs will be a collaborative effort
Cisco Services Academy discussed topics
between humans and machines.
including the importance of balancing
According to Monster's 2016 research, the
science and math education with commutech sector has low unemployment and
nications and softer skill sets, and the
solid expansion. Stephen said, "This
business case around company education
I T I S I N N O VAT I O N

Risdon Photography

olicymakers, industry leaders and key influencers
attended CTA's May 3 New American Jobs Summit to
look at the future of U.S. jobs. Held at the Hyatt Regency
Washington on Capitol Hill, the Summit delved into how government and the private sector can collaborate to develop a competitive workforce, create new jobs and foster economic growth in
the face of rapid technological innovation, an aging population
and increased global competition.

i3 - July/August 2017

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