Workforce Woes: Strategies to Combat America’s Skilled Labor Shortage w/ Stephanie Ferguson Melhorn

Talent Hunters

For the last few years, the US workforce has been experiencing a severe labor shortage. With over 8 million jobs in need of talent, there just aren’t enough skilled workers to fill the jobs available on the market. There are many factors driving this challenge in finding and retaining talent.

There are less people participating in the labor force. Entrepreneurship has exploded in America, and of course there’s the impact of covid, which we’re still feeling today.

So the question is: how do we fill these jobs and get people back into the workforce? Well the answer is simple: we have to widen the pool and look at the talent that’s right under our nose. How do we start building tomorrow’s workforce right now? How do we connect talent to great opportunities?

In this episode, I’m joined by Senior Director of Workforce and International Labor Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Stephanie Ferguson Melhorn. She gives valuable insights on our nation’s labor shortage and how to solve it.

Guest Bio

Stephanie Ferguson Melhorn is the Senior Director of Workforce and International Labor Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Stephanie's portfolio comprises unemployment insurance and international labor policy. Additionally, she directs the U.S. Chamber's data center initiative.In this role, Stephanie keeps the Chamber's members and audience informed about the current state of the workforce. Her work on the labor shortage has been cited in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Associated Press. Stephanie is a staunch advocate for unemployment insurance modernization and serves on the U.S. employer delegation to the International Labor Conference. Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

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