Training Incentives For Employees

If you didn’t grow up poor or around people with no resources, you probably never even heard of Job Corps. For many, Job Corps was more than just job training, it was a second chance. It provided: - Free education & trade training - Housing & meals - Stipends, structure, and support - A safe place to go when home wasn’t safe, or there was no home at all Job Corps served some of the most disadvantaged youth in this country, kids who had been through foster care, who were homeless, or who simply didn’t have the emotional or financial support to figure life out on their own. Many of them didn’t have parents to fall back on. Some didn’t even have a bed to sleep in. And now? The program is gone. These are the kinds of programs that never get headlines and when they disappear, so do the safety nets for the people who needed them most. We talk so much about college (which is out of reach for many) and six-figure careers, but not enough about what helped people stay afloat or gave them a real shot at learning and surviving. Here Are Some National Resources for those being removed from the program: - YouthBuild – Training + housing support for ages 16–24 youthbuild.org - CareerOneStop – Scholarships for trade & vocational training careeronestop.org - Path to Pro (Home Depot) – $2,000 scholarships for trade school skillpointe.com - SkillsUSA – Hands-on training & career-building opportunities - Horatio Alger CTE Scholarships – $2,500 for students in tech/trade programs If you know of more resources please drop them below. Someone might need them. #jobcorps YouthBuild Global CareerOneStop.org The Home Depot

A lot of the value of attending or speaking at a conference doesn’t come from being there. It comes from what you do afterwards. How many times have you come back from a conference or event and thought, “I should’ve done more to maximize that experience”? Not just attending the sessions or showing up at the networking receptions, but turning it into something meaningful for your visibility, your relationships and your business development efforts. Me too 🙋🏼♀️ It’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives, especially after returning from a conference and then move on to the next thing without following up. What you proactively do after the event is what can turn conversations into relationships and visibility into opportunity. Here are some ways to make the most of attending your next conference: ✔️ Prioritize the people you met and follow up with context on LinkedIn or by email, referencing your conversation and suggesting a clear next step ✔️ Follow up with organizers to share feedback and express interest in speaking or getting involved in future programming ✔️ Turn your conference notes into key takeaways and share them as content (LinkedIn post, blog post or short video) connected to your work, your clients or what you’re seeing in the market ✔️ Host your own webinar to recap key themes and extend the conversation ✔️ Interview speakers or attendees whose perspectives stood out and use that content in a webinar, blog post or on social media ✔️ Host an internal recap to share key insights and connect them to your team’s work ✔️ Turn questions or conversations from the event into content or targeted outreach ✔️ Share insights from the event in an email newsletter ✔️ Add relevant new contacts to your email list so you can stay visible with them ✔️ Create a simple system to stay in touch with the people who matter most ✔️ Review the attendee list and reach out to people you didn’t meet ✔️ Follow up with speakers you admired, even if you didn’t connect in person ✔️ Identify one trend or theme you kept hearing across conversations and proactively share that perspective with clients or colleagues You already put in the time and energy to be there. This is how you carry that momentum forward. Which of these ideas resonated most with you? #LegalMarketing #ClientDevelopment #LinkedInTips #BusinessDevelopment #PersonalBrandingTips

Conference fatigue is real! Attending conferences can be rewarding and energizing, but the packed schedules, travel, information overload, and constant networking can quickly lead to fatigue or even burnout. Here’s a few ways to stay refreshed, focused, and make the most of your conference experience: ➡️ PLAN AND PRIORITIZE YOUR SCHEDULE: -- Review the agenda in advance. Highlight the sessions, speakers, and events that align with your goals. Focus on quality over quantity and don’t feel pressured to attend everything. -- If you’re traveling across time zones, use jet lag apps like Timeshifter or StopJetLag to help your body adjust. These apps provide personalized plans to optimize sleep, light exposure, and meals, which can significantly reduce. -- Schedule intentional downtime. Block out periods for solo walks, quiet meals, or short breaks in your room to recharge. Over-scheduling is a major contributor to event fatigue. -- Build in transition time between sessions. Even five to ten minutes can help you reset and prepare for the next event. ➡️ PREPARE FOR NETWORKING AND MEETINGS: -- Carry old-school business cards and a pen. -- Have your LinkedIn QR code or a digital business card ready for quick sharing. Digital cards (using apps like HiHello, Inc. or Popl) are increasingly popular. -- Download the conference app if one is available. They often include networking features, schedules, and ways to connect with other attendees efficiently. ➡️ DURING THE CONFERENCE: -- Limit distractions and avoid multitasking during sessions, meetings, or conversations. -- Be intentional and selective with your #networking: Focus on meaningful connections rather than collecting as many business cards as possible. -- Take notes during or immediately after key conversations and sessions. This helps you remember details and makes follow-up easier. -- Listen actively and ask thoughtful questions-engaged participation is more valuable than passive attendance. -- Designate some “no-conference” time: Block out periods where you don’t attend any sessions or meetings to decompress. -- Skip non-essential social events (like early breakfasts or late-night mixers) if you need rest. Prioritize your well-being over FOMO. -- Pay attention to your body and mind. If you feel overwhelmed or exhausted, take a break, even a short one can help you reset. ➡️ SCHEDULE TIME FOR FOLLOW-UP: -- Review your notes and contacts as soon as possible after the event to combat the “forgetting curve”. -- Set calendar reminders to follow up with new connections-ideally within a month, and then periodically (such as quarterly) to maintain relationships. -- Send personalized LinkedIn connection requests to everyone you met, referencing your conversation to reinforce the connection. -- Use #technology to your advantage: AI-powered apps can help summarize sessions, organize notes, and remind you of action items. What’s your best tip to avoid conference fatigue❓

Friday Insights from an Aviation Recruiter ✈️ Last week, I asked for your questions, and this one came up: “If I can’t attend conferences, does that put me at a disadvantage compared to those who do?” The short answer is no. Attending conferences is not required to be competitive. That said, conferences can be a great way to accelerate your progress. They offer opportunities to network, gain insight into the industry, and have meaningful face-to-face conversations that can leave a lasting impression. Attending conferences can be expensive and time-consuming, but there are often ways to make it more accessible through scholarships, organizational involvement, or networking. Even if attending isn’t always possible, building connections over time still matters. Networking does not only happen at conferences. It can happen at your flight school, at a local fly-in, through someone you meet in the industry, or even in everyday moments. You never know who you might be sitting next to or where a conversation might lead. Conferences are valuable because they bring so many of these opportunities into one place, but they are not the only path. Focus on what you can control: staying engaged, keeping your application updated, and continuing to build quality experience. At the end of the day, there are many paths in this industry. It comes down to how you use the opportunities in front of you. Take a breath. Monday’s another departure.

"Hi Liz, Last year, my conference survey results overwhelmingly showed that attendees wanted more time to network. So this year, we expanded the coffee breaks to 30 minutes, swapped out the open night for a dine-around with signup sheets, and made sure the app allowed for connections. But we STILL got feedback that they wanted more, and almost no one used the app. What are we doing wrong?" I LOVE that you are listening to attendee feedback and trying to adjust! It sounds like your attendees are looking for more *help* meeting people, rather than just more time. Here are a few ideas that might fit: 💡 Host a dedicated "Ask and Offer" time or message board where attendees can share challenges they're trying to solve and people they want to meet. 💡 Do some pre-event matchmaking by asking these questions in advance and helping attendees find the people they need to meet - like giving them a list of 10 people they should find while at the conference. 💡 Rather than just putting a member directory in the app, look into Braindate by e180 or other tools that let people connect on topics of interest, rather than job title. 💡 Turn some sessions into Think Tanks or Roundtable Discussions, either expert-led or peer-led. 💡 Run a crowdsourced Spontaneous Think Tank for true peer-to-peer conversations (we can teach you or you can bring us in for it!). 💡 Do more activities like excursions, field trips, learning tours, or even activity-based evening events like Top Golf for more interaction than just dinners. Hope that helps! ❤️ Got more ideas to share? Drop them in the comments! -------------------- Hi, I'm Liz. I help marketers connect. 🔔 To follow my content 💻 thecommunityfactory.com ✉ liz@thecommunityfactory.com 📆 Book a meeting https://lnkd.in/gjbiTs4M Communities I run: 🏯 www.weareichi.com 📣 www.teamcmo.com Nicole Osibodu, XOXO Kamryn Bryce #community #engagement #events #association #strategy 

It’s September, and conference season is upon us! As the founder and president of a professional services company, I’m gearing up for several events with a clear business development plan to maximize these opportunities. Sales wasn’t always part of my career plan, but as an engineer at heart, I’ve learned that having a process for everything—even sales—is essential. Attending these events comes at a significant cost, both financially and personally, so making the most of them is crucial. Here’s a glimpse into my process: 1. Target Identification: I start by reviewing the list of presenting companies and attendees on the conference app. This isn’t just a quick glance - I carefully downselect those companies where I believe we can add value. 2. Deep Research: I then dive into deep research using LinkedIn, company websites, and other specialized research tools like Zapyrus. I look for key indicators that reveal who these companies are, where they’re headed, and where they might need support. This allows me to understand their challenges and goals, ensuring I’m prepared to offer meaningful solutions. 3. Grading Prospects: With research in hand, I grade each prospect based on our ability to help or add value. This grading is a structured evaluation, considering factors like company stage, technology focus, team composition, geographic location, etc.. Focusing on prospects that align with our expertise increases the likelihood of long-term partnerships. All research is captured for quick reference during the conference on, yes, you guessed it, a spreadsheet. 4. Customized Outreach: I craft personalized outreach emails 3-4 weeks before the event. These aren’t generic messages—they’re tailored to address the specific needs and opportunities I’ve identified during my research. The goal is to add value from the first touchpoint, setting the tone for a meaningful conversation at the event. This process isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about building a foundation of trust and understanding with potential clients and partners. In my experience, success in sales is often more about how you show up than what you’re actually selling. And of course, follow-up is key! After the event, I continue the conversation on LinkedIn, reinforcing connections and exploring further collaboration opportunities. Sometimes, I even facilitate connections elsewhere based on our discussions. Whether you're looking to connect with startups or investors, a structured approach can turn your efforts into tangible results. The key to success lies in preparation—knowing your audience, understanding their needs, and reaching out in a way that resonates. Looking forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming events! Let’s make the most of these opportunities and turn ideas into impactful collaborations. #LSIEurope #RESIBoston #MEDeviceBoston #Medtechcon #BusinessDevelopment #SalesStrategy #StartupSuccess #InvestorRelations

👉 The #UAE and #UK both know that staying ahead means updating how people learn new skills. This UAE-UK Business Council report looks at how the two countries can team up on #technicaleducation, #vocationaltraining, and #qualifications giving their workers a real edge in the future. 🤜 The report sets out the main skills gaps the UAE faces and shows where UK educators and training experts can help. The #UAE is moving fast to grow beyond oil, and that’s driving up demand for skilled workers in areas like #renewableenergy, #advancedmanufacturing, #AI, and #healthcare. But the current #training just isn’t keeping up. There’s always been a gap between what providers offer and what employers actually need. Most still see traditional academic degrees as the better option. Emiratisation means companies need to train more Emiratis, so there’s strain on the skills ecosystem to provide top-notch workers. To tackle this, the UAE is blending academic and vocational pathways, rolling out #microcredentials, and recognising prior #learning, and more - all to make better job prospects possible. #Inclusion is also a core challenge and priority as the UAE is works to increase participation by women in STEM and technical fields and to expand vocational opportunities for People of Determination. 🇬🇧 Here’s how UK skills, training, and education providers can tap into opportunities in the UAE: 👍 UK vocational skills are in demand. Dubai schools already offer programmes like Pearson's #BTEC, and there’s room for more! 👍 Co-developing and delivering industry-focused curricula in areas like #cleanenergy, advanced #manufacturing, #digital tech, healthcare, #tourism, and #logistics are top priorities. 👍 Co-designing the UAE’s technical education #ecosystem including qualifications, quality assurance, and employer engagement. Models like amazing Baker Dearing International's #UTC approach is a fantastic example. 👍 #Apprenticeships need UK providers support the shaping, design, assessments, and trainer development. 👍 #Transnationaleducation #TNE keeps growing with potential for co-branded diplomas, joint certification, and clear routes to success, like the Dubai College of Tourism partnerships. 👍 #Leadership programmes that fit Emiratisation growth goals, especially in #engineering, #aviation and future facing sectors. 👍 #Trainer and institution capacity building is essential - trainer exchanges, CPD, and UK-standard accreditation. 👍 #Recognition of qualifications and #chartered status will boost prospects for professionals in all sectors. 👍 There’s also strong demand for #inclusiveskills initiatives like #womeninSTEM, returners training, and support for People of Determination. #Sustainable and #mutually #beneficial #partnerships with #employers #institutions and #government agencies, where scalable delivery is real, offers opportunities for UK providers to co-create #workforcedevelopment services that stick! Stop reading .. get involved!

You know that feeling when you leave a conference exhausted, slightly overwhelmed and wondering if it was actually worth taking the day out? I don't! lol. I love conferences. I've been attending, speaking at and organising events across continents for almost two decades and conferences are one of the best ways to grow your network. But why should you need to grow your network now? Because the best time to build your network is before you need it. The K in my #UROCKframework is about kindling meaningful relationships before you need them. Not collecting contacts. Actually tending to the connections that will hold you when your career gets uncertain. Conferences, when approached intentionally, are one of the best places to do exactly that. Here are my 6 tips for before, during and after every conference: 1. Find your tribe - Research who is attending in advance and connect on LinkedIn before you arrive. Get there early, seek them out and go deep with two or three people. One real conversation will always outlast a dozen surface level exchanges. 2. Be present - Put the phone down. Resist the pull to check emails mid-session. Being fully present helps you spot what you have in common with those around you. 3. Share openly - There is no use pretending everything is fine. Share your challenges and honest perspective, mindful of your organisation's NDAs of course. The solution to your challenge could very well be in the room. 4. Be kind - Spark joy. Be kind to organisers and fellow attendees. Be kind to the person whose question runs a little too long. The communications world is smaller than you think. The person you dismiss in the coffee queue might be the hiring manager or the peer who recommends you for your next opportunity. People always remember how you made them feel. 5. Manage your energy -  Conferences are genuinely exhausting. You do not have to attend every session. You do not have to say yes to every dinner. You cannot speak to everyone and you should not try. Zone in on a few meaningful connections you can actually nurture. 6. Stay connected - This is the step most people skip and it is the one that matters most. Make sure your phone is charged and while it is out, connect on LinkedIn on the spot. Then follow through with a message the next day, whether that is a comment on something they said that stayed with you or an article that connects to your conversation. These tips have helped me build relationships I genuinely did not see coming. I hope they do the same for you. Swipe to see some of these in action at the IABC EMENA Strategic #CommunicationLeadershipSummit in Brussels beautifully put together by Mike, Ruxandra-Laura and Orla. Are there any tips I have missed? Let's continue to make the most of conferences and grow our networks. And I will see you at the next one, soon. 📸 Alexandru Marin 😍 | Lillo Mendola | Romain Triollet 💕 #Impact

Like most women I continued to work during my pregnancy (2023). I presented at conferences in the UK & internationally. Here's my reflections on the experience with some tips for events organisers to consider. - In my first trimester I struggled with morning sickness & other common side effects. I was scheduled to speak at an event in Aberdeen. I told the organisers I was pregnant & unwell. They were very understanding & kind. I was able to present via Zoom & I attended in person the year after, as the keynote speaker! - At an international event, I was offered a separate room to rest which had a sofa. A driver was arranged to collect & drop me off from the event. There wasn't an expectation for me to stay all day. I presented on the ground floor to avoid any stairs (I was so relieved about this!). They asked what my preference was in terms of when I presented my session. I was provided with lunch shortly before everyone else so I didn't have to stand in line. - Later in my pregnancy I was scheduled to present in Italy. At this point I had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. This meant strict diet, insulin injections x4 a day, medication & regular blood monitoring. Again, I couldn't be there in person but I was able to pre-record my presentation to be shown on the day, so I was still part of the event. -There was another conference I was invited to late in my pregnancy. I informed the organisers but my experience wasn't positive. They refused to save me a parking space. I was told they couldn't do me any special favors & that if the car park was full there was another car park a mile down the road they called it 'park & stride'. This worried me so my husband booked a day off work to drive me to the event, drop me off at the door & later pick me up (he's wonderful like that!). ❤️ So if you're planning an event, here are some ways to support pregnant women attending or presenting: - Be kind, considerate & understanding. - Be flexible. Helps to have a Plan B. - Provide on site car parking. - Ground floor location to present or lift access. - If possible keep walking distances as short as possible between parking, registration, speaking room & toilets. - Ensure there are regular comfort breaks. - Drinking water should be accessible. - Provide someone who can help with any tech or equipment assistance, again if possible. - The best thing to do is ask the individual if they have any specific preferences or requests. 👏🤰💕 Joeli Brearley WomenEd

Australia has just taken a decisive step toward a genuinely 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 🎓 Western Sydney University and TAFE NSW are launching a single-enrolment pathway that allows students to begin with a fee-free vocational diploma and transition seamlessly into a related bachelor’s degree — with guaranteed entry, full academic credit, and structured transition support. ➡️ The result: up to a year saved and as much as $18,000 less in student debt. 💡 This is not a cosmetic articulation agreement. It is system design. The model dismantles the artificial hierarchy between 𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 and 𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, aligns funding and incentives with labour-market needs, and treats TVET as a legitimate first stage of higher learning, not a second-best alternative. Crucially, it removes uncertainty for students — no guesswork about credit, no institutional gatekeeping, no hidden penalties for choosing a practical starting point. Instead of treating vocational and academic training as siloed options, this model: ✅ Offers a single enrolment across TAFE and university ✅ Guarantees entry into related degrees ✅ Provides academic credit for TAFE diplomas ✅ Cuts up to a year of study and tuition costs ✅ Adds structured support (“success coaches”) for the learner For countries like South Africa, the lesson is stark: 🔷 Policy frameworks already emphasise articulation and permeability; yet, students continue to fall through the cracks due to misaligned curricula, opaque credit recognition, and institutional self-interest. Pathways exist on paper, but rarely in practice. 🔷 The Australian case shows what is possible when credit certainty, co-location, guaranteed progression, and student support are designed into the system — not bolted on after failure. The question is no longer whether vocational and academic education can be integrated. It is why so many systems still choose not to. #HigherEducation #TVET #SkillsDevelopment #EducationPolicy #StudentSuccess #FutureOfWork #SystemReform #AccessAndEquity #StrategicLeadership https://lnkd.in/ePJw4RrZ