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How Millennials are Changing the Workplace

Millennials, as defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, were born between 1981 and 2000. They have been transforming the workplace for the past decade or so, arriving on the work scene with new attitudes and impressive characteristics that inspired both excitement and resentment from previous generations.  The big question is how will millennials change the workforce once they gain more experience?  

Some employers may feel that millennials are “job hoppers” and are unable to commit to one employer.  About 60% of millennials are currently open to a new job opportunity and are by far the most likely generation to switch jobs.  Millennials may seek multiple opportunities until they find the career they want, and this can have a positive impact on the employee and the employer.   

Leaving one job for another does not necessarily mean the employee lacks commitment; sometimes the job is just not a good fit, or the company does not provide enough benefits or career advancement opportunities, or other reasons.  One thing is clear: millennials will continue to take advantage of and are opening themselves up for more chances expand their career experiences.  

Here are 3 positive ways millennials are changing the workplace:  

1. Push harder for diversity and inclusion 

Millennials feel strongly about diversity and inclusion.  Partly because they are naturally passionate and feel that diversity was poorly handled by generations in the past.  In the future, we will notice an increase in diversity, inclusion programs and incentives.   Millennials are quickly becoming the majority in just about every sector of the business world and the push for diversity seems to be more pronounced in certain industries such as health care and medicine, technology, and higher education.
 

2. Adapt to new technology trends 

Millennials are the first generation grow up with the internet and cell phones.  As such, technology has been integrated fully into their lives. Millennials in the workplace are a benefit for any employer because of their intuitive ability to adapt to change, especially as it relates to technology. Not only is this a generation constantly connected to smartphones, but the millennial mindset is focused on making all things easier, faster, more efficient and mobile, as well as more personal, inclusive and intuitive. 

3. Set new standards in leadership 

According to Forbes, about 20 percent of millennials hold leadership roles and is expected to grow in 2018.  With more Baby Boomers retiring, the millennials are defining a new generation of leadership and influence.  Millennials prioritize their values, flexibility, ethics, and feedback.  As millennials gain more experience and take more positions of leadership, millennials are going to have an even more pronounced effect on how the workplace develops soon.  

Job Corps Graduates are Increasing their Earning Potential

After decades of pushing bachelor’s degrees, recent studies have shown that the there is a high-demand for skilled workers with trade degrees.  According to the National Electrical Contractors Association, 7,000 electricians join the field each year, but 10,000 retire, leaving a gap that could affect us all. The Department of Labor’s Job Corps program aims to fill that gap.  

Job Corps is the largest free residential education and job training program for young adults ages 16-24 and offers technical training in more than 100 career areas.  With over a 100 Job Corps centers across the nation and training over 60,000 students per year, there are opportunities for students to get connected with the skills and education for a top-notch career.  While receiving hands-on training, students increase their earning potential in career fields such as healthcare, information technology, hospitality and homeland security.  

Not only does Job Corps help students develop a career plan and provide the training to help them achieve their goals, but once training is completed Job Corps will assist in students’ job placement.  Students are provided with a placement specialist that will work with them for up to 21 months after graduation to assist in helping them find the right job.  Job Corps counselors also help connect students with local housing, transportation, and child care resources if needed.  Recently, Job Corps decided to take steps to help protect our environment and connect students with businesses and their surrounding communities through green training.  Job Corps is preparing students for the green economy through green training in the advanced manufacturing, automotive, and construction industry areas.  

The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) recognizes that the culture of today’s workforce and industries entail further development of students’ soft skills, including life skills and interpersonal skills, which will help to ensure that they maximize their potential for career placement and sustainability. 

Bizzell is passionate about workforce development and is currently working with The National Office of Job Corps on data analysis and accountability measures that involve the overall integrity and compliance of the program with contractual performance.  The outcome associated with integrity and compliance impacts student success directly by ensuring they receive the education and resources needed to be successful in Job Corps and beyond.