USAID/Georgia Mission Director Peter Wiebler joined business leaders across priority sectors of the economy to officially launch the Business Leaders’ Council established under the USAID Industry-led Skills Development Program in partnership with the Policy Management and Consulting Group (PMCG) with the aim to meet businesses’ critical skills constraints through co-creation and co-investment in skills development solutions. Following opening remarks, the event included a panel discussion with industry leaders who discussed how the private sector can contribute to effective industry-relevant skills development programs that provide job seekers with the skills they need to obtain high-value employment.
Designed to create pathways between skills training and high-value employment opportunities, the $24 million USAID Industry-led Skills Development Program (the Program) works to incentivize businesses in high-growth industries to systematically engage in innovative skills development to foster economic growth and implement high-quality programs aligned with labor market demand. To ensure its activities are evidence-based and private sector relevant, the Program, through the renowned business consulting company PMCG, is launching the Business Leaders’ Council - a private sector engagement tool expected to become the voice of businesses for designing innovative skills development solutions, and to provide a mechanism for building trust, sharing information, and eliciting advice from experts. The Business Leaders’ Council will provide an opportunity for the private sector to actively participate in the identification of challenges and solutions to address skills constraints, help the Program respond to the most urgent needs of employers, and provide a platform for peer-to-peer information sharing.
Ultimately, the USAID Industry-led Skills Development Program anticipates benefitting up to 4,800 individuals who will complete workforce programs, with at least, 3,840 receiving new or better employment.
