An initiative that helps military spouses enter the information technology field, a program that trains health workers to assist local communities, and a partnership with a local high school that offers pathways to careers headline the top job training programs recognized by the American Staffing Association’s 2024 Elevate Awards.
Since 2018, the Elevate Awards have recognized the most outstanding, innovative, and effective work-based learning programs that train, reskill, and upskill temporary and contract talent. According to the World Economic Forum, only half of workers are seen to have access to adequate job training opportunities, an ongoing problem in the labor market.
“Across the country, staffing agencies are stepping up to provide job training to America’s workforce,” said Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer at the American Staffing Association. “As technology and automation are changing the required skill sets across most occupations, job seekers in need of upskilling and reskilling opportunities are finding that staffing agencies will be there to help every step of the way.”
2024 ASA Elevate Award Winners
Staffing Agencies With More Than $100 Million in Annual Sales
The Adecco Group US Foundation, “Military Alliance Reskilling Initiative”
U.S. military spouses face unique career challenges, including experiencing unemployment rates that are five times the national average. To address those challenges, the Adecco Group US Foundation partnered with Akkodis Academy to launch the Military Alliance Reskilling Initiative, offering military spouses access to courses and qualifications in IT-related disciplines. The initiative offers scholarships, which cover the costs of enrollment, education, and examinations, to equip military spouses with the necessary skills to thrive in the IT industry. The curriculum also includes personalized mentorship and weekly group sessions led by program alumni, providing participants with both technical expertise and practical guidance. The initiative has already reskilled 100 military spouses.
Aquent, “Aquent Gymnasium”
A winner of multiple Elevate Awards, Aquent’s Aquent Gymnasium offers free online courses on web design, development, user experience, accessibility, and career skills. The program bridges the gap between education and opportunity. Gymnasium achieves this by upskilling current contract employees and attracting new candidates to develop its talent pipeline and increase placements. In the past year, the program has added a monthly livestream exploring emerging artificial intelligence tools and topics such as leveling up your job search with ChatGPT. Since launching in 2013, Gymnasium has acquired more than 160,000 students, with an average of 70 students engaging with courses daily.
Staffing Agencies With $25 Million-$100 Million in Annual Sales
Advanced Clinical Careers, “Advanced Clinical Careers Enhancing Lives (ACCEL) Talent Development Program”
Advanced Clinical’s Careers Enhancing Lives (ACCEL) Talent Development Program focuses on reskilling and upskilling midcareer individuals with transferable skill sets and/or undergraduate or advanced degrees who are looking to enter the clinical research industry. The full-time Advanced Clinical employees gain access to a mentor and functional subject matter experts who provide personalized feedback and career advice. At the end of the 12-month program, the inaugural program cohorts were all placed into positions in clinical functional areas.
Staffing Agencies With $7.5-$25 Million in Annual Sales
Gage Personnel Talent and Business Solutions, “Gage/RHS Career Pathways Program”
Gage Personnel has partnered with Reading High School to create and develop a program aimed at providing students with tangible career pathways and opportunities. The program allows students to job shadow, intern, and even work part-time and full-time jobs with local partners in industries such as health care, manufacturing, and accounting. Students also receive coaching on soft and hard skills and résumé reviews.
Staffing Agencies With Less Than $7.5 Million in Annual Sales
DaMar Staffing Solutions of Indianapolis, “Better Together Program”
DaMar’s Better Together program trains and certifies community health workers (CHWs) to serve as liaisons between community members and health care providers. These team members are involved in structured education and training, focused on health education, communication techniques, and cultural competency. As frontline advocates, they assist vulnerable populations by providing health education, access to resources, and basic wellness support. CHWs are part of a developmental process, becoming certified and eligible for promotions with further training. CHWs are pivotal in transforming communities and DaMar’s consulting division. Every day, they positively impact the health and wellness of countless people across Indiana.
Honorable Mentions
Staffing Agencies With More Than $100 Million in Annual Sales
AMN Healthcare, “AMN Language Services Training and Development”
Employbridge, “Life Skills Studio”
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About the American Staffing Association
The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.