Occupational Skills Academy

MyCom Announces Their Inaugural Occupational Skills Academy for Future Workers

MyCom’s Occupational Skills Academy will cultivate cross-sector occupational skills in young adults to support economic growth.

“To promote a thriving economy, MyCom seeks to use the identified assets of our young adults and develop their skills in an innovative pathway approach to unique careers across Greater Cleveland,” said Kasey Morgan, Chief Strategy Officer of MyCom.

Annie E. Casey Foundation reported Gen Z workers have several core characteristics developed in a world markedly different even from Millenials. The characteristics include viewing diversity as the norm, being digital natives engaging in technology at its most innovative, being pragmatic and financially minded, shrewd consumers, and being capable of recognizing and addressing mental health challenges.

“Gen Z is still grow­ing up, but as they con­tin­ue to come of age, ear­ly signs indi­cate that they will grow into engaged, con­sci­en­tious stew­ards of our world — by being social­ly-mind­ed, inde­pen­dent thinkers, who rec­og­nize their respon­si­bil­i­ty in shap­ing a more equi­table future for all,” Annie E. Casey Foundation.

The World Economic Forum reported, “Work is central to identity for 49% of Gen Zs and 62% of millennials, the Deloitte survey showed, with work-life balance a key element they seek when looking for a job. The data showed that interest in part-time jobs and condensed four-day-work weeks increased.”

The high-value Gen Z places on work/life balance, empowerment, flexibility, engagement, and innovation are critical to developing the future workforce for Greater Cleveland.

MyCom's Occupational Skills Academy will take advantage of the strengths of Gen Z by providing education and training tailored to specific jobs and occupations. The academy's approach is designed to be self-directed and innovative, creating career pathways that meet the local workforce demand. This will enable Gen Z labor force members to become successful while adding to the local economy.

The Occupational Skills Academy will target young adults from Middle School through age 22 and include education and training in Cosmetology, Photography, T-Shirt and Apparel Design, Website and Graphic Design, Theatre, Film and Television Production, and Real Estate and Property Management. Successful participants over 18 will obtain recognized credentials and licenses, including a natural hair license or a real estate course ending with the licensing exam.

“MyCom is working to further the careers of our young adults in industries that appeal to their collective assets and allow each of them to succeed in life and positively contribute to the economy. We are excited to see their success and will celebrate with them on their journey,” said Blair Wise, MyCom Director of Partner Development.