MyCom Introduces The Inaugural Occupational Skills Academy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: KASEY MORGAN, CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER, MYCOM

PHONE: 216-399-2271

EMAIL: info@mycomcle.org

DATE: October 20, 2023

Cleveland, Ohio. According to the Fund for Our Economic Future, Strengthening Workplaces report, “Beyond the effects of the pandemic on people’s preferences, priorities, and challenges, Northeast Ohio’s workforce is changing because its demographic composition is changing.”

The World Economic Forum found in a 2022 study that Gen-Z will account for over a quarter of the workforce by 2025. The demographic shift between Generation Z (Gen Z) born between 1997 and 2012 and Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964 is seismic. Today, there are more Gen Z workers in the labor force than Baby Boomers.

Forbes Magazine (July 2023) reported, “The young adults are well-versed in various technologies, including artificial intelligence, software, and social media.”

“To promote a thriving economy, MyCom will 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.

The 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.

According to Michael Copeland, Chief of Staff for MyCom, “the 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.

The Occupational Skills Academy is building on a recently announced Film and Production program, Behind the Scenes, developed by MyCom in Richmond Heights. The program is focused on educating young women about scriptwriting and production to build literacy.