Experts in business, labor, government, and workforce and supplier development discuss the impact of automation, artificial intelligence, and disruptive technologies on the availability of jobs, and how best to fill the skills gaps. The session includes a discussion of apprenticeship as the solution to closing the wealth and skills gaps in diverse communities, and a discussion of the Wireless Infrastructure Apprenticeship Access Initiative (WIAAI), a consortium funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and led by the National Urban League in partnership with the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) and the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC). Speakers also discuss the International Entrepreneurs Rule and its impact on foreign-born techpreneurs.
Moderator:
- Rikin Thakker, Ph.D., VP & Chief Telecom & Spectrum Policy Officer, MMTC
Opening Remarks:
- Muriel Bowser, Mayor, District of Columbia (Invited)
Special Presentation:
- Spencer Overton, President, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
Panelists:
- Deb Bennett, Training Consultant and Director of Apprenticeship, Wireless Infrastructure Association; National Sponsor Facilitator, TIRAP
- Brandi Colander, Head of External Relations, D&I, Charter
- Debbie Goldman, Research Director and Telecommunications Policy Director, Communications Workers of America
- Ron Marlow, Vice President for Workforce Development, National Urban League
- Spencer Overton, President, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies