The Potential & Pitfalls of AI in Workforce Development WPWDB to Hold 2024 Annual Meeting on June 20, 2024

County Executives George Latimer of Westchester and Kevin Byrne of Putnam invite businesses, partner agencies, community organizations, and educational leaders to participate in the WPWDB’s 2024 Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 8:30am to 10am at 360 Hamilton Avenue, White Plains, NY (Reckson Metro Center Building).

This year’s program will feature keynote speakers Vlad Gogish, Senior Principal, Mercer, and Sam Winstel, Senior Associate, Communications & Change Management, Mercer. Both are industry experts from Mercer, a global human capital consultancy.

The meeting will kick-off with a keynote presentation to get the conversation started, after which the floor will open in a Town Hall format for questions, comments, and concerns about the seemingly overnight onset of AI in the workplace. All attendees are encouraged to share examples of AI usage in their workplace, concerns pertaining to the future stability of chosen career pathways, and/or questions for the presenters.

About the keynote: By changing how people work and
the work experience itself, Generative AI has been met with equal measures of unease and excitement. Will it lead to greater productivity? How do we manage the increased risks? How does someone insure their long-term employability? How will it impact education, training, job titles, and the job market short- and long-term? These are the questions dominating boardrooms and team chats today, and one universal truth is emerging: unlocking the full potential of Generative AI requires keeping a skilled workforce at the heart of the transformation.

This session is designed for business and workforce development professionals, non-profit leaders, local government representatives, job seekers, and all others curious about the potential for artificial intelligence to transform the modern workplace.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “AI is exciting and is already giving job seekers and employers more capabilities to match skills to jobs. But there is also the potential for people to get left behind as technology advances. We are dedicated to making sure everyone has access to training and to a stable career pathway that is sustainable and economically viable. We are taking the necessary steps to make sure our residents do not get left behind.”

Putnam County Executive, Kevin Byrne said, “AI is not new, but its use is accelerating at lightning speed in our schools and workplaces. 75% of knowledge workers use AI at work today, and 46% of users started using it less than six months ago. We need to make sure our customers are trained and prepared for the modern workplace.”

WPWDB Executive Director Thom Kleiner said, “We are tracking the changes AI is bringing to the job market and making the necessary adjustments in career counseling, workshops, and training. We are helping our customers plan for long-term career stability, and reducing the anxiety of those who feel their use of AI at work will make them look replaceable. There is much more work to be done.”

Registration: This event will take place in-person. Breakfast will be served. Register at: https://2024-WPWDB-Annual-Meeting.eventbrite.com

THE WESTCHESTER-PUTNAM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (WPWDB)
is comprised of leaders and staff of state and county government agencies, non-profits, public education, and the private sector who work together to strengthen the partnerships between business, education, and service providers within the “Career Center Network” to meet the needs for a skilled workforce. The WPWDB pursues funding opportunities and develops model programs and leading-edge practices. The “Network” is made up of four Career Centers (White Plains, Mount Vernon, Peekskill, and Carmel) as well as partner agencies that provide state-of-the-art technology, training, resources, and services to youth, adults and employers. For more information, visit www.westchesterputnamonestop.com.