Introducing Workforce Solutions: Training future corporate leaders
Imagine you're a CEO. You're standing in an elevator when somebody turns to you and asks, "So, what's your company's greatest asset?" Piece of cake, you think. There are your factories, your product trademarks, your global offices. All great answers, right?
However, if you ask a forward-thinking CEO the same question, you're likely to hear a simpler answer: people. After all, whether a company makes computer software or computer chairs, employees are the driving force behind productivity, innovation and growth, desired work culture, and, most important, the bottom line. And yet, although some organizations recognize their employees' value, not all may understand how to help them develop the competencies and skills they might be lacking, says Jim Eickhoff, senior vice president of Workforce Solutions at University of Phoenix.
Through Workforce Solutions, the University works closely with companies to address their individual needs, whether it's helping employees earn an undergraduate or graduate degree, meet business objectives or bridge gaps in knowledge.
"What we are doing through our Workforce Solutions team is showing companies the value of employees advancing themselves academically and the resulting positive impact on retention, morale and career advancement within their organization," Eickhoff says.
University of Phoenix collaborates with hundreds of companies — including Hitachi Data Systems®; Jack in the Box®, Royal Caribbean®; EMSC ®; and MGM Resorts International® — to educate their employees. The University also works with specific industries such as manufacturing and health care to tailor education solutions for specific institutions. Through Workforce Solutions, for instance, the University helps hospitals motivate their nurses to acquire BSN degrees. Eickhoff notes that this can give a boost to hospitals striving to obtain Magnet® status, which is granted only to hospitals deemed to provide excellent care.
The University is helping employees gain the knowledge and skills they need to grow professionally, think critically, and stay relevant in their company and industry, says Barry Feierstein, chief business operating officer of University of Phoenix. "Employers benefit by developing a more highly skilled workforce that’s better prepared to compete in today's global economy."
Hitachi Data Systems is a registered trademark of Hitachi Ltd.
Jack in the Box is a registered trademark of Jack in the Box Inc.
Royal Caribbean is a registered trademark of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
EMSC is a registered trademark of Emergency Medical Services Corporation.
MGM Resorts is a registered trademark of MGM Resorts International.
Magnet is a registered trademark of the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
