New Horizons Foundation Releases Comprehensive Paper on Workforce Development

Comprehensive report reviews and addresses the goals and aspirations for the current generation of workers.

SMACNA’s New Horizons Foundation has published Workforce Development in the 21st Century. It reviews and addresses the goals and aspirations for the current generation of workers. This paper outlines the needs and wants of the emerging workforce. It highlights 28 Workforce Development Organizations and their successful recruitment programs.

The paper also provides guidance on evaluating the effectiveness of workforce development programs, identifying components essential to success.

The 28 workforce development organizations featured in the paper include building trades programs and successful efforts in the manufacturing, IT and healthcare sectors.

Select programs are featured in developing podcasts; look for those releases in the coming weeks.

Take a moment to review Workforce Development For The 21st Century.

Nov 26, 2024 — Member Update

Latest Articles

SMACNA Premier Partner Interview: Milwaukee Tool

Jan 7, 2026 - Justin Bankston from SMACNA Premier Partner Milwaukee Tool walked us through some of their product offerings, including new lines focused on enhancing worker safety.

SMACNA Premier Partner Interview: Johns Manville

Jan 7, 2026 - TJ Stock from SMACNA Premier Partner Johns Manville detailed some of their new duct liner solutions and why their products are vital to emerging jobsites such as data centers.

Meet the SMACNA Innovator of the Year Nominees!

Jan 7, 2026 - Award honors forward-thinking leaders from SMACNA member companies and the winner will be announced and recognized at the upcoming MEP Innovation Conference!