JobWorks, Inc. Leads Collaborative Workforce Funding Session at the 2025 CAEL Conference
JobWorks, Inc. was honored to present at the 2025 Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) Conference, held November 11–13 in Memphis, Tennessee. Each year, CAEL convenes higher education leaders, workforce organizations, industry partners, and policymakers to advance adult learning and strengthen career pathways. This year’s conference offered an ideal platform for JobWorks to share an innovative partnership model designed to overcome one of the field’s most urgent challenges: limited funding for workforce training and upskilling.
The session — “Maximizing Impact: Strategic Collaborations to Overcome Funding Limitations and Drive Success” — was led by John Casella, Chief Growth Officer at JobWorks, Inc., alongside Dr. Jennifer Thomas, Assistant Director for Workforce Grants at Clark University. They were joined by Tom Kavanagh, President and CEO of the Northern Indiana Workforce Board, and Asaf Wolff of University of the People. Casella, who brings deep expertise in workforce development strategy, national partnerships, and grant-funded program innovation, guided the conversation on how organizations can strengthen outcomes through strategic collaboration.
Addressing the Funding Landscape Through Partnership
Workforce organizations across the country face growing expectations to deliver high-quality training while operating within increasingly tight budgets. The presentation explored how collaborative and braided funding models can help organizations meet these challenges. By aligning the strengths of workforce boards, training providers, educational partners, and federally funded initiatives, organizations can dramatically expand access to training resources — often enabling participants to receive up to 100% funding for high-quality education and credentialing programs.
Clark University’s national workforce initiatives played a central role in the discussion. Since 2019, the university has received more than $27 million in U.S. Department of Labor funding to support large-scale training and upskilling efforts nationwide. JobWorks, Inc. has been a key partner in several of these initiatives, helping individuals access career-aligned training that leads to employment and advancement in high-demand sectors.
Demonstrated Results and Real-World Impact
The presentation highlighted measurable outcomes from grant-funded partnerships such as TechQuest, TechBoost, and TechBuild. These programs have supported thousands of individuals in earning credentials, securing apprenticeships, and entering higher-paying roles — far exceeding performance benchmarks. TechBoost and TechBuild continue to scale similar successes, expanding training access into new states and industries.
Equally compelling were the individual success stories showcased in the session. Participants from diverse backgrounds — including those previously working in low-wage or unstable roles — have transitioned into information technology careers with significant wage gains. These examples underscore the power of braided funding paired with high-quality training, supportive partnerships, and coordinated service delivery.
Advancing Sustainable Workforce Solutions
The JobWorks-led session emphasized that collaboration is essential for building sustainable, high-impact workforce systems. By uniting the expertise and resources of multiple organizations, workforce partners can reduce financial barriers, expand access to training, and help individuals advance into meaningful careers — all while strengthening performance metrics at the local and regional level.
JobWorks, Inc. remains committed to championing innovative strategies that align partners, leverage funding efficiently, and improve outcomes for the individuals and communities we serve. The 2025 CAEL Conference provided a valuable opportunity to share this work, exchange ideas with peers across the country, and continue shaping the future of workforce development.