Staffing issues are becoming multi-dimensional now for lifelong learning programs, according to executives at our events this spring and LERN on-site visits to lifelong learning organizations. In fact, there will be a whole track of sessions at the big LERN Annual Conference in New Orleans Dec. 2-5, on the subject of staffing.
Here are some of the latest issues.
- Training Gen Y
Many organizations have just hired a slew of young people to replace outgoing baby boomers. They are energetic, enthusiastic, talented – – and inexperienced. Experienced staff now have to think and act on at least two different levels, with one of those levels and new activities being training new young staff. - Incorporating Gen X and Y
Some organizations are still top heavy with way too many baby boomers in the leadership. Those organizations need to incorporate Gen X immediately into the leadership circles, and then move rapidly to catch up by starting to move some Gen Yers into committees or roles where they can contribute. - Forming a community for instructors
One of your biggest resources is your instructors. But today they also want and need to feel a part of your learning community. It’s not just training your teachers that is important now, but also staying in touch and making them feel a part of your program. - LERN Staffing Model
We’re seeing the positive increases in productivity from lifelong learning programs that adapt the LERN Staffing Model. The model is designed to restructure your program from subject matter to functionality, creating far more efficiency for each person in your organization.
The new Staffing track of concurrent sessions at the big annual conference this year are being led by some of the top practitioners in North America. They include Rodney Holt, Red Deer, AB, Canada; Holly Klotz, Livonia, MI; Laura T. Wetherald, Columbia, MD; and Brandon Tucker, Ann Arbor, MI.
