Growing Fairly: How to Build Opportunity and Equity in Workforce Development

by Stephen Goldsmith

Tested, practical ideas to meet current and future skilling needs of both workers and employers The labor market in the United States faces seemingly contradictory Many employers have trouble finding qualified applicants for current and future jobs, while millions of Americans are out of work or are underemployed—their paths to living-wage jobs blocked by systemic barriers or lack of adequate skills. Growing Fairly offers workforce development reforms that meet the needs of both workers and employers. Based on the experiences of hundreds of leaders and workers, the authors set out ten principles for designing a more effective and equitable system that helps workers obtain the skills necessary for economic mobility. The principles outlined in the book argue for a more comprehensive view of the skilling needs of current and prospective workers. They spell out the attributes of effective programs and make the case for skill-based hiring, widely distributed performance data, and collaboration. The book emphasizes the importance of local action to overcome the structural barriers that challenge even the most determined would-be learners. Growing Fairly shows cross sector leaders how to work across organizational boundaries to change the trajectory of individuals struggling to make a living wage. This is not a book of untested theories. Instead, it is written by practitioners for practitioners. Much of it is told through the voices of those who run programs and people who have taken advantage of them. While the issues the book addresses are profound, its take on the subject is optimistic. Between them, the authors have spent decades searching out and supporting effective practices. Even more critically, they have learned how to knit competing agencies and organizations into cohesive systems with coordinated missions. Their practical ideas will benefit a wide range of readers, from practitioners in the field to students and scholars of the American labor system.

279 pages, Paperback

Published February 22, 2022

Reviews

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: Growing Fairly: How to Build Opportunity and Equity in Workforce Development by Stephen Goldsmith and Kate Markin Coleman

In a time when the U.S. labor market is riddled with paradoxes—job vacancies persist alongside high rates of unemployment and underemployment—“Growing Fairly” offers an insightful and necessary intervention. Authored by Stephen Goldsmith and Kate Markin Coleman, this book is both a manifesto for change and a practical guide for building an equitable workforce development system.

At the heart of “Growing Fairly” lies a compelling premise: the existing workforce development frameworks are not merely broken; they are outdated systems failing to align the needs of workers with the demands of employers effectively. Goldsmith and Coleman do not shy away from addressing the complex dynamics of the labor market yet remain optimistic about the potential for reform. They present ten well-defined principles for creating a workforce system that prioritizes skill acquisition and economic mobility for all, regardless of background.

One of the book’s key strengths is its strong advocacy for skill-based hiring. In an age where credentials can often overshadow actual ability, the authors invite us to reconsider our hiring practices to focus on skills and competencies instead. This perspective is not only refreshing but also integral to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Alongside this principle, the authors urge for the transparent sharing of performance data among various stakeholders. By doing so, they envision a workforce ecosystem where accountability and improvement are nurtured through cooperation rather than competition.

Collaboration is a theme that resonates throughout the book. Goldsmith and Coleman emphasize the necessity of local actions to dismantle the systemic barriers that learners encounter. Their insights are grounded in the real-world experiences of practitioners and beneficiaries of workforce programs, which lend credibility and depth to their analysis. Each principle is expertly illustrated with compelling case studies, revealing how localized efforts can yield significant outcomes when focused on equity and accessibility.

What makes “Growing Fairly” particularly thought-provoking is its challenge to the status quo. The authors argue for a coordinated approach that encompasses various agencies and organizations, breaking down silos that often hinder comprehensive workforce development. Their vision is expansive yet practical; they provide clear action points for practitioners while making the content accessible to students and labor system scholars alike.

As we confront the ongoing challenges of a rapidly changing economy, “Growing Fairly” provides a roadmap not just for addressing immediate labor market challenges, but for reimagining the future of work itself. The book is a call to action for all stakeholders—policymakers, educators, employers, and workers—to come together to create a more equitable and opportunity-rich labor market.

In conclusion, “Growing Fairly” is not just a book; it’s a vital resource for anyone invested in the future of workforce development. Goldsmith and Coleman have crafted a narrative that is both pragmatic and idealistic, urging us to pursue systemic change while highlighting the profound impact of local action. For those ready to challenge the conventions of workforce development and champion a more equitable economic landscape, this book is an essential read.

[Kelsi Mahfouz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for my MS in LHRD coursework and found it to be very informative and engaging! Not many of my school books end up getting read cover to cover for sure. If you have a genuine interest in learning about equity in the workforce/ workforce development, this is one of those books that sorta restores the faith in humanity and lets you know that there are people out there really doing the good work!