The Future of Workforce Development & Talent with PJ McGrew

Brought to you by N2N Services and Lightleap AI (lightleapai.com)

Guest: PJ McGrew, SVP of Talent Strategy and Programming, Conexus Indiana

Episode Summary

Host Dr. Rod Berger sits down with PJ McGrew to explore how Indiana is rethinking workforce development for the modern manufacturing era. PJ shares his journey from state government to Conexus Indiana, and how a network of 130+ manufacturing companies is co-designing education pipelines that prepare students for an AI- and automation-driven future.

Key Topics Covered

PJ's Background – From the Center for Education and Career Innovation under Governor Pence, to Chief of Staff at the State Board of Education, to Education Policy Advisor under Governors Pence and Holcomb, to the Governor's Workforce Cabinet — PJ's career traces the evolution of Indiana's education-workforce alignment efforts.

Conexus Indiana & the Industry Talent Association – How Conexus, part of the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership, brings together 130+ manufacturers to identify workforce needs and influence the education system accordingly.

Skills-First, Not Job-First – Manufacturers pushed for building broad, foundational skills over narrow occupational training — recognizing that integrated, cross-functional roles are becoming the norm on the modern factory floor.

The Retirement Cliff – 30%+ of Indiana's manufacturing workforce is over 55. Recruiting the next generation through exciting, technology-forward programming is critical.

New Indiana Diploma Seals – Approved in December 2024, six new diploma seals include three that require work-based learning (75–650 hours), creating formal pathways for apprenticeships and internships.

The Modern Apprenticeship Model – Inspired by Switzerland and Germany's employer-led vocational systems, Indiana's apprenticeship pilot (launched 2020) has served ~600 students. A new occupational standard is being ratified with 6 employers hosting ~10 apprentices in an upcoming pilot phase.

Earn Indiana Program – A work-study-style program offsetting ~50% of intern/apprentice wages, lowering the barrier for employers to engage students early.

Blind Spots in the System – Fragmented funding streams, transportation barriers, lack of local intermediaries, and siloed program design are key challenges that need system-level solutions.

Cross-State Learning – Indiana was an early mover on industry talent associations; now states like Colorado are adopting the model. Cross-state knowledge sharing is active but nuanced, given regional differences.

Pathway Consolidation – Plans to consolidate Indiana's 10 manufacturing CTE pathways into fewer, competency-aligned tracks to reduce confusion and better match employer needs.

Quotes to Remember

"If we're gonna design this new system, we need to show students that they can have a career in manufacturing."

"Listening to employers earlier in the process means students are better prepared — and employers save on retraining costs."

"We need local intermediaries to translate what employers need into what schools and students can actually access."

Resources Mentioned

Lightleap AI – lightleapai.com

Conexus Indiana – conexusindiana.com

Earn Indiana Program

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation

*Host: Dr. Rod Berger | Quantum Leap in Higher Education Podcast*