Put End Users First: Vermont’s Data Modernization Approach for Workforce Solutions with Michael Harrington, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Labor

When workforce issues go beyond finding workers, you must dig deeper. 

In this first episode of the workforce miniseries, Commissioner Michael Harrington of the Vermont Department of Labor joins guest host Michael Schmierer to discuss the root causes behind the labor shortage. 

Harrington explains how Vermont is using cutting-edge technology to improve service delivery and why community-level changes are essential to expanding the state’s workforce. He also shares the importance of real-time data collection and meaningful visualization to drive impactful decisions.

Data and AI can improve services, inform decision-making, and offer better outcomes for citizens and businesses.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why real-time data is crucial to achieving desired outcomes
• How AI and digital modernization can transform operational efficiency
• The impact of well-presented data in conveying insights

Things to listen for:

• (00:00) An introduction to the episode with guest, Michael Harrington
• (01:33) The underlying issues affecting Vermont’s labor shortage
• (09:18) Modernization of government systems 
• (15:48) Upskilling the workforce with AI
• (20:20) Using data to improve efficiency and transparency 
• (23:16) Accessing NASWA’s data hub