From cutting-edge apprenticeships to AI-powered job matching and counseling, the metropolitan Washington region is investing in its people. Through partnerships with local governments and tech innovators, the region is building a resilient economy where residents have a path to high-demand careers. These initiatives bridge the skills gap, support workers, and ensure the region remains a national leader in talent and innovation — proving that regional collaboration is vital to a prosperous future.
In this episode, Executive Director Clark Mercer visits Loudoun County to see the COG Learners Program in action. This initiative equips participants with hands-on experience and professional mentorship to prepare residents for the careers of the future. Mercer speaks with Steve Cooper, who leads the Learners Program, and meets participants Micaele Lee and Shaista Shaik as they earn tech certifications while modernizing county systems. The episode also features Talent Capital, a first-of-its-kind digital platform powered by agentic AI and spearheaded by COG and regional partners. Mercer discusses the platform with Paul Kihn, Deputy Mayor for Education in the District of Columbia, and Dr. Ximena Gates, CEO of BuildWithin, to explain how this tool connects jobseekers with tailored training and opportunities across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
Guests:
Steve Cooper, Program Manager, COG Learners Program
Micaele Lee, Participant, COG Learners Program
Shaista Shaik, Participant, COG Learners Program
Paul Kihn, Deputy Mayor for Education, District of Columbia
Dr. Ximena Gates, CEO, BuildWithin
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