Webinar: Automation, training, and the middle class

Automation, or the threat of it, can increase the demand for retraining workers displaced by the adoption of new production technologies such as robots. New workers entering the labor market also need to acquire the skills required by employers today and in the future.

On June 18, the Future of the Middle Class Initiative at Brookings hosted a webinar on automation, training, and the middle class. The event featured expert paper presentations and moderated discussions on issues related to the role of community colleges and employers in retraining workers, and what to do about retraining after COVID-19.

Viewers can submit questions by emailing events@brookings.edu or via Twitter using #RetrainingTheMiddleClass.

The reports presented at this event as well as a framing paper by Marcus Casey can be found below:

• “Looking towards the future: Automation, training, and the middle class,” Marcus Casey
• “State-level policies to incentivize workplace learning,” Marian Negoita and Annelies Goger
• “Community college program choices in the wake of local job losses,” Riley Acton