Published
September 17, 2024
The Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) initiative was born out of a pressing need to address the growing skills gap in the American workforce. As businesses across the nation struggled to find qualified candidates for millions of unfilled jobs, it became clear that a new approach was necessary. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, recognizing the critical role that employers play in shaping the workforce, embarked on a mission to transform the way businesses and education providers collaborate.
Leveraging principles from supply chain management, TPM was designed to position employers as the primary customers of education and training systems. This innovative model aimed to create a seamless talent supply chain, ensuring that students and workers are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the modern economy. By fostering stronger partnerships between businesses, educational institutions, and workforce organizations, TPM set out to build a more competitive and dynamic workforce.
From its inception, TPM has been driven by a vision of collaboration, innovation, and strategic impact. Over the past decade, this initiative has grown into a nationwide movement, empowering employers to take the lead in workforce development and creating pathways to economic opportunity for countless individuals. As we reflect on the journey from 2014 to today, we celebrate the milestones achieved and look forward to the continued evolution of TPM in shaping the future of work.
2014
The Inception of TPM
In 2014, we laid the foundation for TPM with the release of a groundbreaking white paper and the inaugural “Talent Forward” national workforce conference. This initiative, born from a partnership between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and USA Funds, introduced an innovative approach to closing the skills gap by leveraging supply chain management principles. Our goal was clear: transform the relationship between businesses and education providers to ensure a steady flow of qualified workers for the jobs of the 21st century.
2015
Piloting the Vision
Building on our initial momentum, 2015 saw the launch of a pilot program with seven business-led organizations. This effort culminated in the creation of the TPM Implementation Guide, designed to train employers on effectively managing their education and workforce partnerships. By positioning employers as key drivers in the talent supply chain, we began to see tangible progress in bridging the skills gap enhancing economic security for American workers.
2016
Scaling Up with TPM Academy
The launch of the TPM Academy in 2016 marked a significant milestone in our journey. Supported by a $2.5 million grant from USA Funds, the Academy aimed to scale our employer-led, demand-driven model to 40 additional communities. This initiative provided business professionals with the training and tools needed to implement TPM strategies, further aligning education outcomes with workforce needs.
2017
Expanding the Network
In 2017, we welcomed the second cohort of the TPM Academy, bringing together business leaders from 13 states. This expansion underscored the growing recognition of the importance of employer leadership in workforce development. By fostering a peer-to-peer learning network and developing next-generation software tools, we continued to empower businesses to take an active role in closing the skills gap.
2018
State-Based Academies and National Learning Network
Our efforts in 2018 focused on launching state-based academies in Tennessee, Michigan, and Kentucky, thanks to a partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. These academies joined the broader TPM National Learning Network, a community dedicated to sharing best practices and driving collaborative solutions. This year marked a significant step towards creating a unified, nationwide approach to workforce development.
From the Archives
2019
Introducing TPM Next and Upskill Academy
2019 was a year of innovation and expansion. We collaborated with the Association for Supply Chain Management and Society for Human Resource Management to brainstorm on TPM Next, what we envisioned as an online space to train talent supply chain managers. Additionally, the TPM Upskill Academy, supported by Walmart, aimed to enhance the skills of incumbent employees, ensuring they are prepared for evolving roles. These initiatives highlighted our commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation in workforce development.
From the Archives
Jason teaching at the Upskill Academy in Phoenix in partnership with the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation.
The first TPM NLN Summit.
2020
Adapting to New Challenges
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, TPM continued to grow, reaching 35 states, D.C., and Canada. We began developing new specialty learning content focused on opportunity populations and Career and Technical Education, ensuring that our strategies remained relevant and inclusive in a rapidly changing world.
From the Archives
2021
Developing TPM Co/Lab
In 2021, we embarked on the development of TPM Co/Lab, an online, on-demand platform designed to promote greater access and recognition of learning for all. With over $6 million in grant funding from partners like Walmart and Lumina Foundation, we expanded our initiatives to address the nation’s workforce challenges, ensuring that our economy has the skilled workforce it needs to thrive.
2022
Specialized Academies for Community Colleges
Our focus in 2022 was on reaching new markets and underrepresented populations through specialized TPM Academies for community college partners. These academies provided tailored training and resources, empowering community colleges to play a pivotal role in workforce development and ensuring that all learners have access to career opportunities.
2023
A Year of Extensive Growth
2023 was marked by significant achievements, including the launch of TPM Co/Lab and the introduction of the TPM Talent Supply Chain Manager digital badge. We received multiple Excellence awards from the Brandon Hall Group and solidified our partnership with SHRM as an official preferred provider partner. The first TPM Academy Implementation Workshop brought together graduates to advance learning and field application, further strengthening our network. Plus, we proudly welcomed TPM Hall of Fame inaugural inductees, Bob Sheets and Sharon Miller.
TPM Hall of Fame inaugural inductees, Sharon Miller and Bob Sheets, were honored at the annual Talent Pipeline Management Summit in 2023.
2024
Innovating for the Future
By 2024, TPM has not only grown in scale but also in scope, continuously innovating to meet emerging needs and solve new challenges in workforce development. Initiatives such as the T3 Innovation Network, Talent Finance, and EPIC have emerged from the TPM framework, each contributing to a more dynamic and responsive talent ecosystem.
By the numbers, TPM has come a long way over the last decade, impacting countless businesses, communities, and individuals. As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to share your stories, successes, and lessons learned. Throughout the year, we’ll spotlight the employers, educators, funders, and workers who have been part of this incredible journey. Together, we can create a world where no job goes unfilled, and no talent goes untapped.
- 3K +employers
- 40industries
- 44states
- 1K +graduates
- 35Academies
- 10state-based Academies
About the authors
Jason Tyszko
Jason is senior vice president of policy and programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Jaimie Francis
Jaimie is vice president of policy and programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Niki DaSilva
Niki is senior director of policy and programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
