The Talent Exchange: The Future of the First Hire
The Talent Exchange is a new series designed to bring together HR leaders, early talent recruiters, and postsecondary partners to explore the breadth of talent pathways across Washington. The series will surface data, insights, and perspectives to help employers better understand and engage with students and graduates from postsecondary institutions statewide.
Building on insights from the first Talent Exchange session “What the Numbers Say”, this event shifts the focus to the starting point of the workforce pipeline: early-career roles. Economic shifts, recent layoffs, and the rise of generative AI have reshaped how employers think about entry-level hiring - and what it takes to prepare the next generation of talent.
Through a panel discussion and interactive dialogue, participants will explore how companies are adapting, what barriers prevent more inclusive early-career hiring, and how education and training systems can better align with employer needs. Together, we’ll examine what “entry-level” really means today—and what it will mean in the years ahead.
Agenda
11:30am to 11:55am – Lunch and Networking
11:55am to 12:30 pm – Panel
12:30 pm to 1 pm - Audience Q&A