Inside: Reshaping Work
Inside: Reshaping Work
The path to a stable career is changing. From skills-based jobs to the growing immigrant workforce, INSIDE: Reshaping Work examines what’s shaping and redefining Central Ohio’s economy.
In the latest installment of our Inside series, we’ll share stories that help people understand how the job market is evolving, and how they can adapt. Across all of WOSU's platforms, we'll focus on the following topics:
- AI & Emerging Technologies
- The Immigrant Workforce
- Trades vs. College
Inside: Reshaping Work Content
Throughout the series, We’ll share powerful stories, elevate the voices most affected and examine what’s working, and what’s not.
Community Townhall
Reporting From The WOSU News Team
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Zulfugar Karimov/UnsplashOhio State University professor Jeff Dotson said that people should be familiar with artificial intelligence and how those tools can make them stand out as employees. -
InfiniteFlow/Adobe StockAbout 70% of college students see AI as a threat to their job prospects, according to a 2025 poll by the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School, while recent Gallup polling finds U.S. workers are increasingly concerned about being replaced by new technologies. -
Columbus City SchoolsNot every student is interested in a four-year degree, preferring not to take on that expense. Those who select a skilled trade can see financial benefit following high school. -
Sue Ogrocki/APEconomic and industry experts say the continued deportation of undocumented immigrants hurts the local economy, leaving a lot of uncertainty and open jobs for employers. -
George Shillcock/WOSUAs AI turns central Ohio into a data center hub, experts and employees discuss its role as a "force multiplier" in existing jobs, alongside growing concerns over global job automation and the future of work. -
From AI to skilled trades, young innovators and industry leaders are aligning to navigate a shifting job market where continuous learning is the key to professional success.
Untangled: Reshaping Podcast From All Sides
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WOSU's Inside: Reshaping Work Townhall looked at the causes behind the major shifts happening in central Ohio's workforce. -
While a four-year degree focuses on critical thinking, and trade schools emphasize essential manual expertise, the rapid advancement of AI now threatens to automate roles in both sectors. -
Immigrants help fill Ohio’s workplace shortages. Hear from the City of Columbus about how they are connecting immigrants to in-demand jobs in central Ohio.
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Is there such a thing as a 'future-proof' workforce? We’re talking about how we prepare today’s students for jobs that don't exist yet and how we ensure no one gets left behind.
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Across the country and here in central Ohio, work is changing fast, creating new opportunities and real questions for workers, families and employers navigating a complex moment.
Classroom Resources
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This PBS LearningMedia collection helps primary-grade educators introduce students to diverse real-world careers through engaging video and audio resources that spark curiosity and deepen understanding of career pathways. -
This collection of career resources for educators sparks career awareness and introduces real‑world pathways using accessible PBS resources. Teachers will explore curated videos from PBS Digital Studios, PBS NewsHour Classroom and NOVA. -
Download a career exploration curriculum guide in construction technologies for grades 3-5. -
Download a career exploration guide in animal care and services for kindergarten through third grade.
Production support for INSIDE: Reshaping Work is made possible in part by Aspyr, Columbus State Community College, Liberty Mutuall and The Storytellers Trust.
Previous Inside Series
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Join WOSU Public Media for INSIDE: Caregiving, a multi-series project uncovering the journey of caregiving, from health disparities and inequities to exploring if our healthcare system is prepared to support the future aging population.
