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.
Listen to a new season of the Untangled podcast from All Sides with Amy Juravich, Mondays starting April 20.
Check out special reports from the WOSU news team on 89.7 NPR News, the WOSU News YouTube Channel and wosu.org the week of May 4.
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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Immigration WorkforceA new report from the American Immigration Council shows that immigrants play a crucial role in Ohio’s economy.In 2023, immigrants earned $27.3 billion in income and paid $7.3 billion in local, state and federal taxes.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.And learn about the key role H-2A Visa workers play in Ohio’s food system.Guests:Micaela McConnell, policy manager on the State and Local Initiatives team, American Immigration CouncilKym Douglas, director of the City of Columbus' Department of NeighborhoodsAnisa Kline, human geographer and researcher with expertise in immigration, guest worker programs and farmworker health
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BONUS: Computer Science degrees on the declineFor years, computer science was the hottest college major, outpacing all others. It was considered "the golden ticket" to a lucrative job.Then why has enrollment dropped significantly? Computers aren’t going away.Guest: Shira Ovide, technology reporter, The Washington Post
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Planning for in-demand jobsA strategic plan that looks at the “workers of tomorrow” will probably ensure the right people are in the right positions at the right time.But how do you plan for tomorrow when technology is changing so rapidly? From AI to automation... There are lots of concerns about what the future of work will look like and how we prepare for it. To discuss ways the state of Ohio is looking ahead and planning for the workers of tomorrow, we have Matt Damschroder, Director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
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Educating the workers of tomorrowWe’ve all heard the buzzwords: AI, automation, and hybrid.But behind the tech are the people who will actually drive our world forward.Join us for Untangled from All Sides as we look past the headlines to ask: Are we actually ready for the workers of tomorrow?From the classroom to the boardroom, we’re mapping out the skills, the shifts and the mindset needed to thrive in a world that hasn't even been built yet.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.Guests:Scot McLemore, vice president for talent strategy, Columbus State Community CollegeLisa Gray, president, Ohio Excels
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 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.
