Creating a Skills-First Strategy for Your Organization Workshop

Preconference Learning

Creating a Skills-First Strategy for Your Organization Workshop

Course Info

This workshop equips TD leaders with the tools and clarity to build a forward-looking, adaptable skills strategy. A skills-based organization knows the skills its workforce has and needs to get the work to be done, now and in the future. Together, we’ll explore each element of a robust skills strategy, from key decision points to the critical data that drives success. Through real-world case studies and guided frameworks, you’ll discover how leading companies assess and verify skills, adapt roles, and develop talent to maintain a competitive edge and stay resilient in the face of constant change. You will leave the program with a template for moving your organization into a skills-first approach for developing people.

ATD’s workshops are social learning events rooted in discovery and hands-on practice. Join us and take your talent development strategies to the next level.

Why Should I Attend?

Develop strategies for adapting to industry demands with a skills-first approach.
Explore a skills strategy blueprint to build your organization's unique skills strategy.
Get tips on common traps to avoid as you transition to a skills-based organization.
Prioritize critical skills, identify gaps, validate skills, and plan reskilling/upskilling initiatives.

Dates & Times

VIRTUAL | May 10 – May 12, 2027, 1:30 – 5:00 PM, Eastern Time

Preconference Learning Price

ATD Member: $895
Non-member: $1,145

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Elaine Biech

Elaine Biech, CPTD fellow, believes excellence isn’t optional. Her passion is helping others achieve their passion. She specializes in maximizing individual, team, and organizational effectiveness using her expertise in OD, training, and consulting. Elaine has designed and delivered thousands of training courses and apps. Highlights of her career include designing and implementing the first process improvement programs for the Newport News Shipbuilding Company and McDonalds; designing and facilitating the first creativity program for Hershey Chocolate; and facilitating one of the world’s first virtual training sessions in 1985 for NASA.

Elaine’s been called a titan of the training industry and has published 89 books, including The Art & Science of Training, which was a Washington Post number 1 bestseller. She has presented for 38 consecutive years at ATD’s International Conference & EXPO, and has been featured in dozens of publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Management Update, the Washington Post, and Fortune.

Elaine has been active with ATD since 1982—she’s served on the national board of directors, designed ATD’s first training certificate program, was ATD’s inaugural CPTD Fellow designee, and most recently was the principal author of ATD’s TDBoK Guide™. A talent development thought leader, Elaine was the recipient of ATD’s 1992 Torch Award, 2004 Volunteer-Staff Partnership Award, 2006 Bliss Memorial Award, and the 2020 Distinguished Contribution to Talent Development Award. In addition, she was the recipient of ISA’s 2001 Spirit Award, 2012 Outstanding Contributor Award, and 2022 Thought Leader Award. She was also the recipient of Wisconsin’s Women’s Mentor Award and sponsors several scholarship funds. Elaine currently serves on the board of directors for ISA, the Association of Learning Providers, and the board of governors for the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL).

Preconference Learning