JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon on the need for better job training and opportunities for younger workers and underrepresented communities

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is taking a stand against the lack of preparation for younger workers and underrepresented communities in America’s schools, businesses, and cities. In an exclusive interview with Axios, Dimon highlighted the challenges faced by job seekers entering the labor force for the first time, emphasizing the need for schools to focus on getting graduates good jobs.

Dimon’s nonprofit, the New York Jobs CEO Council, released its annual report, showcasing the coalition’s efforts to help place workers from low-income communities and the City University of New York (CUNY) into high-paying jobs. With member companies like Accenture, Amazon, Bank of America, and Google, the council aims to create pathways to family-sustaining jobs through apprenticeships and training programs.

Despite the current trend of some CEOs backing away from diversity, equity, and inclusion projects, Dimon remains committed to supporting underrepresented communities, emphasizing the importance of fixing a broken system. The council’s efforts have already resulted in the hiring of over 10,000 low-income New Yorkers into jobs paying more than $69,000, with a goal of reaching 100,000 by the end of the decade.

The focus on skills-based hiring is gaining traction among top CEOs, including Dimon, who believe that skills, not just degrees, are essential for success in the workforce. By providing opportunities for high school students to obtain certifications in fields like healthcare, the council is paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible job market.

As the Business Roundtable also emphasizes skills-based hiring, it is clear that a shift towards a more equitable and skills-focused approach to employment is underway. Dimon’s advocacy for underrepresented communities and his dedication to creating opportunities for all workers highlight the importance of addressing systemic issues in the workforce to ensure a brighter future for all Americans.