Translating complex labor market data into actionable insights
Project Summary
New Growth partnered with Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) to conduct a comprehensive green industry labor market assessment and develop a data-informed roadmap for expanding the organization’s workforce development impact across Northeast Ohio. Drawing on quantitative labor market data and qualitative stakeholder engagement, New Growth analyzed regional demand, wages, and career progression across five green industry pathways—Agriculture, Landscaping & Horticulture; Environmental Biology; Environmental Education; Forestry; and GIS—to identify priority occupations, skills, and opportunities aligned with HF&G’s mission and existing programs.
Outcome
This research translated complex labor market data into actionable insights, informing the development of career pathway maps, program alignment strategies, and recommendations for future workforce investments. By grounding workforce planning in real-time demand, wage benchmarks, and regional supply, New Growth helped HF&G clarify where green careers offer sustainable economic opportunity and how internships and other work-based learning opportunities can more intentionally connect participants to those pathways. The resulting analysis positioned HF&G to strengthen its role in the green industry —using data to guide strategic decisions, deepen partnerships, and advance a more inclusive and resilient green workforce ecosystem.
