Orlando Region Talent Development Programs from the Leadership Behind Disney Aspire

Employer-supported workforce talent development initiatives help prepare employees and businesses for the future. Economic pressures, shifting demographics and automation are already moving the Orlando regional workforce toward jobs of the future. Nearly three-quarters of the jobs added since the recession have gone to workers with a bachelor’s degree or post-graduate education. It’s predicted that up to 33 percent of workers may need to switch occupations because of automation. By 2028, there will be three million jobs available in skilled trades.  

Disney’s Vice President of Learning and Development, Chris Trout, will lead a discussion on Feb. 22 on the innovative Disney Aspire program, which offers full tuition payments for U.S. hourly employees to earn degrees and certificates, as well as what businesses of any size can do to invest in their talent.

• WHAT: Presentation to provide interviews and perspective by Disney Vice President of Learning and Development, Chris Trout, on the Disney Aspire program
• WHO: Chris Trout, Disney’s Vice President of Learning and Development
• WHEN: Friday, February 22 at 8 a.m. 
• WHERE: Orlando Regional Chamber, 9th floor of the TD Bank Building, 301 E. Pine Street, Suite 900, Orlando, FL 32801

BACKGROUND:  Announced in late 2018, the Disney Aspire program covers 100 percent of tuition for full-time, hourly U.S. cast members pursuing a range of educational programs that expand their skills, talents, and knowledge. Fostering employee passions through education promotes morale and helps employees realize new capacities for innovation, letting them transition into roles beneficial to the company as well as to themselves.