Future-Proofing Talent: Engaging and Retaining a Multi-Generational Workforce
Maintaining a strong culture is key when managing a multi-generational workforce. This session explores how tailored management, career growth, and clear value propositions boost satisfaction and retention. Learn to build a sustainable talent pipeline by prioritizing internal development over external hiring. We’ll cover identifying workforce needs, leveraging apprenticeships and internships, and creating mentorships for knowledge transfer. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies to future-proof their teams and strengthen talent sustainability.
Key Objectives
Analyze how generational differences shape employee expectations, workplace engagement, and perceptions of HR practices across today’s workforce. Engagement strategies for recruitment, retention, and employee value proposition strategies that attract and sustain emerging talent, particularly Gen Z and other early-career professionals. Identify actionable approaches for building a sustainable talent pipeline through apprenticeships, internships, mentorship programs, and other workforce development pathways.
Ashley French
Director of Talent Management & Recruiting at Apprenticely
Ashley French Native Arkansan based in Little Rock. University of Arkansas Marketing alumni. Passionate about skill-based hiring, expanding access to internships, and helping individuals leverage networking to launch and grow meaningful careers. Ashley started her career in staffing as a headhunter and Branch Manager at Staffmark Staffing Agency. She later spent seven years in corporate recruitment within the telecommunications industry, specializing as a Technical Recruiter. During this time, she played a key role in rebuilding the Alltel Software Engineer college recruitment strategy and Internship program for Windstream Communications. Today, Ashley serves as the Director of Talent Management and Recruitment at Apprenticely (formerly the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences). In this role, she leads a team of career coaches dedicated to guiding individuals through career exploration, job search strategy, and interview preparation—ultimately helping them secure meaningful employment. Apprenticely is a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening Arkansas’s workforce by expanding access to technical skills through Registered Apprenticeships, internships, and career development programs. Under Ashley’s leadership and contributions, Arkansas has emerged as a national leader in IT Registered Apprenticeships since 2020. As of April 2026, Apprenticely has helped establish more than 2,400 new apprenticeships across IT, broadband, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. Learn more about Apprenticely at https://apprenticely.org
Jenny Sales
Employer Engagement Manager at Apprenticely
Jenny Sales With 25 years of experience in workforce development, recruitment, and HR leadership, Jenny Sales is a passionate advocate for Registered Apprenticeship programs. As the Employer Engagement Manager at Apprenticely, Jenny uses her unique background—having started as an HR Specialist apprentice herself—to help Arkansas employers build resilient, future-ready talent pipelines in sectors like maintenance, aviation, and manufacturing. Beyond her professional work, Jenny is a dedicated community leader, currently serving as President-Elect for her local HR chapter, where she’s deeply committed to strengthening connections and fostering partnerships. Her mission is simple: to help organizations grow by empowering people. Apprenticely is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Arkansas’s workforce by expanding access to technical skills through Registered Apprenticeships, internships, and career development. A national leader in IT apprenticeships since 2020, Apprenticely has helped launch over 2,400 apprenticeships across IT, broadband, manufacturing, and healthcare. Learn more at https://apprenticely.org/
Please Note: Speakers and topics are subject to change without notice.