Nicholas Wyman

Nicholas “Nick” Wyman began his career as an award-winning chef, later transitioning from the culinary arts to the business world, becoming a globally recognized workforce development expert. As the CEO & Founder of the Institute for Workplace Skills and Innovation Group (IWSI), he has redefined career pathways, transforming global perceptions of skills and success.

Under his leadership, IWSI has created more than 20,000 skill-based career opportunities. Nicholas has spearheaded transformative workforce and apprenticeship initiatives across the United States, introducing innovative solutions to address skills gaps and foster economic growth. His notable achievements include leading the U.S. Department of Labor’s American Apprenticeship Initiative and the multi-year Youth Apprenticeship Intermediaries program in collaboration with the Urban Institute. He is currently leading the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship program, which creates career pathways for underserved communities, and the USDA Apprenticeships in Forestry initiative, focused on sustainability and workforce development. These ongoing projects showcase Nicholas’s dedication to integrating education, training, and employment, fostering significant and enduring economic and social advancements.

One of his standout initiatives is the Ready, Willing, and ABLE program, developed in partnership with the California Department of Rehabilitation. The program focuses on providing individuals with disabilities access to healthcare careers through registered apprenticeships that emphasize mentorship, skill development, and sustainable job placement. After achieving success in Orange County, the program is now being expanded statewide, with a goal of placing 600 apprentices into meaningful careers. This reflects Nicholas’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and addressing workforce challenges with practical, scalable solutions.

For over a decade, Nicholas has collaborated with the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C., including working with Dr. Robert Lerman on pioneering apprenticeship strategies to address critical U.S. skills gaps. His influence extends to federal policy, with testimony before Maryland’s Apprenticeship 2030 Commission and contributions to a vital report presented to the U.S. Congressional Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Investment, where he advocated for the broader adoption of scalable apprenticeship models. He has also advised on workforce standards design for a U.S. Department of Labor initiative, further strengthening the infrastructure for apprenticeship and skills training. Nicholas’s thought leadership is reflected in his writing and public speaking.

His 2013 book, Job U: How to Find Wealth and Success by Developing the Skills Companies Need (Penguin Books), has been a seminal resource on addressing youth unemployment and championing skills-based careers. His forthcoming book, Attract, Retain, and Develop (Fast Company Press, 2025), offers actionable guidance for HR professionals and policymakers on fostering career growth and well-being in a post-pandemic world. Beyond his books, Nicholas shares insights on workforce inclusion and apprenticeships through pro bono contributions to platforms like Forbes, Fast Company, and CNBC.

His 2021 article for the MIT Press, How Apprenticeships Build and Sustain Skills-Based Careers, highlights the importance of inclusive workforce strategies. He has also appeared on podcasts and NPR programs, including The 1A, to discuss how apprenticeships are viable alternatives to traditional degrees. Nicholas authored the influential report Ready, Willing, and ABLE (2023), which explores how businesses can effectively engage workers with disabilities, and It’s Time (2022) advocates for adopting apprenticeship models by U.S. employers. He also serves pro bono on the American Institute for Innovative Apprenticeship Board, contributing to advancing U.S. apprenticeship frameworks. Nicholas Wyman is committed to transforming perceptions of skills-based learning, advancing workforce inclusivity, and empowering individuals to succeed through practical, hands-on pathways. His ability to tailor global best practices to address U.S. challenges has established him as a highly respected leader in workforce development and innovation.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Nicholas holds an MBA, has studied at Harvard Business School and the Kennedy School of Government, and is a Winston Churchill Fellow. He lives in Southern California with his wife and two children.