WSJ: Women’s Return to the Workforce Sees Lightbridge Academy Increase in Enrollment and Applications
WSJ: Women’s Return to the Workforce Sees Lightbridge Academy Increase in Enrollment and Applications
According to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, American women are rejoining the workforce in significant numbers, contributing to economic growth amidst challenges like high inflation and increasing interest rates. Over the past four months, women have secured more jobs than men, now holding over 49.8% of all nonfarm jobs. Factors such as better pay, the rise of remote work, and financial pressures are driving this trend. Notably, women now occupy 66% of jobs in sectors like leisure, hospitality, private education, health, and other services. The labor-force recovery has been especially pronounced among mothers of school-age children, with their employment or job-seeking rates now exceeding January 2020 levels.
Lightbridge Academy, a leading early childhood education and child care franchise, has experienced the effects of this trend firsthand. Gigi Schweikert, CEO of Lightbridge Academy, reported to WSJ that as more mothers re-enter the workforce, the franchise has witnessed a consistent rise in enrollment. Furthermore, applications for teaching positions at Lightbridge Academy have surged by about 50% compared to 2020 and the early months of 2021, a period marked by labor shortages and reduced operating hours.