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Workforce Readiness News
by Debra Quinn, Chair of HRM-RI Workforce Readiness Commmittee
Committee Members Review Yes-2-Work Program
On Monday, May 9 the Workforce Readiness Committee meeting took place
at the Neighborhood Health Plan of RI, hosted by
Frank Tabela . Our guest speak was Dottie Miller, Projects Manager
for the Workforce Partnership of Greater RI (Dept. of Labor). Dottie
shared information on the Governor’s Workforce Board RI Youth Development
Program called Yes-2-Work Summer Employment Program, a pilot initiative
that connects youth ages 16-19 to summer job opportunities. The goal is to
hire productive summer workers while developing our future workforce.
Private
Sector Summer Employment Program
- Employers post jobs by calling netWORKri toll free 1-88-616-JOBS
(5627)
- Student recruitment, assessment and job preparation training provided
by the workforce development staff
- Students are matched to available job listings posted by interested
employers
- Employers interview and make final selection
- Youth are hired for real jobs and expected to be productive
- Staff support and training are available to employers for career
focused activities
The Result is a Win-Win for Employers and Youth
- Initiated, trained and prductive current and future workers!
- Industry/career awareness encourages further education and training
Call netWORKri today @ 888-616-JOBS to
post your SUMMER JOBS!
For more information or program participation
contact: Dottie Miller at 462-8727 or dmiller@dlt.state.ri.us
To view an exciting video presentation about the Summer
Youth Employment Program (SYEP) at Lifespan, visit http://www.lifespan.org/services/hr/stc/default.asp.
Tour of Exeter Job Corp Was Informative and Enjoyable
On April 11, seven members of HRMRI participated in a breakfast meeting
and tour of
the Exeter Job Corp in Exeter , RI . The program was
graciously hosted by Academy Director Joseph DePina who provided
the group with information on the Job Corp Program, career skills training,
campus environment, dorm life, education and soft skill preparation
for employment readiness.
The Exeter Job Corp academy offers students the opportunity to earn industry
certification in six career tracks, Business Technology, Construction Technology,
Culinary Arts, Health Occupations, Information Technology and Manufacturing Technology.
Students can earn a high school diploma or GED as well as college credit through
partnerships with local colleges and universities.
Those who participated in the tour were impressed with the facility and the
diverse programs and support services offered to the students.
Exeter Job Corp Seeking Business Professionals to Speak
to Students
The Exeter Job Corp Academy is always interested in Business Professionals
who would like to speak to the students regarding their occupation, organization
and employment opportunities. For more information contact Deb Quinn
at DQuinn1@sovereignbank.com.
Why SHRM Is Focusing on Workforce Readiness Initiatives
Workforce Readiness initiatives have become a focal point of SHRM. SHRM
Focus Groups have identified signifigant Skills Gaps in new entrants,
incumbents, and transitional workers entering the workforce. With 78 Million
Baby Boomers preparing to retire, human resource professionals face a
skills shortage that will have a direct impact on our organization bench
strength. Our college dropouts are the fastest growing population in the
U.S. Only 27% of 25-29 year olds had bachelor’s degrees in 2003.
(SHRM Workplace Readiness Presentation)
A 2005 SHRM Future of the US Labor Pool Survey identified the following
skills deficiencies:
- 59% lack overall professionalism
- 58% lack written communication skills
- 47% lack analytical skills
- 44% lack verbal communication skills
- 36% lack interpersonal skills
It is the role and responsibility of HR to lead organizations in the
development of competitive business practices in order to minimize the
impact of the labor/skills shortage. As strategic HR professionals we
can facilitate a bridge between the educational system and the business
community, streamline access to continuous learning programs and identify
the skill sets required of the next generation.
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