Focusing on the Future of Workforce Development: Will Your Residents Be Workforce-Ready?

Information by State  Print version

March 9, 2010 at 3 p.m. (EST)

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

It's good advice, especially in today's struggling economy. As more and more companies downsize and competition for jobs increases, jobseekers must not toss up their hands in frustration, but rather roll up their sleeves in determination. To weather the current economic downturn, job candidates must equip themselves with the skills needed to succeed in a fiercely competitive job market. Neighborhood Networks centers are in an ideal position to help.

Neighborhood Networks will host an interactive Webinar with industry expert, Julian Alssid, executive director of the Workforce Strategy Center, to discuss how centers can establish a successful workforce development program that connects residents with learning and employment opportunities. A nationally recognized expert in workforce development strategy and policy, Mr. Alssid has more than 15 years of experience bringing together employers, workforce agencies, community colleges, and clients to help move low-income people into high-wage jobs in key industries. Joining Mr. Alssid will be Gloria Finney, center director at the Center Post Neighborhood Networks Computer Training Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Ron O'Neal, associate director of the Educational Opportunity Center at the University of Pennsylvania, who will share essential information on the post-secondary aspects of workforce development.

During the Webinar, participants will learn about:

	Trends in employment and best practices in workforce development programming.
	The five-stage process for developing a sound workforce development program.
	Various post-secondary options that residents can complete to acquire skills for new jobs.
	Important factors to consider regarding funding of post secondary-educational options.
	Funding resources for centers interested in starting a workforce development program.

Webinar participants will also receive access to Workforce Strategy Center resources that can assist Neighborhood Networks centers in developing their own workforce development program. These resources include a workforce team self-assessment tool; a gap analysis template; and instructions on using data to design, manage, and improve career pathways.

How the Webinar Works

	Connect to the Webinar. Please connect between 2:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. (EST). The Webinar begins promptly at 3 p.m.; however, you may join at any time.
	To be connected to the audio portion of the Webinar, dial toll-free 888-556-5018 and ask to be connected to the "Neighborhood Networks Webinar." Please be prepared to provide contact information to the operator.

For more information, contact the Neighborhood Networks Information Center, toll-free, at 888-312-2743. The hearing impaired may access Neighborhood Networks via TTY by calling the Federal Information Relay Service, toll-free, at 800-877-8339. Additional questions or ideas may be posted on the Neighborhood Networks discussion board.