The WorkPlace Mobilizer - February 2006
Science careers enticing for expo students
The Bridgeport Public School system has encouraged the exploration of science careers for over 16 years with the annual Bridgeport Public Schools' Science Expo.
New lab makes room for innovation
The Innovation Lab is a new resource of The WorkPlace, Inc. It is a meeting room specifically designed to enhance a work team's innovation capability.
Career Centers help unemployed, incumbent workers build job skills
The Southwestern CTWorks Career Centers, with locations in Bridgeport, Stamford, and Derby, provide free employment services to unemployed and incumbent workers.
The President's Report by Joe Carbone
Historically, the national workforce system has primarily focused on serving people who are unemployed. Today we are on the cusp of a major shift in focus, toward investing in incumbent workers.
Regional Needs Assessment underway
2004 statistics show that 27% of Bridgeport’s senior class dropped-out, in contrast to 16% statewide. 84% of those that dropped out were either Latino or African-American.
We thank our recent contributors for their support of WorkPlace projects.
Science careers enticing for Expo students
The Bridgeport Public School system has encouraged the exploration of science careers for over 16 years with the annual Bridgeport Public Schools’ Science Expo.
"The science fair has a huge impact on careers,” said Bridgeport Public Schools Director of Science/Life Skills Aresta Thompson. “The scientific method is a great process that can be applied through all disciplines.”
On January 31 and February 1, 2006, the Expo showcased talents of 150 students from the 36-member school district. Students teamed up or entered the competition solo to compete for scholarships, cash prizes, and a slot in the state science fair on March 14.
“The students look forward to this day; they are competitive and they want the scholarship money,” said Thompson.
Students began preparing as early as September to participate in the competitions held at their schools. Winners advanced to the citywide Expo.
Judges from all career paths awarded prizes to grades 7 to 12. Students were judged on creative ability, scientific thought, thoroughness, technical skill, and neatness and display. The top four 11th graders received $10,000 scholarships to the University of Bridgeport.
“The dedication and hard work the kids put forth is exceptional,” said Thompson. “When they are working on the projects, they need a support system that includes parents and teachers.”
Judges included employees of The WorkPlace, Inc.: Vice President of Operations Adrienne Parkmond, Manager of Workforce Development Nestor Leon, and The Center for Capacity Development Manager Michael McCarthy.
Engineers from Malcolm Pirnie, a leading environmental engineering firm, also judged the competition. Several have volunteered to be mentors to students.
“We hope to be able to make stronger corporate connections and establish relationships with other area colleges as well, to set a path for students,” said Thompson.
New lab makes room for innovation
The Innovation Lab is a new resource of The WorkPlace, Inc. It is a meeting room specifically designed to enhance a work team’s innovation capability. Key components include: a creative environment, resources and tools, collaboration technology, and support for professional development.
Joe Carbone, President and CEO, had the inspiration for this addition.
“We’ve always tried to bring new ideas to the work we do and make innovation part of our culture,” said Carbone.
“The Innovation Lab will help our staff and our partners take this to a new level.”
Employees and visitors to The WorkPlace, Inc. can use the Innovation Lab as a resource for creating new programs, improving existing programs, addressing challenges, building partnerships, and moving ideas into action.
Made possible in part by a grant from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation the Innovation Lab will be an integral part of creating future workforce development programs.
If you are interested in visiting or using the facility, please contact Jo Shute at (203) 610-8504.
Career Centers help unemployed, incumbent workers build job skills
The Southwestern CTWorks Career Centers, with locations in Bridgeport, Stamford, and Derby, provide employment services to unemployed and incumbent workers at no charge.
Many resources are available to conduct job searches. Individuals may register for computer classes, job skill workshops, personal career counseling, and skill testing. Class schedules are available online at www.ctworkssw.org.
Employers can post job openings and search the jobseeker pool for qualified candidates. CTWorks Career Centers provide outplacement, apprenticeships, incumbent training, information on tax incentive programs, and many customized services for businesses.
For information, contact Nestor Leon at (203) 610-8556.
The President's Report by Joe Carbone
Historically, the national workforce system has primarily focused on serving people who are unemployed. Today we are on the cusp of a major shift in focus, toward investing in incumbent workers.
Our regional and national unemployment rates are declining. Employers continue to drive for productivity and competitiveness, requiring higher-level skills and more adaptability from their workers. And globalization increases the pressures for innovation and rapid response for businesses of all types.
Developing the talent you have in-house will increasingly be a good investment for employers. Providing the opportunity for people to master new technology, learn new skills, and gain experience can increase employees’ value to the business and provide a good ROI.
It will take a 3-way partnership to realize this fully. The workforce system can help ensure that a good foundation is in place to succeed on the job. The private sector can provide training and development opportunities to meet emerging competitive needs. And individuals can commit to lifelong learning as the key to employability.
Regional Needs Assessment underway
A qualified, capable workforce is key to our region’s competitiveness and economic prospects. What capabilities are employers looking for? One of the ways we’ll find out is through The WorkPlace’s 2006 Workforce Needs Assessment Employer Survey.
This survey of employers in our region focuses on specific workforce practices, challenges, and needs. If you are an employer in Southwestern Connecticut and want to share your organization’s experiences and perspectives by participating in the survey, visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=896521718999.
Responses are due by February 24. The survey takes only 8-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are confidential.
Results of the Employer Survey will be used to provide direction and priorities for development of services and solutions which are truly responsive to business needs. Findings will be shared at regional meetings in early spring.
Thank you to our recent contributors!
Susan Bonner of the Near & Far Aid Association presents a check to Joe Carbone, President of The WorkPlace, Inc.
Upcoming Events
WorkPlace's Board of Director's Meeting
March 17. 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Guests welcome, RSVP: 203-610-8500
Community Job Fair
March 23 at Housatonic Community College. For info contact: Joyce Gonzales at (203) 334-5627 x398.
