Summary - Workforce Development

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03e8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="id125.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Board of Directors"><B>Board of Directors</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Meetings"><B>Meetings</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id122.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CEDS"><B>CEDS</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id66.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Scenario Planning"><B>Scenario Planning </B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id80.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Task Team"><B>Task Team</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id117.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Regional Plans"><B>Regional Plans </B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id65.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><B>Links</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id39.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="ByLaws"><B>By-Laws</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact"><B>Contact</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>CEDS Sponsors:</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id125.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Board of Directors"><I><U>Platinum Sponsor</U></I></A></div> <div> <B>Borghesi Building & Engineering</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><U>Silver Sponsors</U></I></div> <div> <B>Bicron Electronics</B></div> <div> <B>CEDAS</B></div> <div> <I>(CT Econ. 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Assoc.)</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><U>Bronze Sponsors</U></I></div> <div> <B>Parker Productions</B></div> <div> <B>Winvian</B></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 style=" border-bottom: 1px solid #999980;" BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03f8dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Bangle" ><B>Northwest Connecticut Economic Development Corporation</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Bangle" ><B> </B></FONT><B>    </B><B>|</B><B>  </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Bangle" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Bangle" ><B> </B><B> </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Northwest Connecticut Economic Developme"><B>home</B></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id90.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summary Revitalization of town city ce">Summary - Revitalization of town & city centers</A>   |   <B>Summary - Workforce Development</B>   |   <A HREF="id92.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summary Redevelopment of Brownfields">Summary - Redevelopment of Brownfields</A>   |   <A HREF="id94.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summary Transportation">Summary - Transportation</A>   |   <A HREF="id95.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summary Energy">Summary - Energy</A>   |   <A HREF="id86.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summary Agriculture">Summary - Agriculture</A>   |   <A HREF="id97.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summary Culture, Tourism Film">Summary - Culture, Tourism & Film</A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 width="100%" colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03f8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>Summary - Workforce Development</I></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U> <TABLE BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="781" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 4176 WIDTH="773"><div> <A HREF="id80.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Task Team"><B>TASK TEAM</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>Workforce Development</U></B></FONT> <I>(Draft - June 16, 2008)</I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>NW CT EDC Goal:</U></B> </div> <div> -  Develop long range strategic plans for a healthy, sustainable economic environment for NW CT.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Task Team Goals:</U></B><U> </U></div> <div> -  Develop a long term (10-20 years) comprehensive plan which benefits the entire region.</div> <div> -  Develop long range strategic plans for a healthy, sustainable economic environment for NW CT.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Guiding Principles:</U></B></div> <div> Attract and retain younger residents in their 20's or 30's to the region.</div> <div> Encourage local high school and college graduates to stay in the region.</div> <div> Expand and develop affordable and safe housing options.</div> <div> Create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere appealing to younger adults.</div> <div> Train and provide reliable and dependable workers for all regional employers.</div> <div> Provide a higher skilled workforce for emerging regional manufacturers.</div> <div> Provide technical and skilled training to match employer needs.</div> <div> Match employer expectations with worker competencies.</div> <div> Increase awareness of regional employment and career opportunities.</div> <div> Collaborate systematically with regional public and private educational institutions to increase awareness of regional career opportunities.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Suggested Overall Strategies</U></B></div> <div> Increase awareness of existing regional resources for workforce development.</div> <div> Utilize existing regional agencies to meet workforce needs.</div> <div> Begin the career awareness educational process at an early age and continue through high school and college.</div> <div> Support applied educational activities emphasizing math and science <I>(i.e. Robotics Teams and Lego Leagues)</I></div> <div> Support educational activities which support employer needs.</div> <div> Create magnet programs at colleges and schools which produce skilled technicians in engineering, nursing, pharmaceuticals - be selective and obtain funding to attract and retain higher paying employers to the region.</div> <div> Increase awareness among high school students about existing opportunities with local and regional employers.</div> <div> Provide advanced training for existing workers using regional resources whenever possible.</div> <div> Create positive social environments for all employees to increase retention of workforce.</div> <div> Attract workers to the region to supply local employer needs.</div> <div> Attract young couples and families to the region.</div> <div> Upgrade and maintain existing infrastructure (water, sewer, energy) to expand higher education campuses and attract office complexes to the region.  </div> <div> Devise solutions using regional cost sharing and revenue sharing for capital and operational costs.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U>Components</U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Elementary Schools:</U></B></div> <div> Implement Junior Achievement or similar types of programs<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>programs in all local schools beginning in Kindergarten.</div> <div> Encourage local businesses to support the Junior Achievement programs financially and with time to help implement the programs.</div> <div> Encourage Read Aloud Days using local business and community volunteers.</div> <div> Encourage science and math fairs, events and activities.</div> <div> Create Lego Leagues <I>(similar to Robotics Teams)</I> for younger students.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Middle/Intermediate Schools:</U></B></div> <div> Continue Junior Achievement or similar types of programs<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>programs in all local schools.</div> <div> Increase awareness of the local business community through guest speakers and field trips.</div> <div> Enhance and expand applied math, science and technology education. </div> <div> Hire specialized teachers using special pay scales for highly trained technical occupations.</div> <div> Encourage science, technology and invention fairs and events.</div> <div> Create Lego Leagues to foster applied science and math skills.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>High Schools:</U></B></div> <div> Continue Junior Achievement or similar types of programs programs in all local schools.</div> <div> Support students considered “at risk” <I>(i.e. no clear direction or focus in school).</I></div> <div> Assist students in creating economic goals <I>(i.e. “What type of car would you like to drive?  How much money would you like to earn per year?  Describe your life style goals.”)</I></div> <div> Develop Robotics teams in all of the local high schools.</div> <div> Create a regional robotics league to encourage cooperation and communication among the local high schools.</div> <div> Cooperate and communicate with other regional educational institutions to insure open dialogue and quick response to contentious issues.</div> <div> Continue regional dialogue and cooperation through the existing CEBP <I>(Community Educators Business Partnership)</I> program.</div> <div> Provide regional Career Fairs to increase student awareness of existing regional employment opportunities <I>(involve students, teachers and parents).</I></div> <div> Encourage and expand CWE <I>(Career Work Experience)</I> and School to Career programs in all area high schools.</div> <div> Initiate Entrepreneurship programs in area high schools.</div> <div> Encourage and expand academic offerings which are more application driven and less focused on content acquisition.</div> <div> Hire specialized teachers using special pay scales for highly trained technical occupations.</div> <div> Expand online and distance learning opportunities.</div> <div> Explore the concept of regional “Academies” focused on specific skills and talents <I>(i.e. similar to Magnet Schools - Arts, Technology, Trades, Manufacturing, Film, etc.).</I></div> <div> Encourage smaller high schools with 500 students rather than 1,500 students.</div> <div> Provide internships, summer internships and communication networks for high school students interested in similar career paths.</div> <div> Provide mentoring experiences using local businesses and business organizations <I>(i.e. NW CT Chamber and Rotary).</I></div> <div> Explore cooperative opportunities with area private and public schools.</div> <div> Emphasize and encourage a strong work ethic and responsible work habits.</div> <div> Encourage peer-to-peer networks for students interested in the same career pathways.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Community Colleges, Business and Technical Schools:</U></B></div> <div> Encourage and provide support for students to attend local community colleges, business and technical schools if they are not attending college.</div> <div> Insure that high school students are aware of opportunities at local community colleges, business and technical schools.</div> <div> Encourage Community Colleges, Business and Technical Schools to continually dialogue with local high schools and local employers to monitor and adjust program offerings reflective of community needs.</div> <div> Continue to support the technical training needs of local employers.</div> <div> Create post high school educational opportunities in urban centers <I>(i.e. a downtown branch of UConn in Torrington).</I></div> <div> Encourage periodic and continual communication between area high schools and local colleges and community colleges.</div> <div> Continue to promote and expand adult education courses and opportunities.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Workforce Investment Board:</U></B></div> <div> Continue to provide specialized/customized training for highly skilled workers.</div> <div> Continue to support employer needs for a highly trained workforce.</div> <div> Advertise and market available resources to all regional employers.</div> <div> Assist in recruiting highly trained workers from outside of the region.</div> <div> Insure that local employers are aware of the benefits provided by the Workforce Investment Board including the “Rapid Response Team.”</div> <div> Continue to support employer needs especially in the fastest growing sectors of manufacturing and health care.</div> <div> Monitor workforce trends and suggest regional strategies to address issues.</div> <div> Promote the viability of non-college careers.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Local Employers:</U></B></div> <div> Provide health care benefits for employees.</div> <div> Seek Foundation grants to initiate health care clinics and child care centers for community based industries using shared resources among multiple employers. </div> <div> Provide tuition reimbursement to encourage continuing education.</div> <div> Provide childcare services to attract younger employees.</div> <div> Provide English language training for non-English speaking workers.</div> <div> Encourage parents (and/or neighbors) to bring their children or friends to work for a day.</div> <div> Encourage orientation programs and support for new employees.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Transportation:</U></B></div> <div> Provide transportation services for workers living outside of the region <I>(i.e. shuttle buses from Waterbury to Torrington's Technology Park or to Winsted's Alcoa-Howmet).</I></div> <div> Develop a long range mass transit plan to supply workers for regional employers.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Housing:</U></B></div> <div> Create and enhance existing housing options to attract younger professionals.</div> <div> Provide safe, affordable, and pleasant living environments for area residents.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Social/Recreational:</U></B></div> <div> Encourage and develop safe and attractive green spaces within the region.</div> <div> Create safe and attractive greenways and bike trails to connect the region.</div> <div> Promote the benefits of NW CT - outdoor lifestyle, recreational opportunities such as hiking and camping.</div> <div> Develop greenways and bike trails to connect all of the towns and cities in the region.</div> <div> Create social work environments to attract and retain workers <I>(i.e. softball and bowling leagues, employee recognition programs, company picnics, etc.)</I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>NW CT Chamber:</U></B></div> <div> Senior Job Bank <I>(connecting workers over the age of 55 with employment opportunities).</I></div> <div> Manufacturers Coalition <I>(networking to discuss common issues of concern such as employee recruitment and retention).</I></div> <div> Small Business Coalition <I>(discuss cooperative marketing techniques and common concerns).</I></div> <div> SCORE <I>(provides counseling to small business owners and new businesses).</I></div> <div> CEBP <I>(Community Educators Business Partnership)</I> - network of high school guidance counselors and business representatives - sponsor Tech Day, Career Fair, “Boardroom to Classroom” and “Classroom to Boardroom.”</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Regional Issues:</U></B></div> <div> Provide regional infrastructure <I>(water, sewer, electricity, affordable housing)</I> to support economic expansion.</div> <div> Plan for economic expansion in areas where services are already available and can be more easily expanded.</div> <div> Monitor regional demographic trends - adjust regional strategies accordingly to meet employer needs.</div> <div> Create a regional lifestyle conducive and attractive to younger residents.</div> <div> Attract younger residents to the region.</div> <div> Create and promote a young, vibrant, energetic and socially engaging region.</div> <div> Work as a region to overcome obstacles and address common issues.</div> <div> Adjust zoning regulations as necessary to accommodate regional and local economic goals.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U>Related Articles/Links:</U></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/gendocs/training.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/gendocs/tra"><B>Connecticut Department of Labor - Education & Training</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/"><B>21st Century Skills</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.ctfilmworkforce.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ctfilmworkforce.com/"><B>Connecticut Film Industry - Training Program</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.nrwib.org/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.nrwib.org/"><B>Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.jaconn.net/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.jaconn.net/"><B>Junior Achievement of Southwest New England</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.nwctchamberofcommerce.org/cebp_overview.asp" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.nwctchamberofcommerce.org/ceb"><B>CEBP </B></A><A HREF="http://www.nwctchamberofcommerce.org/cebp_overview.asp" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.nwctchamberofcommerce.org/ceb"><I>(Community Education Business Partnership)</I></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.nwctchamberofcommerce.org/job_postings.asp" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.nwctchamberofcommerce.org/job"><B>Job Postings - NW CT Chamber</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.ctjobs.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ctjobs.com/"><B>CT Jobs.com</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.jobsinct.com/home/home.aspx" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.jobsinct.com/home/home.aspx"><B>Jobs In CT.com</B></A></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>Issues identified during Scenario Planning (March 28 & April 28, 2009):</B></I></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="528" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ROWS" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 35 WIDTH="520"><div> Young residents are leaving the Region.  Is this unique to NW?  The State? Where are they going?</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Young residents leaving the region and the state</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 37 WIDTH="520"><div> How do we bring young people back to the area?  Who do we want to attract to this area?</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 21 WIDTH="520"><div> Childcare issues (costs and availability)</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 35 WIDTH="520"><div> “Undocumented” residents/citizens.  How do we get “accurate” data to determine the impact on the Region?</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 35 WIDTH="520"><div> Local educational access from elementary to college/higher ed. (including English language ed. For immigrants)</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Matching employer needs with qualified employees</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Work ethic of new workers</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Jobs of the future?</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Loss of “job benefits” in the Region. Vs. State/US? </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 ><NOBR><div> Identification of “top 10 things” potential/future employers want.</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 ><NOBR><div> Affordable work force housing. (State definition = no more than 30% of income).</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> High cost of housing</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Cost of land</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 ><NOBR><div> CT tax structure.  Impact.  Does this affect Region more than rest of State?</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Unpredictable and unfavorable tax structure</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 ><NOBR><div> Education in the Region reflecting the needs of the Region?</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Workforce development and educational training</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Need for technically trained workers</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Technology as an economic driver</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 35 WIDTH="520"><div> Internal and external perception of the Region.  Perceived as “wealthy”, “in the middle of nowhere”, individual towns want to “keep their town a secret”</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Changing values re: sustainability</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Aging population</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 ><NOBR><div> Aging workers not retiring (failure to create openings for younger workers)</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Loss of manufacturing jobs</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Obesity</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Rising health costs</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> The future of healthcare</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> High cost of doing business</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Availability of investment capital</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Increased government regulation</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Consumer demand</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Emergency services volunteers</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> National issues</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 ><NOBR><div> Is a coordinated effort or what type of coordinated effort is best for the region?</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Business support organizations</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Economic incentive for new or existing businesses</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 35 WIDTH="520"><div> Coordinated regional effort for economic development, not economic discouragement (Regional Econ. Development Czar)</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 WIDTH="520"><div> Attracting companies to spark economic growth</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 18 ><NOBR><div> Loss of State and Federal representation due to shrinking population</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <A HREF="id80.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Task Team"><B>TASK TEAM</B></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></U></B></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>