The Susquehanna Workforce Network presented at our recent Chamber luncheon on Jan 14. The topic was Building a New Workforce. It was an eye-opening talk. Things have changed since I was in school!

Ms. Kim Justis, the Executive Director for SWN, explained that the Blueprint for MD’s Future, a state-level program, focuses on creating a talent pipeline, starting with children as young as the 6th grade. It exposes the children to a range of opportunities to find their “purpose, plans, and passion.” Ms. Justis introduced several of her staff: Al Reeves, In-School Youth Program Manager, and Sabrina Schepers (Bel Air Middle and High School.

In-School Youth Career Coach and Haidee Hynes In-School Youth Career Coach (Havre De Grace High School) gave details of how they work with kids. This includes Virtual Reality, allowing the kids to experience everything from performing knee surgery to working on a 500ft tower to finance and IT work. Zello is described as a “career matchmaker” who helps kids identify interests using online surveys and then connects them with information on what is happening now in those areas. These programs help them identify opportunities, what it takes to get there, training, school and scholarship opportunities, and even virtual tours of schools. These programs recognize that kids learn in different ways and that not everyone is a student who flourishes in the classroom. It provides other ways for kids to find their future and succeed.

SWN is not just about the kids; similar programs are available for young adults (under 24) and adults.

SWN then turned to how this helps local businesses. Charlie McMillan, SWN’s Harford County Business Services Representative, shared information and specific experiences to the catalog of opportunities, such as manufacturing or arts-related positions. They can include various support resources for businesses, including job recruitment tools like the "Hot Jobs" list, flyer distribution, virtual job fairs, and space for recruitment events at no cost. SWN provides training grants, such as the Susquehanna Works Grant, which offers partial reimbursement for incumbent worker training and new employee training through On-the-Job Training (OJT) grants. The best part is that many of these programs are free to employers or have reimbursement options.



Check with SWN on the type of workers you need. They can help with all kinds of workers, not just the plumbers and electricians, but drivers, culinary and hospitality. SWN has many options to help Chamber members bring in new employees, train existing employees, or help in other ways. They are available to help you. Contact via www.SWN.com.