Seasonal hiring begins soon

In our region, we take a collaborative, holistic approach to workforce development. Collectively, we strive to address not only the immediate needs of businesses but to also prepare individuals and employers for the workforce of tomorrow. We embrace cooperation and create sustainable solutions, even in the midst of inevitable and sometimes difficult changes.

As a testament to our region’s commitment to collaboration, I recently joined the board of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) to more closely align regional efforts in workforce development. GRCC’s five-year strategic plan includes a key initiative to “partner with GoRockford and The Workforce Connection to address members’ current and future workforce needs.” This openness in collaborating vs. duplicating strengthens our region by eliminating costs and confusion amongst the many players with a stake in this demanding job market.

One of the ways we’re meeting the demands of today’s job market is through partnerships between our post-secondary schools, K-12 districts, area training programs, and employers. Together, they provide skills training in high-demand sectors and work to integrate more technical skills training into our high school curriculums. Through initiatives like K-12 Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, students can earn industry-recognized certifications before they even graduate. This not only gives students a competitive edge but also helps local businesses find workers who are job-ready.

Access to education and training empowers workers to pursue fulfilling careers. But for many residents of our region, returning to school or undergoing job training can seem daunting due to financial constraints, childcare issues, or lack of flexibility. Regionally, we’ve expanded access to education and training through initiatives like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and other public-private partnerships.

By offering financial assistance for tuition, childcare, and transportation, we remove some of the barriers that prevent individuals from pursuing career advancement opportunities. Partnerships with local employers result in apprenticeship and internship programs, providing workers with hands-on experience that can lead directly to full-time employment.

Training and education providers throughout our region work hard to foster stronger employer-employee partnerships. Working with employers who are committed to the long-term success of our community, we talk about the skills and attributes they need in their future employees. These conversations help shape our workforce training programs and ensure that the training we provide is relevant and meets expectations.

Job seekers in our area have access to a variety of resources, including resume workshops, interview preparation, career counseling, and job fairs. As one of the many resources, The Workforce Connection often serves as a one-stop shop for individuals seeking assistance in finding and keeping meaningful employment. We further our reach by partnering with local staffing agencies to help individuals find temporary or permanent placements, gaining valuable work experience that can lead to more stable career opportunities.

Finally, a critical component of workforce development is sustainability. It’s not enough to simply provide short-term solutions; we need to ensure that our workforce remains adaptable, resilient, and prepared for the challenges of the future. Through continued collaboration with local educational institutions, businesses, and workforce agencies, we are creating a workforce development model that will be sustainable for years to come.

Workforce development in our region is an ongoing journey. It requires collaboration, innovation, and a long-term commitment to creating opportunities for our residents. As we move forward, we are confident that our region will continue to be a place where businesses thrive, workers succeed, and the community as a whole benefits from a vibrant, diverse economy.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.