Advancing workforce and economic development in Bucks County | January 2022 |
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A Message from Our Executive Director |
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As I reflect on the past year, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the small business owners, career seekers, and youth who make Bucks County a strong, resilient community. Their determination is a constant source of inspiration, driving home the critical mission of the Bucks County Workforce Development Board.
Our local workforce network—the Department of Workforce and Economic Development, the Bucks County Workforce Development Board, and PA CareerLink® Bucks County—continues to address economic challenges caused by the ongoing pandemic and is working tirelessly to deliver programs and services to mitigate disruptions for businesses and career seekers.
An important part of these efforts is promoting available resources, events, labor market data, and other beneficial workforce-related information through our monthly newsletter. My team and I are dedicated to providing the tools that keep our community informed and connected, including WED Talks, COVID economic relief, grants, and job fairs.
On behalf of our local workforce network, I look forward to a new year of growth and possibilities for Bucks County and the surrounding region. I wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2022!
Sincerely,
Billie F. Barnes
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WED Talks Webinar: How to Develop a Successful Apprenticeship Program
Join us at 9 a.m. Wednesday, January 12, 2022, for a WED Talk featuring Tara Loew, Director of the Apprenticeship and Training Office for the
PA Department of Labor & Industry, and John Tkach, Executive Director of Keystone Development Partnership.
They will provide an in-depth analysis of registered apprenticeships in Pennsylvania, focusing on group sponsorship, employee retention, investment and apprenticeship-related costs for employers, sustainability, and funding. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask the experts about getting started with these innovative workforce programs.
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Startup Bucks Campaign to Sustain Founder's 30
Startup Bucks is a 501(c)3 organization created by and for entrepreneurs to support new and existing startups to drive economic and cultural growth in and beyond Bucks County. Startup Bucks does this through programs like Founder’s 30, an weekly online forum to support startup entrepreneurs. Founder’s 30 has been entirely volunteer-run and has helped support nearly 200 startup founders with guidance, connections, and encouragement.
Startup Bucks is raising $31,000 to fund a team that will operate and expand the impact and reach of Founder’s 30. Donate now or learn more about what your donation will enable, what you’ll get, and why they're raising $31k (and not $30k). |
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Workforce & Economic Development News |
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A year after its launch, Bucks County’s Human Services Co-Responder program has expanded into two more municipalities with efforts underway to spread the successful pairing of social workers and police even further. The county’s two newest co-responders, Jessica Manzo and Cara Gadzinski, began work on Dec. 8 alongside the Falls Township and Middletown Township police departments. Read more
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William Tennant High School has announced the launch of a new education program called 'ExcitED' made possible by a School-to-Work grant awarded to the Bucks County Workforce Development Board. The program will give students the chance to engage in real-world experience toward developing career-building skills and taking part in mentorships. Read more
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On Dec. 15, 1981, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment was established to alleviate unemployment for disabled and Vietnam era veterans by implementing policies and programs to increase opportunities for training, counseling and employment placement services. Read more
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The U.S. population grew at a slower rate in 2021 than in any other year since the founding of the nation, based on historical decennial censuses and annual population estimates. The U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2021 Population Estimates released on Dec. 21 show that population grew only 0.1% Read more
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Meet Our Board Member: Anita Diggs
As the Rehabilitation Supervisor at the PA Department of Labor & Industry, Anita Diggs supports vocational counselors and leads her colleagues in assisting disabled participants to overcome barriers and become competitively employed. She possesses over 20 years of experience within the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) in Norristown.
The PA OVR provides vocational rehabilitation services to help people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. OVR services are designed to meet individual needs, including diagnostic services, vocational evaluation, counseling, training, restoration services, placement assistance, assistive technology, and support services. In addition, OVR promotes a variety of disability resources that connect individuals and businesses with advocacy, employment, education, training, and more.
Diggs has served as a member of the Bucks County Workforce Development Board since 2010, representing the employment and training needs of disabled individuals. She is also an active leader in the community and within her local church.
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Career Seeker Success Story: Stephen
Three months into a job search, Stephen continued to look for a position that best fit his skills and interests. His mother found an advertisement in a local newspaper about an upcoming Industrial Maintenance Information Session offered at Bucks County Community College. She remembered that Stephen had a strong desire to work in the manufacturing industry and thought the program would benefit him.
Stephen worked three different jobs in the past seven years, and his employment did not provide him stability. Read more
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Local Entrepreneur Spotlight: Bucks County Chambers of Commerce
Established by committed local professionals, area chambers of commerce are dedicated to promoting business throughout Bucks County. There are many opportunities for entrepreneurs to network with other chamber and community members through events, committees, roundtables, publications, and more.
Find a chamber near you and connect:
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Resources for Businesses & Career Seekers |
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Apply for Health Care Coverage Through Pennsylvania’s Marketplace on Pennie.com
Pennie is Pennsylvania’s official destination for shopping for quality health insurance plans and accessing financial assistance, if eligible. The recently passed American Rescue Plan includes updates that result in significant additional savings for Pennsylvanians shopping for coverage and those already enrolled. Shop and compare plans, gather necessary documents, and sign up online.
Pennie’s Open Enrollment Period runs yearly from November 1 to January 15. If you don’t enroll during this time, you can’t sign up until the next one, except in limited instances. Read more
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