May the Workforce Be With You

Issue 7.11

March 12, 2021

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

A Renewed Focus

Since 1999, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s 501(c)(3) education affiliate, The Partnership, Inc., has been fostering private sector involvement in education and workforce development. To meet the growing and changing talent needs of its members, The Partnership is realigning its mission and priorities to become better focused on workforce development and creating a pipeline of talent in Delaware.

Known for its flagship programs, Delaware Principal for a Day and Superstars in Education, The Partnership is pleased to announce the addition of Intern Delaware and the Delaware Young Professionals Network under its umbrella. Read the full announcement >

WE'RE HIRING!

PROGRAM & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

The program & communications manager will play an integral role in assisting the marketing & events manager and the vice president of strategic communications with a diverse set of responsibilities as they relate to the successful execution of events and communications strategies. Download the job description >

PROGRAM MANAGER, The Partnership, Inc.

The Program Manager is responsible for helping to formulate, direct and execute the following Partnership programs and groups: Intern Delaware, Superstars in Education, Delaware Principal for a Day, and the Delaware Young Professionals Network. The program manager will also assist with the development of the mission, strategy, annual goals, and objectives of The Partnership, Inc. Download the job description >

THIS WEEK IN DOVER

This week the General Assembly returned from budget break. Of note was the introduction of SB15, legislation to increase Delaware’s minimum wage. If passed, starting in 2022 the minimum wage would be $10.50, $11.75 in 2023, 13.25 in 2024, and reach $15.00 in 2025.

A few months ago the Chamber sent a survey to members asking the impact these wages would have on their businesses. If you have current feedback based on these numbers and timing, please let Tyler Micik know. In addition you can provide public comment at next week’s Senate Labor Committee (time TBD) to let legislators know how SB15 will impact you and your employees. Read more >

Goodwill Celebrates 100 Years

Manufacturing in Delaware and the nation was facing a shortage of workers well before the pandemic upended the economy. In fact, as many as 2.4 million factory jobs could remain unfilled through 2028 due to a tight labor market and a lack of skilled workers, according to a 2018 study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute. Carolyn Lee, executive director the The Manufacturing Institute, is on a mission to close this skills gap. Join the conversation on March 24 to learn about the top challenges manufacturers are experiencing and strategies to tackle the skill labor shortage. Register >

CLOSING THE EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS GAP

THE ANSWER IS SIMPLER THAN YOU MAY THINK

Most organizations are well aware of what economists are calling the Fourth Industrial Revolution and what it could mean for the future of work. Advances in AI, cognitive computing, and automation mean employers should equip workers with more than technical skills. Skills such as creativity, leadership, and critical thinking might be more important than ever. Read more >