Workforce Summit II

On September 11, 2019, ACI welcomed its member companies to their Workforce Summit II focused on the future of construction workforce recruitment and skills training and hosted at the Interact for Health meeting room in the Rookwood Center area. 

 

SWORWIB President Sherry Kelley Marshall introduced keynote speaker, Dr .Eric Rademacher,   Ph.D., and Co-Director of the Institute for Policy Research at the University of Cincinnati, and a SWORWIB Board Member. Dr. Rademacher has been involved in a variety of research efforts and in particular workforce related research studies, including the Jobs Outlook 2020 A Regional Indicators Report and the recently released update JOBS OUTLOOK 2028-Data and insights on job growth in the Cincinnati Region 2018-2028 .  Findings from this most recent Jobs Outlook data notes critical upcoming trends and identifies occupations that most likely to be affected by artificial intelligence. He shared the highlights most important to the construction industry and anticipated changes as remaining baby-boomer construction talent prepares to and eventually does retire. For those who were not at the Workforce Summit and have not heard a summary from the newest Jobs Outlook research, click here for a copy of the executive summary of the Jobs Outlook 2028.

Duke Energy requested assistance from Rosemary Peterson with the Business Service Unit for recruiting Customer Service Representatives, particularly for posting the position on OhioMeansJobs.com. Ms. Peterson posted the position but also suggested a hiring event hosted at the OMJ Center.  Duke Energy expressed extreme appreciation about their Hiring Event held on September 6, 2019 with an outcome of approximately 40 applicants. Dawn Ashley, Recruiter for Duke Energy, indicated their plans to host future hiring events at the OMJ Center she further commented that there was a great amount of excitement and positive response to the event through the participation of partner organizations. Ms. Ashley expressed appreciation for Rosemary’s creativity, support and hard work on behalf of Duke’s recruitment needs.

Pictured left to right:  Dawn Ashley, Recruiter for Duke Energy, Rosemary Peterson, OMJ Business Services and Matthew Grant, Recruitment Specialist

On Friday, September 6 Congressman Warren Davidson, REDI Cincinnati, Miami University of America Learning Center, the Chambers of Commerce serving Fairfield, Greater Hamilton, Oxford, Mason/Deerfield, Middletown/Monroe/Trenton and West Chester/Liberty jointly hosted the 2019 Workforce Solutions Summit 2.0: How to Find Talent in a Tight Labor Market. Pictured above is the panel on “Solutions You Can Use Now” featuring Disability Employment Services, Military Hiring, Second Chance Strategies, Recruitment Best Practices and Innovative Strategies in a Tapped Labor Market that was presented by SWORWIB President Sherry Kelley Marshall (pictured at the podium) and Erica Simmons representing the apprenticeship model partnership with the SWORWIB. Another panel addressed “How the Benefit Cliff Affects Business” with State Senator William P. Coley, State Representative Paul Zeltwanger, Kimberly Hall, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Holly Hankinson of the Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.  United States Congressman Warren Davidson, State Senator William P. Coley and State Representative Paul Zeltwanger also responded directly to participants as part of the “Workforce Conversation with Your Elected Officials”. A Lunch breakout session for Q&A with presenters was also available.

Ohio’s Workforce Board executives were invited to the Governor's Workforce Board meeting at AEP Transmission Center in New Albany on Wednesday, September 18 ^th.

The agenda included several presentations, one on the well-established Nehemiah Manufacturing Company and another on the well-recognized but yet-to-be-resolved ongoing transportation challenge in most Ohio communities. 

CEO, Dan Meyer of Nehemiah Manufacturing Company in Cincinnati, Ohio provided a detailed presentation on the company and the related entity, Beacon of Hope, formed to encourage other companies to commit to second chances for re-entry citizens because it is a business imperative and the right thing to do for our society.  

Aslyne Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of EmpowerBus, presented a solution for some of the transportation challenges influencing opportunities for workers and employers. EmpowerBus is strengthening the road to social mobility by providing dignified, reliable and on-time transportation to and from employment, education and healthcare opportunities. They focus on utilizing clustering and strategic partnerships to address the transportation barriers that face under-resourced communities in Ohio.  The SWORWIB has invited Aslyne Rodriquez for a presentation on their transportation services at the November 14 ^th Quarterly Board Meeting at the OMJ Center, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

After the Governor’s Workforce Board meeting, the Ohio workforce executives changed venue to meet up with Ohio Department of Job and Family Services management for detailed consideration of the impact on performance results as the State of Ohio’s newest model for performance evaluation is implemented with this ending program year.

Ohio Launches TechCred to Help

Employees Earn Technology Skills

Lt. Governor Jon Husted has launched " TechCred", a program that connects businesses with the talent they need and gives employees the ability to earn industry-recognized, technology-focused credentials, better preparing them for a job in today’s advanced, technology-infused economy.

These are some key details that employers should know:



For questions regarding TechCred, use this email [email protected].

In early 2019, leaders of New Horizons Computer Learning Centers in Hamilton County proposed to their corporate leadership in Austin, Texas to partner with the SWORWIB for a Scholarship competition. The Scholarship Partnership was announced through the SWORWIB’s website, email notifications, New Horizons media and communications lists. Moreover, various other agencies shared the announcement and in particular we recognize Crystal L. Kendrick, President, The Voice of Your Customer through her website www.thevoiceofblackcincinnati.com from whom a majority of the scholarship applicants indicated they had learned about the scholarship. Applications were reviewed and ranked by SWORWIB officers, partners and volunteers after a review of the process, procedures, and general training about practices of scholarship committees.  Winners were notified in early September and invited to attend a Scholarship Celebration event on Monday, September 16 in the evening at the Blue Ash location of the Southwest Ohio New Horizons Computer Learning Center where the SWORWIB provided dinner for the winners and their family and friends with over 40 people in attendance.  In addition to their scholarship awards, winners also received New Horizons t-shirts and small IT related gifts. This is the second scholarship partnership between SWORWIB and New Horizons since 2016. Interestingly, as a result of the Scholarship Application Process and the expanded web attention, there were eight individuals who applied and in the application process were identified for determination of eligibility for funding through partner resources at the OhioMeansJobs Center – a truly unanticipated additional set of opportunities for our citizens.

Left to right – Front Row:  Alicia Rogers – PMP; Jazz Thomas – Business; Sherry Kelley Marshall, SWORWIB President & CEO; Brandy Taylor, Regional Director, New Horizons Computer Learning Centers.

Left to right - Back Row:  Ethan Arquello, ResCare Talent Development Specialist who encouraged several applicants to submit for this scholarship; Savannah Thompson – Medical Office Administration; Frederick Bradbury – Network Systems Administration Professional; Victoria Jamison – PMP; Samantha Meredith, Career Consultant – New Horizons; Ron Davis – Medical Office Administration; Ronald Dumas – Business Administration Associate.

Growing New Industry and Female Dislocated Worker's Quick Rise to Drone Dispatcher and Trainer

Formerly Dislocated Worker, Hannah Trimble, originally came to Cincinnati from Albany NY, where she received her B.A. in Mediterranean Archaeology and Anthropology at SUNY Albany. She participated in archaeological work at The New York State Museum and volunteered in the field and labs for The Cincinnati Museum Center and Florida Public Archaeology Network.

 

Hannah, her husband and their four children moved from their home in Pensacola Florida to Quito Ecuador, where they volunteered with an orphanage for a year. After moving back to the United States, they moved to Cincinnati Ohio, where Hannah worked for an estate sales company that went through a difficult time and Hannah, along with other employees, was unfortunately “laid off.” As a dislocated worker, she was introduced to the OhioMeansJobs Center-Cincinnati/Hamilton County and SWORWIB as the workforce board for the area and oversight management of the one-stop center.

 

After introduction to the Individual Training Account available for workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own, Hannah boldly choose to take a training program for “Drone Maintenance & Repair” which prepared her for a new career in the wildly expanding drone operations field.

 

She was so successful and learned so quickly that she was offered a job with Flamingo Air’s “Worker Bee“division repairing and building custom drones. She now holds a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Pilot Certificate; in addition to her Drone Maintenance & Repair Technician and Drone flight Instructor certifications. She also holds an FAA Part 65 Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate and is a Dispatch Instructor for Flamingo Air. She is currently working toward her Advanced Ground Instructor Certification. She is currently working toward her Advanced Ground Instructor Certification.

In a very short time since her company dislocated their personnel, Hannah went from unemployed to the Director of Drone Operations at Flamingo Air where she learned her skills and was supported to advance her federal certifications significantly. She has earned two FAA Certificates issued by the Federal Government and two Industry Certificates. The SWORWIB gave provisional status to Flamingo Air as an approved aviation training program funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The SWORWIB took a risk with this “test” for aviation credentials because the technology is so very new and unclear whether the technology will reach “in-demand” occupational status as defined by the State of Ohio. However, for Area #13, we have an interest in seeking the “next opportunities” for our job-seekers and employers and believe we are at the front of this highly technical competency backed by the Federal Aviation Administration’s credential requirements.

 

Just as Hannah thoroughly loves the work she is doing in aviation, and looks forward to expanding her knowledge, research, and experience because the market holds so much opportunity she also wants to help others live the dreams that are only limited by their imagination. The SWORWIB is pleased to support its customers interested in new technologies and challenge the State of Ohio to recognize that these new technologies require thoughtful consideration and rigorous performance evaluation which the SWORWIB provides through its ETP (Eligible Training Provider) Review and Evaluation Committee oversight.

MAX Technical Training now Max Solutions celebrated their Coding Bootcamp Alumni throughout September topping everything off with their “Appreciation Gathering Event” at Fretboard Brewery in Blue Ash to thank their very successful alumni for their hard work and contributions to employers and others as part of the MAX Family.  The large party room at Fretboard was full on September 18 with “coders” enjoying light appetizers, seeing favorite instructors and “hanging out” with other bootcamp graduates sharing memories and laughs and celebrating each other’s successes in this ever-changing field of computer programming. The SWORWIB joined in the event as some of the Bootcamp Alumni were funded through the OMJ Center-Cincinnati/Hamilton County.

Training Challenges for a New Decade

The OMJ Center has been fortunate to have a talented technology programs trainer Michael Vaughn from the Education Opportunity Center housed at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College who offers a variety of key software program trainings on a schedule. Those who take the courses feel a significant rise in their basic computer programs skillset and are very complimentary of Michael's skills as the instructor. The OMJ Center recognizes that the increasingly technological nature of jobs means that digital skills are necessary for all workers to thrive in the modern workplace and will continuously become even more important. Jobs that have not needed technology are increasingly demanding it. Much attention is paid to specialized digital skills such as programming and information technology (IT) work. However, it is also critical that core skills are essential for all given their place in nearly all aspects of work.  The OMJ is working to provide these skill training's on site, and needs some help with outreach to those who most need upgraded technology skills. The SWORWIB and OMJ may request even some key digital training elements be included in credential training by all of our Eligible Training Providers to help upgrade these work-foundational skills.

The Urban Institute recently released results of their key research confirming that critical digital skills remain a challenge for most adult learners and those who are displaced workers from industry sectors that have completely shifted to technology-driven communications and work. The infomatic below highlights key skill requirements so click the graphic for the full report from the Urban Institute.

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Photographed above:   John Kibler from Pinnacle Treatment interviewing Della Scott. Kibler expressed wanting to interview candidates from every Dohn 22+ class and CDAC class.

Dohn 22+ School has moved a step further in service to their adult graduates by collaborating with approved training providers and becoming a provider themselves for the Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant ( CDCA ) certification and joining the SWORWIB Opioid Crisis Grant Council.

Ten graduates are named in the picture below with Kevin Holt, OMJ Director and Zak Nordyke, Dohn 22+ Director, smiling in the back row after a preparation session for job interviews with Pinnacle Treatment Center as shown in the picture to the left with John Kibler interviewing one of the graduates who completed the CDAC credential.  

Front Row Left to Right:   Lakeisha Williams, Glaisha Atkinstall, Jenayia Shepherd, Precious Price, Sonya Dowdell, Jeanetta Franklin, Della Scott, Erica Tivis, and Pam Votaw

Back Row Left to Right:  Bob Burroughs, Kevin Holt/OMJ, Zak Nordyke/Dohn and Michael Klocke

In-School Youth

Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates (JCG)

Youth at the Booth!

 in JCG Class

Representatives from Youth at the Booth! visited the Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates class at Western Hills University High School in an effort to create awareness and raise turnout surrounding the voting process.

The students discussed how to be more involved in the democratic process and civic engagement opportunities. Students who take advantage of this experience are some who care deeply about local people and national topics. Volunteers will receive a 4-hour training session, work set-up and also receive compensation or receive community service hours towards graduation for their time as poll workers on Election Day.

Interested Youth were encouraged to join Youth at the Booth!  Students were also encouraged to use #youthatthebooth on social media, and share their voting story!

Shroder JCG Students attend

the Infinite Scholars Program

Current and former JCG students from Shroder Paideia High School attended The Infinite Scholars Program where they met with various colleges and universities to discuss admissions criteria & scholarship opportunities. Some of the colleges and universities accepted students and awarded academic/athletic scholarships on the spot. The current JCG Students came back to class to share their experiences and were able to discuss overcoming their fears of applying/enrolling in college next fall.

Pictured left to right:  Ty Montgomery Phillip's Jr., Kaija Dunklin, I'Tyiyania Johnson, Nyeshia Diamond, Jawquon Henderson (Left class one month in Jr. yr.), Keila Browner, Shannon Albright, Shayla Richey, Camya Poindexter-Williams, Janiya Roland.

Out-of-School Youth

Santa Maria, Out of School Youth Provider for SWORWIB, Recommended Two Youth for the BLOC Kitchen Cooking Course

Thanks to a partnership between Dwight Young, Director of BLOC Ministries, and Kroger’s Zero Hunger/Zero Waste commitment, Jawann Blair and Lametrics Coleman were successfully coached and trained by Chef Anthony Jordan while also earning wages through the program's work experiences. Their stories and obvious happiness at receipt of their Cooking Credential is apparent and inspiring in the video below. Special thanks to Kroger’s, one of the SWORWIB’s board members.

https://vimeo.com/357855573fbclid=IwAR0OR0mfdKk3lZciSXeoJ5s5XE9V4NLdowYx5UJGY9NB9l6hBvah3EUQUTk

Thursday, September 12th marked the 20 ^th Anniversary of Dress for Success Cincinnati with its Annual Fashion Show fundraiser and showcase of women who have achieved success through the organizations’ encouragement and support. For this 20 ^th Anniversary, Mary Ivers was recognized for her leadership and commitment to help women one dress-one class-one mentor at a time.

Dress for Success also recognized DeAnna Hoskins, president of JustLeadershipUSA (JLUSA). Hoskins was Ivers first “dressing” and 20 years later is a shining example of the organization’s impact. Mary Ivers invited SWORWIB President Sherry Kelley Marshall to attend the 20 ^th Anniversary in appreciation of Marshall’s assistance and encouragement for Dress for Success since the two first met in 2001.

Office of Re-Entry

The Hamilton County Re-Entry Program is hosting “First Friday” One Stop Resource Center assistance 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Hamilton County Justice Center Lobby 900 Sycamore St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, each month and provides a variety of services for those with criminal convictions.  Light refreshments are available. 



The One-Stop Resource Center offers face-to-face contact with service providers each month at the same location. Services include assistance with birth certificates, state-issued identification, addiction services, mental health care, child support modification, housing, record sealing, expungement, general health care, recovery housing, syringe exchange and homelessness.

The OhioMeansJobs Center/Cincinnati-Hamilton County provides support to the Re-Entry Program through job search assistance and review of eligibility for other resources available from the OMJ Center and Southwest Oho Region Workforce Investment Board.

On Sunday, September 15 ^th , Noon – 3;00 P.M., Health Care Access Now (HCAN) welcomed 100 people to their 3 ^rd Annual It’s a Great Time to Be a Dad event. Fathers and Mothers brought their family for an afternoon of fun and food to learn more about “FATHERS MATTER”.  Twenty-two (22) attendees were fathers who played with their child/children and listened to the recognition that Fathers really do matter to children, family and the community.

The event was held at the Cincinnati Reds Urban Youth Academy at 2026 E. Seymour Avenue in Cincinnati. Sponsors provided 30 bikes to children. Each father received personal items and every child received a baseball glove courtesy of Cincinnati’s favorite, the Cincinnati Reds. There were also several raffles resulting in 11 Pack-N-Plays, 10 Reds tickets and 2 Kroger gift cards.

Various organizations also attended to share information with fathers and families. Staff of the OhioMeansJobs Center attended and participated in the event while also working with the attendees to learn more about employment opportunities that the OhioMeansJobs Center can assist interested fathers, mothers and young people to pursue.

Northern Kentucky Workforce Partner

At the 8 ^th Annual Workforce Innovation Awards Luncheon, the Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board recognized various customers, staff, volunteers and others for their contributions to the success of NKWIB for another year. Moreover, Board Chair Dana Dobs, Vice President/Citi HR Lead, reviewed the attached annual performance report and presented an award of accomplishment to Barbara Stewart recognizing her history, growth in the organization, commitment to excellence and other contributions over her 35 years of dedication as she plans her retirement effective December 31, 2019.  The Southwest Ohio Region Workforce Investment Board congratulates NKWIB for their high impact service delivery and also honors Barbara Stewart for her years of service, creativity and partnership with the SWORWIB. We wish her abundant happiness in her retirement stage of a life well-lived and well-appreciated. Click here for the NKYWIB Annual Report.

This month, the SWORWIB has been working with movie locations and scouting crews to be able to concentrate personnel parking and equipment on, in and around 1916 Central Parkway for transport to filming areas and catering needs of the crews. We note special thanks to our neighbors River of Life Church and the FOP for their cooperation and assistance. Crews have completed their West End activities, but Cincinnatians and OMJers in particular may get extra enjoyment from the hopeful 2020 release of the local-shot reboot of the 2003 horror-slasher franchise “Wrong Turn.” The SWORWIB is very proud of the 1916 Central Parkway location that we negotiated for in 2001 and have maintained the 45,000 square feet of space and 100+ parking spaces over time and enjoyed the interest of the Film Commission and movie makers before and hopefully again.

The Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP) in Ohio - Approaches to Serve Youth Ages 14 - 24

 

This episode features a general overview of the Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP) in Ohio which began July 1, 2016 and continues as a formal connection of WIOA and TANF for youth 14-24. A variety of special approaches have been used, particularly in the Cincinnati/Hamilton County market where exploration of MindShift/WordShift was underway as the program rolled out in Cincinnati and Hamilton County.  You'll hear a story of a young person whose life was changed dramatically for the better due to her participation and commitment to the offerings of the CCMEP program. There is also discussion among the leaders in Cincinnati/Hamilton County for this program relative to possible improvements for the program and how the program might change with a shift in the strength of the economy. 

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Next Event



Friday, October 25th

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Contact: Sherry Kelley Marshall

President & CEO

[email protected]