8th Annual Youth Career Summit
Lancaster: On Thursday, January 12, 2012, the 8th annual Youth Career Summit, held at the PA CareerLink of Lancaster County, brought educators, employers, non-profits and stakeholders together to learn about the local labor market, the many services and resources of the PA CareerLink, and how schools are providing workforce education. An overview of the Youth Council partnership activities and funded programs was provided.
The meeting began with a presentation from Scott Sheely, Executive Director of the Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board, who gave an overview of the County's economy, priority industries, and the Top Hot 100 Jobs. He explained how these jobs were determined and industries defined. He provided a summary of the streamlined system at the PA CareerLink. a recent Career Pathways, and how career counseling focusing on ladders transferable skills has become a priority of the PA CareerLink.
Employers from the Youth Council commented on the information that Sheely presented. Elaine Box, Director of Human Resources from Armstrong World Industries, Inc. provided information on employer expectations and common skill gaps they see. Patty Pasquino, Human Resources Employment Coordinator at Willow Valley Retirement Communities provided several examples of possible career pathways within her organization. They both agreed about the common skills that all workers need and recommended partnering with the PA CareerLink.
Sheely explained some of the new services being provided. He invited everyone to tour the CareerLink following today's Summit and introduced a panel of educators who would discuss how they use the PA CareerLink and labor market information in the classroom.. The panel on stage consisted of teachers from the School District of Lancaster, Eastern Lancaster County School District, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Arbor Education and Training, and the Ready2Work Program at the PA CareerLink. There was time for questions and answers and best practices were shared. Many in attendance were not aware of the many services and resources.
Following the panel Andrew Garner, Youth Coordinator of the Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board, reviewed the Youth Council's sponsored programs and career activities and how they are aligned to the Career Education and Work Standards required by the PA Department of Education. The partnerships that relate to career education and local industry needs were reviewed in detail. The Youth Council structure and mission was also explained and how funds are released into the community. Ben Stiles, Counselor from Lancaster County Career and Technology Center, informed the group about an initiative to help elementary educators meet the Career Education and Work Standards. He shared information about an upcoming spring activity. With shrinking funds, the Youth Council looks to activities that serve the most students countywide.
As Andrew concluded the annual Youth Career Summit, he introduced Lori Rank, the Site Administrator, who directed the group to join her staff on a tour of the PA CareerLink. The expertise in the room was acknowledged. The Council applauded those in attendance and thanked them for their collaboration, participation, and commitment to workforce education. Please visit the Career Educational Materials page for resources from the event.
