Public Libraries are Becoming Centers for Workforce Development | Session II
As our businesses continue to work with shifting job markets, an increasing demand for specialized skills, and finding the right candidate for open positions, our libraries are transforming into dynamic hubs for workforce development. They offer essential resources including access to technology, education, and help individuals navigate the complexities of the modern job search.
Libraries are increasingly forging partnerships with educational institutions and local businesses to offer specialized training programs and certifications that are in high demand in the job market. This collaborative approach ensures that libraries can stay current with the evolving needs of the workforce and offer tailored solutions to their communities.
The second workshop supporting the WI SHRM Partnership with the Library Workforce Connection (LWC) was held on October 19, 2023 at the Sherman & Ruth Weiss Community Library in Hayward, WI. Several presentations offered information about collaboration opportunities and resources.
Ryce Davis & Dawn Knapp spoke from the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board about worker advancement initiatives. Luke Vander Meer from WisCaregiver Careers gave an overview of their CNA program in the healthcare field. Kellie Dunn-Poggemann from the Wisconsin Society for Human Resource Management spoke about WI SHRM and its resources. Representatives from multiple libraries connected for networking and best practice sharing.
Darrell Williams, PhD, Assistant State Superintendent, Division for Libraries and Technology also stopped in to share his support for this growing initiative.
Workforce Readiness Director, Kellie Dunn-Poggemann explained that partnering with libraries to offer HR assistance such as interviewing skills, resume writing, or other key topics would also help get talent back to work. Libraries can offer space for hiring events. The future of this partnership would be to offer public facing programs by our HR professionals from WI SHRM.
Thanks to Chris Baker, Public Library Consultant - DPI, Mark Jochem, Workforce Development Consultant - SCLS and Elizabeth Tomev, Director of Data and Communications – DPI for their continued drive for workforce support.
More workshops are being planned across Wisconsin in 2024.
Interested in you or your organization becoming a volunteer? Connect with your local library.
Want to learn more about LWC, contact Chris Baker at Chris.Baker@dpi.wi.gov
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