Benchmarks of Success Issue 09, April 2019

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Monthly Newsletter  -  Issue 09, April 2019

Maryland Department of Human Services' Family Investment Administration Hosts 2019 Workforce Development Convening

workforce convening

Brought federal, state, and local workforce experts together to focus on "Forces Shaping Workforce Development"

 

On March 27, the Maryland Department of Human Services' Family Investment Administration (FIA) hosted their landmark 2019 Workforce Development Convening. Executive Director of FIA, Netsanet Kibret, delivered the keynote address in which she focused on the importance of understanding how federal goals, expectations, and opportunities regarding workforce development can facilitate the state's needs in the same area.

Providing direction to state workers serving the vulnerable, the first half of the meeting focused on the forces shaping the future of workforce development including the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service priorities, Farm Bill provisions, regional strategic initiatives for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the labor market with regards to Maryland's economy and workforce.

Netsanet
panel

The second half of the day's proceedings delved into workforce development opportunities on a more micro level, discussing recruitment and retention when it comes to eligible candidates balancing education and employment/training, and addressing the challenges of vulnerable parents trying to navigate work-related responsibilities.

The remainder of the day was dedicated to breakout sessions for state workers to focus on topics specific to their local communities.

To view a photo gallery of the event, please visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/dhrpics/sets/72157707598800265.

To view a brief video encapsulation, please visit https://vimeo.com/327357430/9eb88f9774.

 


 

Quick Resources

Benchmarks of Success Resource Page

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Resource Page

Maryland’s State Combined Workforce Plan

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2019 Newsletter Issue Dates

5/15, 6/19, 7/17, 8/21, 9/18, 10/16, 11/20, 12/18

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A Success Story

success story

Maryland's Food Supplement Employment and Training (FSET) Program: connecting people who receive monthly food supplement benefits to free job-driven training programs.

Samuel needed a boost. After losing his job in the medical field and being unemployed for the better part of two years, he took a friend's suggestion to enroll in a weatherization program at CivicWorks, one of FSET's training providers. CivicWorks offers a host of skills-based courses and certifications, but Samuel decided on his path in part because he likes building. "I love working with my hands," he said. "It's how I grew up--helping my stepdad with his construction company--but now I know the right way to do everything."

Training for a green career can be challenging. Beyond learning about tools and techniques, trainees need to understand numbers and how things are put together. When he arrived at the program, Samuel says he struggled with math, but he emphasizes that CivicWorks gave him everything he needed--education, time, and resources--to succeed. "I've just felt loved here since day one. Whatever I've needed, they've found a way to help me get it," he said. In fact, CivicWorks was so impressed with Samuel's drive, attitude, and skills that they hired him to become a full-time, on-staff field lead who helps keep installation projects moving.

Still, Samuel has his eyes on the future. He's working toward owning and operating his own construction business, and he urges other potential participants to give their dreams a shot. "If you get the chance to take this program, just do it. Don't give up. This program changed my life--I know it changes lives."


Workforce Partners

Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation                        Maryland Department of Human Services

Maryland State Department of Education                                                Governor's Workforce Development Board

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development                            Maryland Workforce Association

Did You Know...?

Maryland's Latest Workforce Development Updates

Through inter-agency collaboration, the Hogan administration continues its innovative approach to offering services by providing both employers and employees with the opportunity to improve their performance and thrive in Maryland.

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Benchmarks of Success Newsletters

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Benchmarks of Success Committee Updates

  • Five Benchmarks of Success committees are hard at work... 

    • Executive Steering - provides strategic leadership for the rollout and implementation of the Benchmarks initiative - meets quarterly
    • WIOA Alignment - oversees and coordinates the activities of the Benchmarks committees - meets monthly
    • Data and Dashboard - creates a sustainable system supporting local areas in utilizing the Benchmarks to continuously improve the quality of their service delivery - continues to develop the scorecard
    • Communications - promotes the Benchmarks statewide and educates local workforce areas on the value, implementation, and outcomes of the initiative - is developing collateral materials
    • Policy - identifies opportunities which support the Benchmarks implementation via policy changes - will reconvene under new leadership

    ...providing strategic planning and organizational infrastructure to ensure successful implementation of the Benchmarks leadership tool.

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Benchmarks of Success Video Series

July 2018

Introductory Video

Featured Guests: Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Secretary Kelly M. Schulz; Maryland State Department of Education Superintendent of Schools Karen B. Salmon, Ph.D.; Department of Human Services Secretary Lourdes R. Padilla; and Governor's Workforce Development Board Executive Director Michael R. DiGiacomo.

August 2018

Targeted Audience: Management/Frontline Staff/Partners - Parts One, Two and Three

Featured Guest: Secretary Lourdes R. Padilla, Maryland Department of Human Services

September 2018

Targeted Audience: CEOs/Boards/Privates/Non-Profits - Parts One and Two

Featured Guest: Board Chair Louis M. Dubin, Governor's Workforce Development Board

October 2018

Targeted Audience: Jobseekers/General Public

Featured Guest: State Superintendent Karen B. Salmon, Maryland State Department of Education

November 2018

Targeted Audience: Employers

Featured Guest: Secretary Kelly M. Schulz, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

December 2018

Targeted Audience: Elected Officials - Federal, State and Local - Parts One, Two and Three

Featured Guest: Secretary Kelly M. Schulz, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation