In collaboration with Partner4Work (P4W), the Consortium has been convening school counselors and educators focused on career readiness in a new initiative, Career Connections Network (CCN).
Last spring P4W was approached by school leaders who asked if they might bring this group together to help them share their work, learn from each other, and better connect with the workforce. Because of our long history of working with P4W to bring educators together, they reached out and proposed a collaboration.
CCN has met three times over this school year. At the first session, participants shared some of their successes and challenges and explored what experiences students need to prepare them for future success in the workforce.
In December CCN focused on preparing students for success beyond graduation. A panel discussion featuring leaders from a range of industries shared their perspectives on workforce needs, career pathways, and the skills employers are seeking both now and in the future. Panelists included Erin Viale, Director of Talent Acquisition and Pathways to Work at UPMC; Michael Storms, Director of Operations at Ebara Elliott Energy; Constantino Rodriguez, Director of Facilities & Engineering at elevatebio; and Brianna McMeekin, Vice President and Talent Program Manager for High School Programming at PNC. Following the presentation, attendees explored what an “ideal” partnership with employers might look like.
At the most recent meeting in February, participants explored inviting employers into schools and activities they could design to help them better understand how students experience school. They also considered how this might lead to new partnerships that benefit students, educators, and employers.
All are encouraged to attend the Consortium’s Future Ready Partnerships Conference at Boyce Campus, CCAC, March 31.
