DIRECTORY

EVENTS

DEALS

CONTACT

WORKFORCE EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

OUR MISSION

To empower high school and college students, as well as adults, with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to thrive in the modern workforce. The Workforce Education and Development Committee connects individuals with educational resources, internships, apprenticeships, and training programs while supporting Gateway Chamber of Commerce member companies in cultivating a pipeline of skilled, motivated, and qualified workers.

OUR VISION

To build a thriving regional workforce ecosystem where businesses and individuals collaborate to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and achieve sustainable career success. Through meaningful partnerships, our committee aspires to create lifelong learning opportunities that bridge the gap between education and employment.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

  • Internship and Apprenticeship Programs

Why This Matters: This initiative directly addresses the skills gap by providing hands-on experience for students and young professionals while helping businesses build a reliable talent pipeline.

Key Next Steps:

  • Develop Partnerships: Engage local high schools, colleges, trade schools, and businesses to create structured internship and apprenticeship opportunities.
  • Launch an Online Internship Portal: Establish a digital platform where students and businesses can match for internships.
  • Host an Internship & Apprenticeship Fair: Organize an event to connect students with employers.
  • Apprenticeship Expansion: Collaborate with trade schools and community colleges to create co-credentialing programs for high-demand fields.

Committee Members (Industry/Professions Needed):

  • Education Sector: Representatives from high schools, community colleges, and trade schools.
  • Business & Industry: Employers from manufacturing, healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and finance.
  • Workforce Development Experts: Professionals in career services, HR, and talent acquisition.
  1. Business Engagement & Talent Pipeline Support

Why This Matters: Businesses need a skilled workforce, and this initiative ensures they have access to job-ready talent while improving retention through customized training programs.

  • Career Exploration for High School Students

Why This Matters: Many students are unaware of career opportunities in their region. This program helps them explore viable career paths early and connects them with potential employers.

Key Next Steps:

  • Organize Career Pathways Workshops: Host school-based workshops featuring business professionals discussing career options.
  • Develop Industry-Specific Tracks: Create targeted programming for STEM, healthcare, business, and skilled trades.
  • Launch Summer Job Shadowing Program: Match students with professionals for one-day or week-long workplace experiences.
  • Resume & Soft Skills Training: Provide workshops on resume writing, communication, and professionalism.

Committee Members (Industry/Professions Needed):

  • Education Representatives: School counselors, career coaches, and school administrators.
  • Business & Industry Experts: Professionals from tech, finance, healthcare, construction, and logistics.
  • Youth Development & Workforce Specialists: Mentorship program leaders and career readiness advisors.
  • Business Engagement & Talent Pipeline Support

Why This Matters: Businesses need a skilled workforce, and this initiative ensures they have access to job-ready talent while improving retention through customized training programs.

Key Next Steps:

  • Launch the Gateway Talent Hub: Develop a centralized platform for job postings, training programs, and apprenticeships.
  • Identify Workforce Gaps: Survey member businesses to understand their hiring challenges and training needs.
  • Customized Workforce Training: Partner with businesses to design training programs in collaboration with local technical colleges and workforce agencies.
  • Employee Retention Workshops: Offer training for businesses on leadership development, workplace culture, and benefits strategies.

Committee Members (Industry/Professions Needed):

  • Chamber Member Businesses: HR professionals, business owners, and executives from key industries.
  • Economic Development Professionals: Local workforce boards and business development agencies.

Education & Training Providers: Representatives from community colleges, workforce training centers, and professional development firms.

If you interested in joining Gateway’s Workforce & Education Committee, please fill out the form and we will contact you to discuss further with more details.

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