Although Baltimore residents have been used to almost a third of the population struggling below the poverty line, recent times have signaled a forthcoming change. Before the Great Recession, most of Baltimore's industries centered on factories for steel and chemical plants. After the recession, however, the economy as a whole changed. Hospitals and and distribution hubs became the new and stronger primary industries. The skills required of the workforce also changed. How then should we make the most of our changing times?
The answer is to focus on career development. Programs aimed to bridge the gap between the untapped workforce and the jobs available begins with first identifying the demand the current capabilities of the populace. After evaluating what the needs are and what the current capacities consist of, meaningful and strategic partnerships should be developed. Stackable solutions for training people and readying them for employment should be undertaken with the help and assistance of learning institutions, the government, non-government institutions, employers, and experts in career development.
The learning institutions can focus on developing a specific program to imbibe needed skills to the aspirant workers, aided by career development agencies who have the studies and foresight to help build the curriculum. The government and non-government organizations can assist in the funding of these programs, as the whole community will benefit from the impact of the efforts. Lastly, employers can commit to hiring qualified and trained graduates of the learning programs to bridge the gap between completing a degree and finding a job.
Already, there are efforts similar to the proposed outline above being exerted by concerned organizations. The Baltimore community has really come together in envisioning the creation of nearly 36,000 jobs by 2020 through partnerships and collaborative works. Some organizations have gone even further. One particular career development program offers the reintegration of former prisoners and ex-convicts into society by helping them acquire the skills and the work ethic to land and keep jobs. Apart from formerly incarcerated persons, this same organization also assists chronically underemployed individuals in order for them to improve their work situations and secure better-paying, more fulfilling jobs. Visit this website if you need help finding a job.
The learning institutions can focus on developing a specific program to imbibe needed skills to the aspirant workers, aided by career development agencies who have the studies and foresight to help build the curriculum. The government and non-government organizations can assist in the funding of these programs, as the whole community will benefit from the impact of the efforts. Lastly, employers can commit to hiring qualified and trained graduates of the learning programs to bridge the gap between completing a degree and finding a job.
Already, there are efforts similar to the proposed outline above being exerted by concerned organizations. The Baltimore community has really come together in envisioning the creation of nearly 36,000 jobs by 2020 through partnerships and collaborative works. Some organizations have gone even further. One particular career development program offers the reintegration of former prisoners and ex-convicts into society by helping them acquire the skills and the work ethic to land and keep jobs. Apart from formerly incarcerated persons, this same organization also assists chronically underemployed individuals in order for them to improve their work situations and secure better-paying, more fulfilling jobs. Visit this website if you need help finding a job.
The effect of these is enormous. Remember that when you help a person land a regular, long-lasting, and well-paying job, you are actually not just helping the employee but his entire family who benefits from the compensation he is able to earn and food he is able to bring to the table. By actively pursuing their goal of advancing more, and better-matched employment, these organizations are bridging the pay gap among residents, allowing for a growing middle class.
This kind of effort is noteworthy and deserves more attention. There are still many people unaware that programs like these exist. For those who are aspiring to find a job, this may be an opportunity that has not been extended to them yet simply for lack of information. For the philanthropists, this may just be the perfect project they are looking for that matches their desire and vision of helping. In any case, it is clear that Baltimore's plan of eradicating poverty through better career development, job-matching, and collaboration should be exposed more.
