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Conference Addresses Need For A Well Developed Workforce By PAMELA MAREAN Standard-Times correspondent NEW BEDFORD - When it comes to proper education and job training skills, the haves and have-nots live in shockingly different worlds, and not just financially, according to Dr. Andrew Sum, director of the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University. On Thursday, Dr. Sum told those at the "New Bedford Committing to Success" literacy conference that 16 of every 100 high school dropouts ages 18-34 end up incarcerated, while none of those in the same age range who earned master's degrees do. The summit, held at Keith Middle School, went far beyond promoting language skills in the Whaling City. It explored all of the competencies needed for workplace success, from simple social finesse to computer literacy; from knowing how to dress properly, to facility with math. Businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and education providers came together in a super swap meet designed to get people working together on solving the gamut of the New Bedford area's work force needs. Businesses looking to help potential workers become employable and agencies that provide education and training services turned out in droves. Conspicuously absent, however, was an equal representation of families and young wanna-be workers who could have made connections to resources for advancement. Of the smattering of families at the summit, event organizer Jean Fox said "they'll go home and tell their neighbors, and it will grow from there." Bringing New Bedford's employment and training resources together "is a huge start. They're all talking to each other. Until we have those connections made we can't develop economically or culturally," said Mrs. Fox, who is the LiteracyWorks Entrepreneur for the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, which sponsored the event. Mayor Scott W. Lang said the event was important for building a foundation of service providers and businesses that can work together with the work force for the good of New Bedford. "If we can team responsible adults and responsible organizations with our young people, the potential for our city has no ceiling." Many of the region's larger businesses participated. Notable was the input of Eagle Industries Quality Manager Malia Touray, whose company bought the troubled Michael Bianco Inc., raided by government officials last year because of its largely illegal immigrant work force. By taking over that business, Eagle saved nearly 350 jobs and intends to add up to 150 if they can find qualified employees. The company official said some prospects can't even fill out an application form. Workforce Investment Board Executive Director Leonard Coriaty said that while the area's schools are turning out students who are ready to go to college, the challenges employers like Eagle are describing underscore that more is needed to prepare youngsters to be suitable workers. 227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946 PH 508.979.1504 • FAX 508.979.5680 E-mail: Webmaster@gnbwib.org |