Beyond the Dais - The Stories of El Paso County
Revolutionizing Workforce Development: Pikes Peak Workforce Center's Innovative Approach
The Pikes Peak Workforce Center, led by CEO Traci Marques, is at the forefront of transforming the workforce landscape in El Paso and Teller counties. As the region's American Job Center, the Pikes Peak Workforce Center is congressionally mandated and federally funded to connect job seekers with employers, acting as a vital bridge in the local economy. With innovative initiatives like skills-based hiring and the implementation of Learner Employment Records (LERs), the center is revolutionizing the way job seekers and businesses approach employment.
Adapting to the Changing Workforce Landscape: In the wake of the pandemic, the workforce has undergone significant changes, with more open positions than job seekers available. This shift has highlighted the importance of addressing the skills gap and focusing on transferable skill sets. The Pikes Peak Workforce Center recognizes the need for a paradigm shift in how businesses approach hiring and how job seekers present their qualifications.
Skills-Based Hiring - A Game-Changer for Businesses: The Pikes Peak Workforce Center's Business Relations team works closely with local businesses to help them adapt to the changing workforce landscape. By encouraging employers to adopt skills-based job descriptions, the center aims to expand the candidate pool and reduce bias in the hiring process. This approach involves assisting businesses in rewriting job descriptions to focus on the essential skills required for the position, rather than relying on arbitrary requirements like specific degrees or the ability to lift a certain amount of weight. By doing so, businesses can attract a more diverse range of qualified candidates and find the talent they need to succeed.
Empowering Job Seekers with Digital Wallets: One of the most exciting initiatives spearheaded by the Pikes Peak Workforce Center is the implementation of Learner Employment Records (LERs), a type of digital wallet. This cutting-edge technology allows job seekers to create a comprehensive digital profile that highlights their skills, certifications, and experience. By uploading their resume to the LER platform, job seekers can have their skills extracted and matched with relevant job opportunities across various industries.
The digital wallet is a game-changer for job seekers, as it levels the playing field and eliminates bias in the hiring process. It enables job seekers to showcase their skills and potential, regardless of their background or the companies they have worked for in the past. Moreover, the digital wallet is portable, meaning that job seekers can take it with them wherever they go, whether they are moving across state lines or transitioning to a new industry.
Pilot Program and Community Engagement: The Pikes Peak Workforce Center will soon begin piloting the LER program, with plans to roll out 25,000 digital wallets to the community in the near future. During this pilot phase, the center is actively seeking feedback from staff and participants to refine the platform and ensure that it meets the needs of both job seekers and businesses. As the program expands, the center will continue to engage with the community through workshops, job fairs, and online resources to help individuals navigate the evolving workforce landscape.
The Pikes Peak Workforce Center's innovative approach to workforce development, including skills-based hiring and the implementation of LERs, is set to transform the way job seekers and businesses connect in El Paso and Teller counties. By focusing on transferable skills and providing comprehensive support services, the center is empowering individuals to succeed in the workforce and helping businesses find the talent they need to thrive. As the workforce continues to evolve, the Pikes Peak Workforce Center remains committed to meeting people where they are and fostering a vibrant, resilient local economy.
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